Saturday, November 22, 2025 — LĀNAʻI CITY, LĀNAʻI

Trilogy Excursions and the Coon ‘Ohana proudly hosted the 33rd Annual Turkey & Rice Gifting, continuing one of Lānaʻi’s most meaningful Thanksgiving traditions. For more than three decades, this yearly event has provided a Thanksgiving turkey to every residential family on the island—celebrating gratitude, connection, and the spirit of aloha that defines the Lānaʻi community.

A tradition that brings the island together

The event began as a simple gesture of appreciation from the Coon family. Over 33 years ago, Capt. Jim and Rand Coon purchased turkeys for every Trilogy employee. The impact of that moment grew far beyond its origins, eventually becoming a cherished island-wide tradition.

Today, the Turkey & Rice Gifting stands as a testament to the Coon ‘Ohana’s commitment to Lānaʻi and the long-standing partnership between Trilogy Excursions and the community it serves.

“What started 33 years ago when my Dad, Jim, and Uncle Rand Coon bought turkeys for every employee has grown into something much bigger — a turkey for every family on the island.”

— Riley COon

A Drive-Through Event With the Same Aloha Spirit

This year, the event was hosted in a special drive-through format due to ongoing renovations at the Dole Park pavilion. Even with the temporary shift in location, the feeling of togetherness remained stronger than ever. Families arrived throughout the morning to receive their Thanksgiving turkey and rice, welcomed warmly by volunteers, county representatives, and local partner organizations.

Each Lānaʻi household received a 12–15 lb frozen turkey, continuing the Coon family's long-standing promise to deliver a meaningful Thanksgiving offering to every residential family.

Since 2008, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association has been a dedicated partner, supplying five-pound bags of rice as part of their Rice for the Holidays program. Remaining items are donated to Feed My Sheep, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Maui families in need — ensuring that no part of the gifting goes to waste.

“Gifting turkeys this year alongside my family and Trilogy ‘Ohana is a tradition we cherish. We look forward to doing this event for many years to come. Lāna‘i, we love you!”

— Riley COon

Mahalo to our 2025 community partners

Trilogy Excursions extends heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors and partners across Maui Nui who helped make this year’s gifting possible:

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association
County of Maui
Bank of Hawaii
Maui United Way
Young Brothers
Maui Family Support Services
Ho‘oikaika Partnership
Maui Emergency Management Agency

Their support ensures that this meaningful tradition continues to flourish for generations to come.

Continuing a legacy of gratitude

For Trilogy Excursions and the Coon ‘Ohana, the Turkey & Rice Gifting is more than a holiday event—it’s a commitment to community. It’s an opportunity to say mahalo. And it is a celebration of the relationships that link generations of Lānaʻi residents to one another and to the sea-loving ʻohana at Trilogy.

As this beloved tradition enters its 33rd year, one thing remains constant: the spirit of aloha that brings everyone together.