Message: In Hawaii 11/13/--11/25/, (my second trip, my partner's first) doing all the regular Oahu stuff; plan to do one of the gardens, the helicopter, and the rodeo on Kiaui; and four days on the Big Island. Staying in Kona area four nights, mainly interested in Vocanoes N.P., but want to know where is the best(nice, but moderate) place for Thankgsiving dinner on the Island, as it will be our last night there. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Oops! Sorry, everyone, was trying to get this message to show up in the "Hawaii" section.

Mark,

It may not be an option, but if you're mainly interested in Volcanoes Nat'l Park you should really stay closer. There are nice reasonably priced places to stay in the area, and it is quite a drive if you're planning on spending more than one day in the park. It's doable in a day, but not nearly as fulfilling (IMHO!)

As for Thanksgiving dinner, if you do end up staying in the Volcano area check out Kilauea Lodge (also great accomodations). Otherwise, I'd post this question on Konaweb.com's forum. Lots of locals respond and may have some good suggestions. My guess is that any of the nicer resorts would have traditional meals.

You could probably get a traditional dinner at the Parker Ranch restaurant. We ate there and the food was good. I probably wouldn't go back there because it's not what I am looking for in a hawaii vacation, but if I was there over Thanksgiving, sure!

If you want to go to Waikoloa Beach, Roy's an excellent (if pricy) choice. If you are around Volcano Park, go to the Lava Rock Inn in Volcano village. Excellent food, a tremendous value for the Big Island. We were there about 3 weeks ago.

Agree with Kelly. We had a wonderful fire-side Thanksgiving dinner at Kilauea Lodge two years ago. But you have to book early. Our seating was at 9:00 pm because I didn't call early enough!
Aloha,
k

Thanks! For the suggestions. I called Kilauea Lodge upon your suggestions (it makes sense as we will be so close by as we leave the park at dinner time). You were right about quickly filling up--five weeks away an she only had 4 seatings between 3 an 9 pm! Really appreciate the input. Will probably try Parker Ranch for lunch while out on the island one day.