Waikiki New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise on Oahu from Kewalo Basin - BYOB & Best Views at Midnight

Step aboard the Island Princess for a memorable Honolulu New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise from Kewalo Basin on Oahu. This festive night on the water gives you front row views of Waikiki’s midnight fireworks as they burst over the coastline. Enjoy the open deck, decorative lights, and comfortable layout while taking in the city skyline and ocean breeze. You are welcome to bring your favorite drinks to enjoy during the cruise, making it easy to celebrate the way you like. As the countdown begins, the boat offers a smooth vantage point with an unobstructed view of the show. Watch the sky fill with color, enjoy the energy on board, and welcome the new year with a unique Honolulu experience that you can only enjoy from the water.

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

Front Row Waikiki Fireworks at Midnight: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with unobstructed views of the Waikiki fireworks show from the water, watching the sky light up above the Honolulu skyline as the clock strikes twelve.

Honolulu New Year’s Eve on the Water: Enjoy a festive 1.5 hour cruise from Kewalo Basin on Oahu, with cool ocean breezes, sparkling city lights, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the shoreline crowds.

Bring Your Own Drinks and Snacks: Personalize your celebration by bringing your favorite drinks and food to enjoy on board, while complimentary water, tea, and hot chocolate help keep you comfortable throughout the night.

Intimate Catamaran Experience: Cruise on the Island Princess, a comfortable catamaran limited to about 30 passengers, featuring a spacious deck, decorative lights, and a sound system that sets the mood for the evening.

What to expect

• Check in at Kewalo Basin Harbor and board the Island Princess catamaran at Slip F16
• Settle onto the open deck and take in nighttime views of Waikiki and the Honolulu skyline
• Enjoy the festive atmosphere as music plays and guests relax with their own drinks and snacks
• Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks show from a prime vantage point on the water at midnight
• Keep an eye out for city lights reflecting on the ocean and possible sightings of local sea life
• Return to the harbor after the show with easy access back to Waikiki and nearby nightlife

Local expert tips

• Plan to arrive early at Kewalo Basin Harbor since free parking is limited and fills quickly, or consider using a taxi or rideshare service for convenience.
• Evenings on the water can feel cool and breezy, so bring a light jacket or hoodie to stay comfortable while you enjoy the fireworks and ocean air.
• Pack easy snacks and your preferred canned or boxed beverages to enjoy during the cruise, and remember that glass containers are not allowed on board.
• After the tour, explore nearby spots in Kakaako or head toward Chinatown for late night food and drinks if venues are still open for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

What to bring

• Government issued photo ID
• Light jacket or hoodie for the cool evening breeze
• Comfortable shoes with good grip for walking on the dock and deck
• Your favorite drinks in non glass containers
• Simple snacks or small plates to enjoy on board
• Camera or smartphone for photos of the fireworks and city lights

Boat Information

The Island Princess is a comfortable power catamaran designed for small group cruises, with a maximum capacity of about 30 passengers. The vessel features a spacious open deck for viewing the fireworks, decorative lighting that adds to the festive atmosphere, and a sound system for music during the cruise. Stable and easy to move around on, the Island Princess offers great sightlines of Waikiki and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display from the water.

How to get there?

Check in at Iruka Hawaii Dolphin Snorkeling Tours, located at Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814. The Island Princess boards at Slip F16, just minutes from Waikiki by car or taxi. Limited free parking may be available in the harbor area, so guests are encouraged to arrive early or arrange drop off and pick up to avoid delays on New Year’s Eve.