HERE’S HOW YOU CAN RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN HAWAII:

As 2024 comes to a close, there’s no better place to celebrate the start of 2025 than in Hawaii! Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a family-friendly celebration, or a lively party atmosphere, Oahu has something for everyone. Here are the top things to do this New Year’s Eve on Oahu.

1. Waikiki Beach Fireworks

Waikiki Beach is the epicenter of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Oahu. Every year, a stunning fireworks display lights up the sky at midnight, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to the shore. Grab a beach mat, and enjoy the show as fireworks reflect off the Pacific Ocean. Tune in and turn on your radios to 105.9 THE WAVE for the official fireworks sound track and enjoy the show! Listen carefully and you will hear a few of Hawaii’s top recording artists. For more information, visit here.

Pro tip: Book a beachfront restaurant for dinner and enjoy the fireworks from your table. Restaurants like Duke’s Waikiki or the Moana Surfrider offer excellent views of the show.

2. New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruise

There’s no better way to soak in the magic of Hawaii than by sailing along its coast. Many cruise companies in Oahu offer special New Year’s Eve sunset cruises. Imagine celebrating with champagne in hand as you watch the sun dip into the ocean, followed by fireworks bursting overhead at midnight. These cruises often include dinner, live music, and dancing.

Some popular options include:
– Star of Honolulu: A luxury cruise with multiple decks, offering live entertainment and gourmet dinner.
– Makani Catamaran: A more intimate option for those wanting to avoid the crowds but still experience the festive energy on the water.

3. Attend a Luau

For a more cultural way to welcome 2024, consider attending a New Year’s Eve luau. Luaus typically feature traditional Hawaiian food, live hula performances, fire knife dancing, and interactive cultural activities. Several resorts and local venues will host special luaus to ring in the New Year, often including fireworks at midnight.

Top picks include:
– Paradise Cove Luau: Located in Ko Olina, it’s one of the most famous luaus on the island.
– Chief’s Luau: Known for its fun and engaging atmosphere, this luau offers a unique blend of Polynesian culture and entertainment.

4. Family-Friendly Festivities

If you’re traveling with family, Oahu offers plenty of kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Honolulu Zoo and Bishop Museum often host early evening events for families, including educational activities, games, and an early “countdown to midnight” celebration so the little ones can get in on the fun. Keep an eye out for these events, which tend to fill up fast.

Additionally, many hotels and resorts have family-centric activities such as outdoor movie nights, games, and face painting to keep everyone entertained until the big countdown.

5. New Year’s Eve Party at a Resort

If you’re looking for a lively party, Oahu’s top resorts pull out all the stops for New Year’s Eve. Expect live entertainment, world-class DJs, and dance floors with plenty of room to celebrate. Some of the most popular New Year’s Eve events are held at:
– Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach: Famous for its rooftop pool and vibrant nightlife, this resort offers a chic setting for the countdown.
– The Modern Honolulu: Known for its upscale vibe and sleek pool area, this is the go-to spot for a stylish NYE celebration.

6. Hike to See the First Sunrise of 2024

For early birds, Oahu offers some incredible hiking trails where you can welcome the first sunrise of 2024. After a night of festivities, there’s something special about starting the New Year immersed in nature. Some popular sunrise hikes include:
– Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Known for its panoramic views of the ocean and Mokulua Islands.
– Diamond Head: One of the most iconic hikes in Oahu, offering breathtaking views over Waikiki and the Pacific.
– Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail: A relatively easy trail with stunning ocean views and the possibility of spotting humpback whales in winter.

7. New Year’s Eve Street Party in Chinatown

For a more local and artsy vibe, check out the annual New Year’s Eve street party in Chinatown. This celebration features food trucks, live music, art installations, and an exciting atmosphere. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the sky over downtown Honolulu, creating a perfect blend of urban energy and island culture.

NEW YEAR’S EVE NIGHTLIFE (THIS WILL BE UPDATED 2 WEEKS BEFORE NEW YEAR’S EVE)

Sheraton Waikiki – Rio Carnival at Rum Fire! DJ Paul Brandon, DJ XL, DJ Jimmy Taco and DJ Jem will keep the party going well into the morning, with emcees Krystilez from 102.7 Da Bomb and social influencer and newscaster Kelly Simek. For more information, visit here.

Aloha Tower – 10th annual party of the year will be held at Aloha Tower. For more information, visit here.

Sky Waikiki – Waikiki fireworks with sounds by guest DJ William Lifestyle and DJ Toma. Come in your best cocktail fashionable attire and mask to ring in the new year!. For more information, visit here.

The Royal Hawaiian – The Royal Hawaiian’s annual New Year’s Eve party, featuring music by DJ Telley and dancers, delicious cuisine prepared by the Royal Chefs, and unbeatable oceanfront views of the fireworks at midnight. For more information, visit here.

The Laylow – Escape 2019 and ring in 2020 with BLANC DE BLANC, a white party that could only happen at The Laylow! For more information, visit here.

Alohilani – Midnight Mirage: Ring in the New Year at Swell Bar and Pool Deck, Longboard Club and O Bar, all transformed into a whimsical Arabian fantasy filled with secret surprises. For more information, visit here.

53 By The Sea – Herald a new decade while harking back to Années Folles, or “crazy years” in 1920’s Paris at the black-tie ‘Midnight in Paris’ New Year’s Eve soiree featuring Casino Games, Live Music, Cigar lounge, Dancing, Raffle Prizes, and Fireworks. For more information, visit here.

Haus Supper Club – Countdown to 2020 at Ala Moana Center’s Haus Supper Club. Toast to a midnight in Paris theme with champagne and a DJ led countdown by DJ Massfunk & friends playing your favorite top 40, club bangers and dance music. For more information, visit here.

Bonus option: if you don’t care for fireworks or events, check out the Christmas lights. Throughout Oahu, dedicated and festve neighbors get together and have friendly competitions for best decorations. Here is a great link for specific street names: see the lights! Our personal favorite from the list is 2020 Hillcrest Street, Honolulu.

Honolulu City Lights – Finally, for the cheapest thrill, walk around and enjoy the city lights from 8am-11pm. It’s a free event! For more information, visit here.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, New Year’s Eve in Oahu is guaranteed to be unforgettable. From beachfront fireworks and sunset cruises to cultural luaus and family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome 2024 in paradise. Make sure to book in advance, as many events fill up quickly, and get ready to start the New Year with aloha!

Happy New Year and aloha! 🎉