Top Ten Reasons Thanksgiving is Better in Hawaii

The American version of Thanksgiving is something of an adopted tradition in the Hawaiian islands, not becoming an official holiday until the last century. Long before the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving, Hawaiians were celebrating a harvest festival of their own called Makahiki, culminating with a feast that could last as long as a week. People in the islands understand how to throw a good party, then and now.

Without further ado, the top ten reasons Thanksgiving is better in Hawaii.

10. Poi - This paste made from pounded taro root is hardcore comfort food.

9. The Weather - While most of the country bundles up against the cold, it'll still be warm enough to wear shorts to dinner.

8. Poke - No occasion is complete without poke.

7. Easy Travel Regardless of whose house you're at for Thanksgiving, the drive home is a short one. (We live on an island!) No two or three hour treks back from Grandma's house.

6. Portuguese Sausage Stuffing - One word: yum.

5. After Dinner Walks - Take a stroll after the Big Meal... on the beach.

4. Evening Ukuleles - People are stuffed and lazy. Conversations are slowing down. Then out come the ukes for laidback sing-a-longs. Eventually, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" gets played, and it sounds good every single time.

3. Mixed Plate - American, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese foods sit on the table alongside local specialties, and no one really notices how unusual that would be in many parts of the country. That's just normal here. We're so blessed.

2. Extended `Ohana - Even in a place known for its aloha, Thanksgiving brings out the warmth of people. I've lost track of the number of different families that have invited us into their homes for Thanksgiving meal, treating us as if we were their own blood. With most of our own family far away, that means a lot.

1. Kalua Turkey - Rub a turkey down with Hawaiian salt, wrap it well in ti leaves then bake it in an imu. The result is all the flavor of smoked turkey, but with the juiciest bird you will ever taste. The meat melts in your mouth, and you can't help keep picking at the platter even after dessert has come and gone.

There you have it, ten reasons Thanksgiving here rocks. Anything I missed?

Despite the tongue-in-cheek list above, I do understand that there are fantastic Thanksgiving celebrations in other places besidse Hawaii. Consider it my own way of showing thankfulness more than a slight against your own home. Where ever we are, today is a day to spend with friends and family, recognizing all the little things for which we're grateful.

Hau'oli Lā Ho'omaika'i!