New Year’s 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 celebrate the holiday of new beginnings. This Hawaii New Year’s Eve will go down in Pineapple State history.

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 family friendly events to help you revel in an easy breezy New Years Hawaii.

Big Island vs Waikiki Beach? Traditional fireworks shows vs. riveting fire knife demonstrations? Don’t get bogged down by all the options when you go to Hawaii for New Year’s. Let us help you wade through your choices so you can easily plan a dreamy Hawaiian New Year’s Eve!

Leave the stress at home and grab your sunnies for a beachy shindig like never before. Follow along as we tell you everything you need to know to have the best Hawaii New Year’s holiday ever.

Hawaii for New Years Hotels

Packed up your SPF, aloe, and glittering party dress? Before we explore all of the scintillating New Years Eve in Hawaii options, it’s time to lock in some lodgings. Whether you aim to spend your Hawaii New Year in a bikini or rocking some heels, you’ll need the perfect place to primp for your big night out.

Thanks to our wide range of Hawaii Hotels & Resorts you can soak in the sun or schedule a spa treatment everywhere from Hilo to Waikiki Beach. As always, make your booking worry-free knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.

New Years Eve Hawaii Events

Special events in Hawaii for New Year’s Eve will surely get you in the 2024 spirit! Hawaii NYE, here you come.

Rock A Hula Show

Celebrate New Years Eve celebrations with past music legends like Elvis Presley, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, at the Rock-A-Hula show this New Year’s Eve Hawaii. One of the island’s most captivating New Years Eve shows, this musical extravaganza mixes oldies with current pop hits for a simply groovy night.

Best of all, this Legends in Concert show features a Hawaiian twist! Guests will witness time-honored Aloha State traditions such as hula dances, fire knife performances, and ancient island chants.

For a performance truly worthy of the King, we recommend upgrading your ticket for the VIP experience.

Photo Alert: Try to snap a picture with the performers after the show to leave your followers star-struck!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise

All aboard! A cruise on the ocean waves under the dazzling glow of a fireworks display is the perfect way to spend New Year’s Eve in Hawaii. Skip out on landlocked New Years Eve events and kick off your 2024 with a complimentary welcome drink, live entertainment, and the searing Waikiki skyline.

Join your friends and family for this unforgettable yacht cruise experience, and don’t forget to check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Surf Bar Waikiki* New Years Eve Party

Inject your midnight revelry with a little Vitamin Sea, when you get down at one of Honolulu’s most exclusive watering holes. Usher in 2024 with style when you celebrate another year of fun and sun at the Surf Bar Waikiki’s upscale lounge.

From mystifying magic tricks to pulsating DJ beats, this party features all kinds of after-dark entertainment. Tantalize your tastebuds with delicious hors d’oeuvres, before you raise a glass of bubbly to a midnight toast. Compete in dance contests or opt to solve a mystery.

It’s all part of the ritual of this packed-to-the-brim NYE Waikiki affair. Festivities will kick off early, so break out your best cocktail attire, as dressing to impress is encouraged!

*Please note information is based on last year’s event. 2024 NYE details are still awaiting confirmation.

Honolulu City Lights

This month-long event runs until the end of December, so catch these dazzling holiday lights before they’re gone! In its 39th year, Honolulu City Lights is a Hawaiian favorite. Visit the Honolulu Hale grounds to get in on the holiday fun, and keep the merry vibes flowing all through your New Years Eve Honolulu night.

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

The 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.

Royal Lahaina Myths of Maui Luau

Spend New Years Eve celebrations in front of the sea and indulge your stomach with the flavors of the island. The Royal Lahaina Myths of Maui Luau is an experience fit for a King or Queen, featuring beautiful shell leis, a mouthwatering Polynesian buffet, and a Samoan fire knife dance show.

Ring in the New Year with a full belly and happy heart, as you bear witness to a traditional Imu presentation, Hawaiian arts and crafts, and more. Delight in an open bar and cheers with your refreshing Mai Tai or fruit punch before winding down your New Year in Hawaii with a delicious slice of Luau Chocolate Cake.

VIPs will have the pleasure of checking in at 5:15 p.m., while general admission begins at 5:30 p.m.

Gilligans’ Island Luau

New Years in Maui? What could be more magical? Embrace the lush nature of the Valle Isle, when you spend two hours devouring panoramic ocean views, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and an open bar.

Gilligans’ Island Luau’ is an intimate dinner attraction that showcases traditional hula dancers, live music, and a fire dance finale. Come hungry, as you’ll want to savor Hawaiian Kalua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Panko-crusted Mahi Mahi, and Lomi Lomi Salmon.

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 for New Year Hawaii:

• Waikiki Beach
• Poipu Beach Park

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!

Whether you’re spending New Year’s in Maui or on one of the other islands, there are activity options galore.

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: 

• Northshore Zipline Canopy Tours
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours
• Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour
• Bishop Museum
• Whale Watch Cruise
• Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
• Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch
• Dolphin Snorkel Sail

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.

Good restaurants tend to be extra crowded on holidays, so don’t forget to call ahead and see if you’ll need reservations or if there are any changes in holiday hours!

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

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

Prime steak

We get it — seafood isn’t for everyone. However, we recommend The Signature for all your landlubber cravings. 

Hawaiian fusion fare

When in Hawaii, dine as the Hawaiians do. At Chef Chai, the food 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.

 

Pro Tip: Needing a place to crash after your New Year’s Eve party? Mauna Lani is a luxurious resort that won’t disappoint. If you’re spending New Year’s Eve Honolulu and a little budget-conscious, book a cheaper stay at the Modern Honolulu instead!

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

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?

Whether you prefer a lively luau, fantastic fireworks, or another exciting event, there is plenty to do on New Year’s Eve. If you want to start off the new year as a beach bum, we don’t blame you. 

A trip to Hawaii may sound a little pricey at first. But never fear penny pinchers! Book your Hawaii vacation with Tripster to snag the best deals. 

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!

Which Hawaii New Years Eve plan would you pick?

Tell us, will you try a New Years in Hawaii this year?

Leave us a comment below!