Tips for Hawaii for New Years Eve

wolfyie

DVC Member OKW 1998
Joined
Jan 11, 2008
We will be in Waikiki for the first few days before heading to Aulani....any tips or suggestions for New Years Eve? Is it best to watch the fireworks from the beach and just bring a blanket and some cocktails or try to get a seat at one of the beach bars and sit there till midnight? My husband and I are traveling with our 2 adult children and their significant others so all are over 21. Any other suggestions for restaurants or things to do would be much appreciated! We are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn while in Waikiki.
 
fireworks...the beach is fine, but can be crowded...very crowded...and while its never been legal...it’s difficult to find a spot anywhere on the island where you can’t see some fireworks on new years eve (some residential areas have...rather impressive aerial displays) there are multiple shows that are put on for new years eve, pick one, check the location, and be prepared to face large crowds.

most of the bars won’t have great views, and the ones that do will likely have ticketed events, or be very crowded. some restaurants could be open/ have very good views, just have to check around a bit (hotel websites should have that info, so would just need to check the hotels along the beach)

try checking with your hotel to see what if anything they’re doing and/or if they recommend anything. waikiki at new years is far too crowded for my tastes.

not the wisest of ideas to take cocktails to the beach but it will depend on exactly where you go (there will likely be a very noticable police presence in waikiki/near bars...to prevent drunk driving, etc.)
 
Fireworks in honolulu are like nothing you've ever seen. Go somewhere high in central oahu, and just stare. It's amazing. You won't see much if you stay on the beach.
 
Fireworks in honolulu are like nothing you've ever seen. Go somewhere high in central oahu, and just stare. It's amazing. You won't see much if you stay on the beach.
How very cool!! Thanks for sharing!! Never would've expected to see them all around town like that! Were you somewhere near the freeway between Aulani and Waikiki?
 


How very cool!! Thanks for sharing!! Never would've expected to see them all around town like that! Were you somewhere near the freeway between Aulani and Waikiki?
oh that wasn't my video. I"m not sure where it was taken. It's just always like that on new years. From my house I can only hear the sounds. It's like a war zone. It is absolutely crazy amazing.
 
fireworks...the beach is fine, but can be crowded...very crowded...and while its never been legal...it’s difficult to find a spot anywhere on the island where you can’t see some fireworks on new years eve (some residential areas have...rather impressive aerial displays) there are multiple shows that are put on for new years eve, pick one, check the location, and be prepared to face large crowds.

most of the bars won’t have great views, and the ones that do will likely have ticketed events, or be very crowded. some restaurants could be open/ have very good views, just have to check around a bit (hotel websites should have that info, so would just need to check the hotels along the beach)

try checking with your hotel to see what if anything they’re doing and/or if they recommend anything. waikiki at new years is far too crowded for my tastes.

not the wisest of ideas to take cocktails to the beach but it will depend on exactly where you go (there will likely be a very noticable police presence in waikiki/near bars...to prevent drunk driving, etc.)
Is alcohol at the beach illegal? Guess I just figured people pack coolers to go to the beach...no?
 


Is alcohol at the beach illegal? Guess I just figured people pack coolers to go to the beach...no?

Its not legal, but until this past 4th of july where things got...out of hand with underage drinking (and some weird jurisdiction laws so they couldn’t stop it)...it was “overlooked”. there is likely to be some serious enforcement around waikiki this year. Hopefully they’re smart enough to simply ask people to drink elsewhere, etc. instead of going nuts with tickets/arrests.

As for high up spots...tantalus/round top would likely give the best overall view...but you won’t get the music that goes with the shows (unless a radio station is broadcasting it). Most parks etc. close at sundown...so that could make thing more difficult in those locations. The professional shows are by far more impressive, and less of a drive since you’re already in waikiki.
 

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