Looking for what to do New Year’s Eve this year? See our updated post by clicking the following link:
Waikiki Honolulu Oahu New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Parties, Clubs & Dining Guide
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The following list is for New Year’s Eve December 31, 2011 for reference purposes only. Once again, if you are looking for the events to say aloha to the coming new year, see this link to what’s happening on Oahu for New Year’s Eve.
Waikiki and Honolulu will be an exciting places to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year with fireworks, fine dining and dancing! Tropical weather and being near the surf, sand and palm trees will only enhance your celebration. What a great place to bid a fond farewell to 2011 and welcome in 2012 with aloha!
After many hours of emails, phone calls and searches, I’ve compiled this list of the top things to do this New Year’s Eve. You’ll surely find something that will suit your interests. Here’s what’s going on this December 31, 2011.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Cruises with Fireworks Views
* The sky will light up with fireworks on Waikiki Beach at midnight. From a barge just off Waik?k? Beach, one announcement salute will be fired one minute before midnight. This is the signal for everyone to tune their radios to KCCN, FM100 and direct their attention toward the ocean.
* Honolulu’s Aloha Tower Marketplace will hold their big block party again this year. They’ll have live music and DJs across seven different stages. At midnight, you’ll find the biggest fireworks show on Oahu. This event is open to guests ages 21 and older. New Year’s Eve 2012 Block Party tickets start at $20 and can be ordered online via TicketMaster or by phone at 800-745-3000. For more information, call 808-306-3079.
* Star of Honolulu offers several different cruise packages for cocktails, pupus, dinner and entertainment. See this link for their options. These cruises will offer views of the huge fireworks show from Aloha Tower Marketplace. Pricing starts at $70 per person. Note that convenient round-trip transportation from Waikiki can be added for $11 per person.
* Outside Honolulu, you’ll find a large midnight New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Ko Olina.
* If you’re in the area on December 30, don’t miss the Friday night fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village at 7:45pm.
New Year’s Eve Waikiki Parties, Clubs and Concerts
Want to do a little dancing on New Year’s Eve? Here’s a list of some great venues with parties going on in Waikiki Beach. Note that most of them have great views of the midnight Waikiki fireworks.
* Tiki’s Grill & Bar will have live bands, DJ, drink specials for their Tiki Drop 2012 and a view of Waikiki fireworks at midnight. For more information, see this link for the festivity details. (Also check out their special prix fixe four course New Year’s Eve dinner for $59.)
* RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki hosts Ignite 2012 with top DJ’s, midnight countdown to a meteor drop and a view of the Waikiki Beach fireworks. The party starts at 8pm and goes on until 2:30am. Presale tickets start at $65. Order tickets by calling (808)921-4600. Tickets purchased at the door are $75. You must be 21 or older. See more details here. (Revised with new pricing on 12/11)
* I’ve been informed that Duke’s Waikiki will be open for New Year’s Eve night with a special three-course dinner for $70 per person. See this link for menu information. (Added 12/30/11)
* Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider hosts a beachfront “Pre-Resolution Party” giving you one last chance to eat, drink and be merry before your resolutions. This party will be at the Banyan Courtyard with good views of the Waikiki fireworks at midnight. A dessert buffet, party favors, and a live band playing to 40’s music are included. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. Tickets for the “Pre-Resolution Party” are $100 for adults and $50 for children ages 6 to 12. Ticket prices are inclusive of tax. Tickets are available on the December 31 in the Moana Surfrider lobby from noon to 6pm. (Note that pre-sale tickets will be available in the lobby from December 28 through December 30 in the lobby from noon to 8pm at a discount.)
* The Royal Hawaiian, also known as the Pink Palace, hosts a New Year’s Eve Pink Party from 9pm until 12:30am. The party includes a live band with a DJ during band breaks. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. General admission is $50 per person. Reserved tables are $100 per person. Admission includes tax. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com
* Hilton Hawaiian Village’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and Concert features the Local Divas this year. You have the option of seeing the show only or adding dinner plus the show. See this link for more information.
* There will be a New Year’s Eve party at Addiction Nightclub and Beachclub (formerly known as the Crazybox) in The Modern Honolulu. The party starts at 7pm and continues past midnight with top DJs. See details here.
* Though not necessarily New Year’s Eve-ish, Bill Maher will be performing at the Waikiki Shell at 7:30pm. Lawn tickets start at $29.50. See this link for more information.
