Looking to celebrate a local Kauai Thanksgiving? We got you.
Thanksgiving is a weird holiday with precarious and colonizing roots, but this crazy year, we’re happy to celebrate a day (or two…or three) involving food and being grateful for what you have. If you celebrate next week, consider purchasing from your local farmers and food producers to keep your money on island and supporting Kauai’s food system.
And for all of you new to local economic development – supporting local food doesn’t mean buying imports from Costco or HFM and mixing them up. Truly local products are carefully sourced from our local farms, ranches, fishermen, and others. Even better is supporting traditional food systems and the local culture of abundance and sharing (Lā Kū‘oko‘a is the real holiday for Hawaii this week after all).
It takes dedication. It takes more work and intention. It can cost more. But you’re supporting multiple small local businesses along the entire supply chain, and the food is typically more nutritious as well. And let’s face it – food just tastes better when it wasn’t shipped 3,000+ miles!
Ready to get your local Kauai Thanksgiving on?
Here’s some of our top local picks for Thanksgiving 2020:
A Full Meal from Nourish Kauai (Kapaa)
Skipping the crowds and gatherings but don’t want to miss out on the home cooked goodness? Nourish is selling 3 different 90% locally sourced plates:
– Thanksgiving dinner: Roasted turkey, Ube bread stuffing, mashed potato, green beans, sage gravy
– Kauai Shrimp: Garlic, pomegranate-Meyer lemon sauce, steamed rice, local farmers vegetable sauté
– Fall Soup & Salad: Coconut squash bisque, w/ local greens, candied Mac nuts, Kunana Dairy goat cheese, green apple
The bonus? Funds from meal sales go back to feeding kupuna and low-income clients who need it. Order by Tuesday on their website at nourishkauai.org/s/shop.
Imu Turkey That Gives Back (Anahola)
Support Kanuikapono Charter School and perpetuation of culture while buying a turkey pre-cooked in their imu (underground oven). You’re not going to find a local turkey, and this is a great way to support an amazing cause while getting the heavy duty cooking out of the way for the big meal. Order online at their website & pickup on Wednesday afternoon.
Get Your Meal Cooked in the Imu at KANAK School (Kekaha)
KANAKA School is offering another imu option – bring your tin foil tray of food to them on Wednesday and for just $10 theyʻll cook it and have it ready for pickup on Thursday. For info call the school at 808-337-2022.
Spice it Up with Aloha Spice Co. (Hanapepe)
Looking for a unique local turkey rub, or something flavorful to slather your goodies with before they go in the imu? Use code MAHALO20 for 20% off their online store (and check out their recipe for luau BBQ turkey).
Po’okela Sausage Co. Ground Sausage (Islandwide)
Their special 1lb ground local pork sausage bags are perfect for making meaty delicious stuffing! Their special Thanksgiving flavors are apple sausage or holly (a medium sage sausage). Call or text Kawaihau at 808-651-6122. He will set up delivery or meet ups. The best part? FREE delivery! Get it while it lasts.
Haole Girl Island Sweets’ Taro Focaccia Stuffing & Sweets (Kapaa)
Baker Judy is always up to some delicious and locally sourced goodies. This year our pick is her Taro Focaccia Stuffing, although her locally infused desserts sound pretty drool worthy too. Chocolate Apple Banana Sticky Bun Bread Pudding, Midnite Chocolate Avocado Cake, & her infamous Local Kauai Honey Mac Nut Sticky Buns likely won’t disappoint! Pay for a pre-order via 808-822-2253 or [email protected].
Kilauea Bakery Poi Dinner Rolls (Kilauea)
Every year Tom pre-sells poi dinner rolls and bakes a few hundred made with Hanalei Poi. This year they’re also offering a couple special gluten-free options: 7 Seed Ulu Dinner Rolls and their new Ulu, Mango, Dark Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake for dessert. Call 808-828-2020 to order.
VIP Sweets & Treats’ Taro & Honey Dinner Rolls (Kapaa)
For another dinner roll option for the east side, these guys use local taro and McPhees Bees honey for a tasty treat. Call (808) 635-8218.
Midnight Bear Bakery’s Pumpkin Pie (Hanapepe)
Highlighting locally farmed kabocha squash, this one takes a Thanksgiving staple to the local level! Reserve yours now & pickup Monday or Wednesday by ordering online at midnightbearbreads.com.
You Can Drink Local for Thanksgiving Too!
Nani Moon Meadery (Kapaa)
The meadery will be open Wed., Fri., and Sat. Thanksgiving week, with a buy 5 get 1 free bottle special. You can also get 20% off with promo code DRINKLOCAL. Bottles can be ordered online and picked up in store via Nanimoonmead.com.
Hanalei Spirits (Hanalei)
Get your locally produced rum, gin, vodka, and other craft liquors that highlight all kinds of locally grown products like pineapple, taro, and even ti! Use code TURKEY at their online store for 10% off and get FREE delivery on Wed. Nov. 25th!
Want to Give Back to Celebrate your Kauai Thanksgiving?
Buy a Produce Bag for an Ohana in Need
For $25 you can purchase a bag of fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables from small Kauai farms and we’ll deliver it to a low-income family with transportation barriers who can’t get to food pantries and meal programs. Buy online to support this effort at MalamaKauai.store.
Get Your Black Friday Shopping Fix
Bypass Black Friday shopping (hello COVID!), and shop from the convenience of your own home at MalamaKauai.store! Check out our 3 local gift bags that highlight 34 products from 22 small local businesses who in turn support 211 farms, ranchers & fishers! Pre-order now and we’ll ship, deliver, or offer pickup of your gift bags between Dec 1st-15th.
Does you have a locally-sourced Kauai Thanksgiving special we missed? Email details to [email protected] and we’ll add you!
Looking for more local food for your every day needs? Check out our Buy Local Directory and support your local farmers, ranchers, & producers.