New Year's Eve in Hawaii: Things to Do and Where to Celebrate

Escape the hustle and bustle of the continental United States and head to the Hawaiian Islands to spend the holiday! Let the former year wash away on the sandy shore under the light of a tiki torch as you rest and relax to prepare for the upcoming year.

The Islands come to life with a myriad of parties and events to revel in the finale of the year. Don’t get bogged down by all the options. Let us help you wade through your choices so you can plan a dreamy Hawaiian New Year’s Eve with ease! Leave the stress at home and grab your sunnies for a beachy celebration like never before.

Pro Tip: Before you board the plane, use our Hawaii packing list as a guide to figure out what to pack and what to skip when filling your suitcase!

New Year’s Eve Events in Hawaii

Special New Year’s Eve events across the Islands will get you in the 2022 spirit!

Rock-A-Hula Show

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with past music legends, like Elvis Presley, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, at the Rock-A-Hula show.

New Year Countdown Boat Cruise

All aboard! A cruise on the ocean waves under the dazzling glow of the fireworks is the perfect way to spend New Year’s Eve in Hawaii.

Dancing Through the Decades-Old School New Year’s Eve Party

With 2022 comes the hope of a bright future! Before you leave the past behind, travel in time to a different era of music. At this timeless New Year’s Eve party, DJs will be playing all your favorite oldies from the 70s, 80s, and 90s throughout the night. It’s time to get down!

LIT New Year’s Eve Party

Start the year on a high note at Sky Waikiki’s rooftop New Year’s Eve party! Three music areas with a profusion of DJs will set the tone for this exciting night. The venue is a prime fireworks viewing spot!

Honolulu City Lights

This month-long event runs until January 2nd, so catch the dazzling holiday sight before it’s gone! In its 37th year, Honolulu City Lights is a Hawaiian favorite. Visit the Honolulu Hale grounds to get in on the holiday fun.

Three hula dancers in bright red and yellow costumes dancing on stage at Chiefs Luau in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

photo credit: Chief's Luau via Facebook

New Year’s Eve Luaus in Hawaii

Typical New Year’s Eve parties? Boring. New Year’s Eve parties with a Hawaiian flair? That’s more like it. Head to one of these luaus to give the new year a proper welcome!

Chief’s Luau at Wet ‘n’ Wild

Chief’s Luau at Wet ‘n’ Wild will give you the full Hawaiian experience. Chief Sielu Avea is the star of the show as a fire-knife dancing world champion with a sense of humor to boot.

Fully immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii when you learn how to weave headbands, hula dance, and start a fire by rubbing sticks together before the show! The all-you-can-eat Hawaiian feast doesn’t disappoint, either.

Liberty Luau at Pearl Harbor

Any history buffs in the room? The Liberty Luau at Pearl Harbor is right up your alley!

Fine dining and music from the 40s, 50s, and 60s will transport you in time to the World War II era. Take the night to honor the past before the start of a shiny new year!

Pro Tip: Since this event is located on a military base, non-military individuals will not be able to drive directly to it. Take the shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center instead!

Luau Kalamaku

Delight your senses with a swirl of Hawaiian culture at the Luau Kalamaku.

Enjoy a portrayal of the ancient Hawaiian legend of Kalamaku performed “in-the-round,” which means there are no bad seats. Hawaiian games, crafts, demonstrations, and cuisine kick off this unforgettable night.

Where to See Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Hawaii

Start the new year with a sizzle and a pop! There are spectacular fireworks shows throughout the Hawaiian Islands on New Year’s Eve. The reflection of the sparks over the ocean is a dreamlike sight to behold.

Here are some of the top places to snag a spot under the blaze:

Attractions Open on New Year’s Eve in Hawaii

The evening hours are the star of the show on New Year’s Eve, but there’s still an entire beautiful Hawaiian day waiting for you to fill before you head to your luau of choice!

Pro Tip: If one of your resolutions is to save some dough, we’re here to help! Find all the best deals on Hawaiian attraction tickets and hotel stays at Tripster.

If you have a thirst for adventure, Hawaii delivers with these attractions:

The Best Eats on New Year’s Eve in Hawaii

Hawaii’s cuisine is a hodgepodge of vibrant flavors. From fruit to fish, there’s no shortage of fresh fare on the Islands. When it comes to New Year’s Eve dinner, let your cravings be your guide.

Here’s where to go if you’re craving…

Fresh fish

You’d be amiss if you visited Hawaii without stopping by Mama’s Fish House! Be sure to book ahead, though, as this popular spot is usually hopping.

A beachside culinary experience

Azure Restaurant is an upscale restaurant with an equally exquisite menu featuring fresh seafood.

Prime steak

We get it -- seafood isn’t for everyone. We recommend The Signature for all your landlubber cravings.

Hawaiian fusion fare

When in Hawaii, dine as the Hawaiians do. Chef Chai fuses Hawaiian and Asian fare for an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture.

Fresh and colorful smoothies

You probably won’t want to go here for dinner, but Hale’iwa Bowls is a hotspot for fruit smoothies! Grab one for a snack during the day.

How Will You Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hawaii?

Imagine the lull of the waves, the warm, balmy air, and the sun-kissed sand beneath the palms. Ah, paradise on earth! Is there a better place than Hawaii to ring in the new year?

New Year's Eve in Hawaii: Things to Do and Where to Celebrate

Related Post: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List: What to Bring and What to Skip