Turkey to go in Honolulu

Celebrating the Thanksgiving holidays with a Hawaiian vacation doesn’t mean giving up the annual turkey feast. If you’re staying in a condo with a kitchen, or just want a meal to go for a beach park picnic, order a precooked meal to go. Four establishments in Honolulu offer turkey with all the trimmings for pickup on Thanksgiving day ― but you should order your meal a month in advance.

Takeaway dinners have become the “cool kitchen” way to dine for local residents as well. For dinner in the park, make a stop at Longs Drugs for plates, utensils, a tablecloth, napkins, serving spoons, and an inexpensive carving knife. (Note that alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed in the public parks.)

Creations in Catering. Piping-hot dinner to go ― directly to the park or condo lanai. Portuguese sausage and chestnut stuffing are specialties, as are Hawaiian sweet bread rolls. $119, serves 10 to 12 people; Dole Cannery, ground floor, off Nimitz Hwy.; 808/521-7101.

Diamond Head Market & Grill. Chef-owner Kelvin Ro presents turkey with wild mushroom and brioche stuffing and fresh cranberry compote. The dinner takes an hour plus to reheat. Visitors heading straight to the beach can dine on the same menu, packaged for a party of 8. From $160; 3158 Monsarrat Ave.; 808/732-0077. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa. The turkey-to-go concept originated here 14 years ago, and repeat purchasers rave about the real Butterball turkey with chestnut sage dressing and the from-scratch, homemade pumpkin pie. The dinner comes with reheating instructions and recipes from the Hyatt chef. The hotel’s 24-hour hotline opens for orders in early October. $80, serves 4 to 6; 2424 Kalakaua Ave.; 808/528-6066.

The Willows. A Honolulu dining oasis since 1944, the restaurant is a walk down memory lane for many locals. Take-out turkey dinner features such island favorites as chilled wild rice salad, corn on the cob, wild mushroom gravy, and custard pie. Serves 4 to 6, call for prices; 901 Hausten St.; 808/952-9200.