Hawaii offers a remarkable yet traditional contrast as Thanksgiving travel chaos unfolds across the mainland. With its balmy temperatures, beaches, and even a dusting of snow atop Mauna Kea, the islands have become a refuge from cold weather, stormy skies, and icy roads.
BOH editors returned home last week to the islands, and Hawaii’s warmth was shocking and blissful. But escaping to Hawaii this Thanksgiving comes at a price—one that’s left travelers questioning the true cost of paradise.
Mainland storms create travel nightmares.
Thanksgiving travel this year has been marked by unprecedented challenges even before the holiday officially gets underway. Two powerful storm systems are sweeping across the mainland, bringing millions of people heavy snow, torrential rain, and frigid temperatures. The result? Over 17,000 flights were delayed or canceled, snarled roadways, and overwhelmed airports from Boston to Los Angeles.
For many, the weather woes are compounded by worker strikes and surging demand for holiday travel. Service workers went on strike at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, while Los Angeles International Airport is bracing for similar disruptions. Travelers have described the scene as “a perfect storm of stress.”
Snow in Hawaii surprises travelers.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s weather continues to shine—even in the most unexpected way. Mauna Kea, the state’s tallest peak at over 14,000 feet, saw its first snowfall of the season on October 28. The Maunakea Visitor Information Station shared stunning images of the snow-capped summit with the caption: “Winter is here!”
This contrast—snow on the Big Island’s peaks and warm breezes at sea level—highlights Hawaii’s unique microclimates. Visitors can bask in sunshine on the beaches in the morning and drive up to experience a winter wonderland in the afternoon. Snowfall on Mauna Kea is common during Hawaii’s wet season, from October to April, but it never ceases to amaze those expecting only tropical conditions.
Sky-high prices shock Thanksgiving travelers.
For those eyeing Hawaii as a Thanksgiving escape, the biggest twist isn’t the weather—it’s the price. Flights to the islands, available for as little as $100 just a week ago, have soared to over $1,000 as demand spikes. Hotels and rental cars have followed suit, with prices up to three times higher than off-peak rates.
One Beat of Hawaii reader shared: “We thought we’d found a deal in October, but by the time we booked, prices had doubled. It’s unreal.” Another noted that even alternative accommodations like vacation rentals were “completely out of reach.”
Is Hawaii worth it this Thanksgiving?
Despite the costs, many travelers choose Hawaii for its unrivaled weather and unique holiday experiences. While much of the mainland battles snowstorms and freezing temperatures, Hawaii remains a beacon of warmth and calm. The tradeoff is clear for those who made it to the islands: Thanksgiving in paradise is worth the splurge.
But for others, the skyrocketing costs and intense competition for flights and accommodations have made the dream of a Hawaiian holiday a daunting challenge. With prices unlikely to drop before the holidays, planning early and exploring off-peak travel may be the best way to experience the islands without breaking the bank.
A typical Thanksgiving in Hawaii.
In Hawaii, Thanksgiving blends ancient Hawaiian traditions and more recent cultural influences, creating a unique holiday for the islands. Long before the arrival of the Pilgrims, Native Hawaiians practiced rituals of gratitude tied to the land and its bounty. The Makahiki season (starting in the fall) spans several months and was a time to honor Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture and fertility. This period of celebration included feasts, games, and communal gatherings—traditions that resonate with the modern-day Thanksgiving spirit.
Today, Thanksgiving in Hawaii often reflects this deep-rooted appreciation for community and abundance while incorporating diverse cultural influences. A traditional turkey might share the table with laulau, poke, or a steaming bowl of Portuguese bean soup, showcasing the state’s multicultural identity. Fried turkey, in particular, has become a local favorite, with families gathering to prepare this crispy and flavorful dish—sometimes paired with Hawaiian sweet rolls and taro pies for a distinctly local twist.
As much as the holiday is about food, it’s also about people. In Hawaii, gatherings extend beyond immediate family to include friends, neighbors, and visitors, embodying Aloha’s spirit. Whether it’s a potluck on the beach or a backyard feast under the stars, Thanksgiving in Hawaii is as much about the warmth of connection as it is about the meal itself.
From Beat of Hawaii, we wish you Hau’oli Lā Ho’omaika’i. Where are you traveling for the holidays?
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