* Enjoy a New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with “Elvis”, a legends tribute show, at the Royal Hawaiian. Legends in Concert is a new show that opened up in Waikiki earlier this month. This New Year’s Eve show at 11pm has been added just for the holiday. There will be a champagne toast, countdown to midnight and fireworks visual effects. Cocktails start at 10pm and then the show begins at 11pm. Suggested retail price is $99 and Kama’aina discounts are available. Call (808)629-7469 for more information. (Added 12/9)
New Year’s Eve Waikiki Dining
* Romantic Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel offers a New Year’s five-course prix-fixe menu for $87 per person. Located oceanfront, Hau Tree Lanai is about a 15 minute beach side stroll from the heart of Waikiki. Call 808-921-7066 for reservations or book online.
* Tiki’s Grill & Bar will offer a special four course prix fixe dinner in a casual atmosphere with beach views for $59 per person. See this link for the menu. You can reserve a table at Tiki’s online. Also note that they’ll have a midnight Tiki Drop if you’d like to transition from the dining areas to the celebration.
* At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Bali Steak & Seafood presents a special four course set menu with a variety of choices available. The price is $160 at the first seating and $190 for the second seating. A children’s menu will also available for $80. (To see the adult and children menus use this link and scroll to the Bali menus.) For reservations, call 808-941-BALI (2254).
* Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider offers a couple of special New Year’s Eve dinner options and seatings. The second seating option from 8:30pm to 10:30pm is $185 per person for a five-course menu which also includes admission to their beachfront “Pre-Resolution Party” (also sold separately) that goes on until 1am. See more details and booking information here. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com
* How about a luau for New Year’s Eve? Hilton Hawaiian Village will host their Waikiki Starlight Luau on their Great Lawn for this special evening. Pricing is $98 for adults and $49 for children ages 4 to 11 years old. Lei greeting, dinner buffet, two complimentary select beverages and Polynesian show are included. Upgrade options are available. For reservations, call (808)941-5828.
* Kai Market at the Sheraton Waikiki will offer a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet with two separate seatings. Adult buffet pricing ranges from $90 in the first seating to $120 in the second seating. The second seating is more expensive because it also includes entry to the countdown celebration for guests 21 and old. Buffet pricing for children ages 4 to 12 is $29. See this link for more details. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com
* The Royal Hawaiian will host a special New Year’s Eve Pink Luau Dinner buffet in the Monarch Room from 6pm to 9pm. Entertainment including a fire knife dancer, complimentary welcome cocktail and luau buffet are included in the admission. Pricing is as follows: Adults $209; Children 5-12 years $109(Special Rates for Guests of The Royal Hawaiian and Kama’aina: Adults $189; Children 5-12 years $99). Price includes access to the New Years Eve Pink Party (see details below) that continues the festivities until 12:30am. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com
* The Royal Hawaiian, also known as the Pink Palace, hosts a New Year’s Eve Pink Party from 9pm until 12:30am. The party includes a live band with a DJ during band breaks. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. General admission is $50 per person. Reserved tables are $100 per person. Admission includes tax. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com
* Azure at the Royal Hawaiian will serve a five course New Year’s Eve dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm for $175 per person. (See menu.) Pricing includes access to the New Year’s Eve Pink Part that’s described above. A children’s menu will also be available for kids ages 5 to 12 years for $40. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com
* Rainbow Lanai at the Hilton Hawaiian Village will present a New Year’s Eve Buffet from 5pm to 9:30pm. (Use this link and scroll down to the Rainbow Lanai section to see the buffet menu.) Pricing is $59 per adult $55 and $29 for children (12 and under). For more information, call (808) 949-4321
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As you’re making your Waikiki and Honolulu New Year’s Eve plans and reviewing this list of great things to do, please note the following:
- I recommend you make reservations, order tickets, etc. as soon as possible to secure the place and time you like.
- Unless otherwise stated, you can assume that taxes and gratuities are not included in the listed prices.
- All pricing, schedules and plans were accurate at the time of publishing.
- Most Waikiki Beach hotel-based restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve. Check directly with the concierge of your accommodations for their special meals and events.
- As New Year’s Eve approaches, most likely, I’ll be adding more events, so do check back.
So, pack your bags and start practicing how to say Happy New Year in Hawaii: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!
Sheila Beal
20 comments
Wow! The most comprehensive list of New Years Eve fireworks and events Waikiki and Honolulu have ever seen!
Thanks Andy. We try. 🙂
Did you find anything for families? Grandma is coming in from the mainland and I’ve got a 3 year old. Thanks.
Elizabeth – most of the resort dining options allow children 5 and under to dine for free.
