5 /5 Dj Randol: We decided to skip the kitchen chaos this year and try Kona Grill for Thanksgiving dinner. Best decision we made all month.
From the moment we walked in, everything clicked. The host team was warm and welcoming (zero trace of the holiday rush stress you’d expect), and our server was flat-out excellent: attentive without hovering, genuinely enthusiastic about the specials, and timed everything perfectly. The vibe inside was upscale yet relaxed (sleek modern décor, soft lighting, chill music); festive enough for the holiday but never cheesy.
The special Thanksgiving menu was way more creative than the usual turkey-and-stuffing suspects. The star was the Macadamia Nut Turkey: tender roasted turkey breast coated in a crunchy macadamia crust, served with a light passion fruit glaze that sounds wild but absolutely works. It’s the perfect blend of island flair and holiday comfort. The ribs (yes, ribs on Thanksgiving) were fall-off-the-bone perfect, glazed in that signature Kona BBQ sauce with just the right sweet-smoky balance. Sides were on point too: creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, and a killer pineapple jalapeño cornbread stuffing that I’m still thinking about.
Portions were generous, cocktails were strong (the spiced pumpkin margarita was dangerously good), and the dessert menu tempted us hard, but we were happily stuffed.
Kona Grill turned what could have been just a convenient holiday meal into a legit dining highlight. If you want excellent service, creative food that still feels festive, and a beautiful environment that makes the holiday feel special without the dishes afterward, book it next year. We’re already