Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of togetherness—a long weekend filled with family, gratitude, delicious food, and warm conversation. And yet, for many of us, the weeks leading up to the holiday look very different. The guest list grows, your to-do list doubles, and suddenly you’re rearranging furniture, transforming your office into a spare bedroom, scrubbing baseboards you haven’t looked at in months, and spending three days prepping dishes before anyone even arrives.
We’ve all been there. Thanksgiving comes… and so does the exhaustion.
This year, imagine a holiday without the stress—one where you’re not standing over a stove or wrestling with extra table settings, but instead relaxing in a tropical breeze with your loved ones. A holiday where the hardest decision you make is whether to watch the sunset from the lanai or take a walk on the beach before dinner.
At Kohala Coast Properties, we believe Thanksgiving shouldn’t feel like work. And there is no better way to reclaim the joy of the holiday than by spending it in a Hawaii vacation rental on the beautiful Big Island.
Why Choose a Vacation Rental for Thanksgiving?
A vacation rental offers the best of both worlds: all the comforts of home, without the stress of hosting. From spacious living areas to full kitchens and private lanais, our Big Island rentals allow your entire family to gather comfortably in one place—a true home away from home, but without the pressure of preparing it for guests.
1. Arrive in a Holiday-Ready Home (No Cleaning Required)
Think about what it takes to get your house guest-ready for Thanksgiving. Deep cleaning. Decluttering. Moving furniture. Buying extra bedding. Ironing tablecloths. The list feels endless.
When you book a Kohala Coast vacation rental, you simply show up.
No cleaning.
No rearranging.
No extra shopping.
No prepping guest rooms after a long workweek.
Your rental is already sparkling clean, beautifully furnished, and thoughtfully stocked. Instead of spending days preparing your home for visitors, you can spend that time relaxing, exploring, or simply sitting on the lanai enjoying the ocean air. Everything you need is there—and nothing you don’t.
2. Space for the Whole Family
Hotel rooms can be cramped, and booking multiple suites often means families end up separated. One of the biggest benefits of a vacation rental is the ability to stay together—comfortably.
Many of our rentals feature:
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- Spacious great rooms perfect for gathering
- Private lanais for morning coffee and sunset conversations
- Large dining tables (or take your meal outside on the lanai!)
- Access to pools, fitness centers, and community amenities
Whether you’re bringing grandparents, teens, toddlers, or the entire extended family, everyone gets their own space without losing that sense of togetherness that makes Thanksgiving special.
3. A Full Kitchen—But Without the Pressure to Cook
Of course, part of Thanksgiving tradition involves food. And if your family loves preparing a holiday meal together, our fully equipped kitchens make it incredibly easy. You’ll find everything you need to prepare an elaborate dinner—from cookware to full-sized refrigerators to plenty of counter space.
But here’s the beauty of celebrating Thanksgiving in Hawaii:
You don’t have to cook if you don’t want to.
Many restaurants and resorts along the Kohala Coast offer special Thanksgiving menus, from traditional roasted turkey to island-inspired dishes featuring local flavors. Imagine enjoying a professionally prepared feast overlooking the Pacific, without worrying about grocery shopping or dishes afterward.
Or, if you want to keep things simple, consider a holiday menu inspired by Hawaii’s abundance:
- Fresh island fish
- Locally grown vegetables and fruits
- Sweet potatoes, taro, or ulu-inspired sides
- A tropical dessert like lilikoi cheesecake or macadamia-nut pie
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to follow the rules—especially when you’re celebrating in paradise.
4. Make Memories, Not Dishes
Holiday hosting at home often means missing out on the very moments you look forward to. While everyone else relaxes in the living room, you’re cleaning up the kitchen or preparing the next round of appetizers.
In a vacation rental, the focus shifts from chores to connection.
Spend Thanksgiving morning taking a walk along the beach.
Go snorkeling with your kids, or enjoy a round of golf.
Sip Kona coffee on the lanai while whales breach offshore.
Relax by the pool instead of polishing silverware.
Instead of rushing, prepping, and washing dishes, you have time to be fully present—with the people who matter most.
5. Turn Thanksgiving Into a Real Vacation
At home, Thanksgiving is a holiday.
In Hawaii, it becomes a true vacation.
The Big Island offers something for every family:
- Soft white-sand beaches and calm bays perfect for swimming
- World-class golf courses
- Breathtaking hiking trails
- Farmers’ markets full of local produce and tropical treats
- Luaus and cultural experiences
- Historic coastal towns and charming shops
- Spa days for those who want to indulge a little
And November is one of the best months to visit the Big Island, with comfortable temperatures, warm ocean water, and the arrival of whale season. Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, you can build a holiday week that everyone will love.
6. Reduce Stress and Reconnect
Thanksgiving at home can feel more like a performance than a celebration. But when you step onto island time, everything slows down.
Suddenly you have space:
- to talk
- to breathe
- to laugh
- to rest
- to be together
Families tell us all the time that their Thanksgiving vacation was one of the most meaningful experiences they’ve ever had. Without the distractions of everyday life, they had time to truly reconnect.
You don’t have to rush from store to store or stay up late preparing dishes. You don’t have to worry about cleaning before (or after) guests arrive. Thanksgiving becomes what it was always meant to be—time spent appreciating the people you love.
Suggestions for Your Perfect Thanksgiving Rental
Whether you’re looking for an oceanfront condo for a small gathering or a large multi-bedroom villa to host the whole family, we offer a range of properties throughout the Kohala Coast, including:
- Waikoloa Beach Resort
- Mauna Lani Resort
- Mauna Kea Resort
- Kohala
Each community has its own unique charm, from resort-style amenities to quiet hideaways with panoramic views. No matter which you choose, you’ll find comfort, convenience, and the warm aloha spirit that makes the Big Island so special.
Our concierge-style local expertise allows us to help families choose the perfect rental for their holiday needs—whether that’s a gourmet kitchen for cooking together, a large lanai for dining outdoors, or access to nearby beaches and activities.
Make This the Thanksgiving You’ll Always Remember
Rather than letting Thanksgiving become a hectic blur, why not turn it into a meaningful, restful, joy-filled getaway?
This year, trade the stress for sunshine.
Trade the clutter for clear views.
Trade the dishes for memories.
At Kohala Coast Properties, we invite you to celebrate Thanksgiving the Hawaiian way—in a relaxed, welcoming vacation home where you can slow down, reconnect, and make memories that will last far beyond the holiday weekend.
If you’re ready to experience a different kind of Thanksgiving, one filled with ocean breezes, golden sunsets, and true relaxation, we’re here to help you find the perfect place to gather.
Make this the year you enjoy the holiday you deserve.
Aloha, and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Kohala Coast Properties!