Aloha Tower Marketplace used to have more of a family friendly celebration, but for this year and last, they’ve opted for a over 21 block party. You can still see their midnight fireworks from the surrounding area.
You can watch New Years Eve fireworks from Waikiki Beach, too….assuming your 3 year old isn’t bothered by them.
Just wondering can you access the block parties/bar locations and just eat/ party and obviousuly not drink if youre under 21 or whats the go? Im from Australia and am trying to figure out what my options are for persons under 21…
cheers
Tyrone
Hi Tyrone — when a venue says 21 and older, they generally don’t allow entrance for anyone under.
If you are staying in the Waikiki area and looking for a lively evening atmosphere, you might want to go to a place like Tiki’s Bar and Grill (described above). Another place would be Dukes Waikiki at the Outrriger Hotel on the Beach. You could dine there, listen to music, etc. As midnight approaches, you could go to the beach to watch the fireworks.
Hope that helps.
Me and my friends are going to the party at Trump hotel Waikiki for the lux party. Went to the last party, and seems like they had the most beautiful people there. 🙂
You did a great job on the list. I am dissapointed that there is not more for families. We are a family of 5 with younger kiddos and we would like to partake in the celebration too but not all of the drunks and so forth. It seems that all the events are catering more towards the younger “party” crowd.
Brooke — if you can keep the kids up long enough to see the fireworks from Waikiki Beach, that could be a fun thing to do. As you probably know, alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed on the beach, though not always policed 100%.
Also, from Ko Olina, you can see a big midnight fireworks display. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. https://govisithawaii.com/2011/12/21/oahu-new-years-eve-fireworks-ko-olina/
It seems like New Year’s Eve is one of those holidays that’s geared more towards parties, dancing, midnight toasts, etc. I suppose venues cater to that expectation.
I’m playing single parent again this year. first year in Hawaii and I have youngsters. It would be nice if one the military bases did something for family since Waikiki is more for the single no dependents crowd but if i was in that category i would def be there lol
Jesenda — yeah, it would be good for one of the bases to offer something more family friendly. They do for July 4th. Everything I’ve seen for New Year’s Eve is more “party mode”.
Hi do you know of a few good “kid friendly” things to do for New Year’s Eve?
forget it… I think we will go to Ko’ Olina
Veronica — Sounds like it’s going to be a great fireworks show in Ko Olina. Have fun and please let us know how the show was.
Hi Sheila, I’m from Australia and here for NYE. Couple of my Hawaiian mates hv been telling me there will be no fireworks at midnight both at the aloha tower and Waikiki. Theyre expecing it to happen sooner around 10pm. Could you pls advise me if there will really be midnight fireworks? And which one you think will be better: Waikiki or Aloha Tower?
Daniel — You’re mates must be joking. The fireworks are scheduled to go off at midnight.
I think both shows have been touted to be great fireworks shows. Aloha Tower might be slightly better, but Waikiki’s show isn’t going to be shabby at all. Choosing between the two is more of a choice of which one is more convenient for you.
Hi Sheila.
A friend and I will be in Waikiki from Dec. 30th through the New Year, and wanted to know if you had suggestions on where to go.
We are looking for a venue that will be a bit older, 30 something, a bit sophisticated where you could put a pair of heels on, with music and dancing.
Any help would be much appreciated, as we arriving very late the day before New Year’s Eve, and it might be hard to arrange when we get there.
Thanks so much.
Hi Sheila,
The list above is really helpful but I wanted to ask your advice please. I will be in Hawaii with my parents and sister for NYE and wanted to see if you could recommend somewhere to go for a nice dinner and view of the fireworks that isn’t full of children but isn’t a club as we will be with our parents. My sister and I are in our 20s so we want somewhere with a good atmosphere but not just a bar.
Thanks,
Emily
As you’ve posed your question on this Waikiki post, I assume you mean you’ll be in Waikiki specifically when you say you “will be in Hawaii”.
It’s a little too early now to get a good feel for what’s going to be available in Waikiki. We’ve not even created our 2013 list yet.
We don’t even know if Waikiki will have fireworks yet. They usually do, but it’s one of the last fireworks events thats announced/finalized.
If you’re anxious to get something booked now, you might want to consider one of the adult only firework cruises. They shouldn’t be “booze cruises”.
For anyone looking for the 2013/2014 list, it’s here —> https://govisithawaii.com/2013/12/04/waikiki-honolulu-oahu-20132014-new-years-eve-fireworks-dining-events/ !