The Perfect Thanksgiving Feast Made Easy

The holidays just may be the busiest time of year. Amid the festive cheer and merriment comes shopping for presents, decking the halls and trimming the tree. But the more immediate task at hand is preparing the perfect Thanksgiving feast. If you’re not a Michelin chef, or just cannot fathom the idea of slaving away in front of the stove to whip up an immaculate spread, you need not worry — Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki is at your beck and call.

With impeccable views of Ala Wai Harbor, this Waikiki landmark with exemplary dining options is sure to impress. Kamaaina come in droves to experience the premier buffets at Prince Court, featuring the best in fine island-style fare. And Japanese restaurant Hakone ushers in patrons who crave an authentic taste of Japan.

But perhaps even more appealing are Hawaii Prince Hotel’s annual Thanksgiving-To-Go packages, which have grown in popularity each year. According to director of food and beverage Ward Almeida, all you have to do is place your order and pick up your feast on Thanksgiving Day. It’s as easy as pumpkin pie!

Eager to dish about turkey and all the fixings, Dining Out recently sat down with Almeida to give thanks to Hawaii Prince Hotel’s myriad of Thanksgiving meal options that we can’t wait to delve into!

DO: What is the inspiration behind the cuisine at Hawaii Prince Hotel’s restaurants?

WA: Prince Court, under the direction of executive chef Kirby Wong, has always focused on Eurasian fusion cuisine, catering itself to both tourists and locals. We have a very strong local clientele whom we are grateful for, so we try to cater to their tastes. As for visitors to the island, they relish in patronizing a restaurant where locals go. Hakone is renowned for its Japanese cuisine or kaiseki, the finest dining style of Japan’s imperial court.

DO: The holidays are sneaking up on us, and the hotel’s dining establishments have always been sought-after to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal among family and friends. What do the restaurants have in store on Thanksgiving Day?

WA: Prince Court will host Brunch and Dinner Buffets priced at $60 for adults and $30 for keiki ages 6-10. In addition, Hakone will offer a Dinner Buffet ($60 for adults. $30 for keiki ages 11-14 and $20 for ages 6-10), which will feature traditional Thanksgiving dishes, as well as Japanese-inspired cuisine. Bird of Paradise will host a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet ($43 for adults, $21.50 for children ages 6-10).

DO: Obviously, these eateries draw quite a crowd, but what many are looking forward to is Hawaii Prince Hotel’s Thanksgiving-To-Go package. Please fill us in on this wonderful concept.

WA: This year marks our 18th annual Thanksgiving-To-Go extravaganza, in which we offer complete Thanksgiving meals for four that are boxed and ready for pick up on Thanksgiving Day. For $179 ($189 after Nov. 13), you’ll receive a 12-14 pound (before cooking) Hot Macadamia Nut Honey-Glazed Turkey seasoned with butter, salt and pepper; 48 ounces of Cornbread, Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing; 48 ounces of Garlic Mashed Potatoes; 32 ounces of Giblet Gravy; 16 ounces of Orange and Port Wine Cranberry Sauce; 16 ounces of Molokai Sweet Potato with Coconut Flakes, and assorted fresh-baked rolls. Also included is a 9-inch homemade pumpkin pie. Additional sides cost $12 each with any Thanksgiving-To-Go order.

People oftentimes will order more than one package for large gatherings. What sets our Thanksgiving-To-Go package apart is that we make certain that everything we serve is of the highest quality.

DO: It’s highly recommended that you reserve your Thanksgiving-To-Go package now, as quantities are limited. How do you place your order? Where and when is pickup?

WA: Those interested in our Thanksgiving-To-Go packages may log onto HawaiiPrinceHotel.com/TTG or call our hotline at 952-4789. Pre-payments are not refundable.

Thanksgiving Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a drive-through pickup spot at porte cochere on the makai side of the hotel. The turkeys begin roasting at 4 that morning, so it is hot and ready to serve upon pickup. As for the sides, they will need to be reheated.

DO: Every year, approximately how many turkeys (or pounds of turkey) does the hotel prepare for both Thanksgiving-To-Go orders and Thanksgiving meals served in the restaurants?

WA: We prepare 556 turkeys or 8,206 pounds of turkey for our hotel restaurants and outlets, Thanksgiving-To-Go packages, our employee cafe, as well as our golf course restaurants.

DO: How many hours and people does it require to pull off a successful Thanksgiving?

WA: It usually takes a total of 912 hours and 114 people to meet all culinary personnel needs. This includes thorough prep work and cooking for all outlets. We also are very grateful for our Thanksgiving-To-Go volunteers, including Kapiolani Community College students, managers and employees who help with set-up, packing of the boxes and distribution on Thanksgiving Day.

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

100 Holomoana St.
Reservations at Prince Court and Hakone: 944-4494
Reservations at Bird of Paradise: 952-4784
Visit HawaiiPrinceHotel.com/TTG or call the hotline at 952-4789 to place Thanksgiving-To-Go orders.