Spending the holidays in Paradise? Check out this list of events to find out where the best fireworks shows are in Hawaii this Sunday night, December 31st 2017.
The shows listed here are public aerial displays and though some are part of paid New Year’s Celebrations, all are available for anyone to see—just find a good vantage point and grab a pair of binoculars.
Kauai
Poipu Beach, 8:15 p.m.
The largest public fireworks show on Kauai is held at Poipu Beach.
While the fireworks start at the kid-friendly time of 8:15, the New Year’s Eve event really starts at 4:00 p.m., and includes a movie showing and various food trucks available as dinner options.
The event is totally free to attend—just bring your own lawn chairs and pocket money for food.
You can see more about the event at Poipu Beach Resort Association’s facebook event.
Oahu
Waikiki Beach, 11:55 p.m.
The most spectacular fireworks show in all of Hawaii will be just off the coast of Waikiki.
For about 8 to 10 minutes, aerials will be shot from an offshore barge, clearly visible from all of the Waikiki coastline and even parts of Ala Moana.
In addition, there will be music choreographed to the fireworks show playing on various radio stations including FM 94, 95.1, 97.5, 107.9 and AM 690 and 760.
The countdown to the show starts 11:55, at which time a single aerial will be fired every minute until midnight, when the full show begins.
The show is free, but you’ll have to get to Waikiki early if you want to get a view from the beach. Some even spend the entire day on the beach to reserve their seat.
To find out more, check out the Waikiki Improvement Association’s website.
Hilton Lagoon, 11:00 p.m.
Hilton’s New Year’s Gala is not a free event, costing a cool $300 for adult tickets, but includes live performances by the famous Henry Kapono, a luxury 4-course dinner, and premier seats to the fireworks show.
Tickets are available here.
They can’t charge you for looking, though, so if you can get to a good vantage point (especially if you’re staying at the Hilton) you’ll still be able to see the fireworks as they shoot up at 11 sharp.
The Kahala Resort, midnight
Another paid event, the Kahala’s gala starts at 9:00 p.m. and goes on until 12:30 a.m. on New Years, with the fireworks show beginning at midnight.
The celebration also includes a buffet, bar service, and a dance floor with live DJs in the ballroom, while the outdoor features include a live band, a photo booth, and face painting.
The $250 adult fee includes complimentary festive wear and noisemakers. Check out event details at the Kahala Website here.
Aloha Tower Marketplace, midnight
Hosting the “Party of the Year,” Aloha Tower Marketplace features over 30 live performers, a full arena of food trucks, and an awesome fireworks show over the Aloha Tower docks.
General admission for the New Year’s Eve party starts at $45, but the party starts on Saturday, December 30th featuring the Chainsmokers at Aloha Stadium.
Check out full event details here.
Turtle Bay Resort, midnight
Another resort party, Turtle Bay on the North Shore is having their own celebration complete with fireworks, a dance floor with live DJs, a dinner buffet, and a champagne toast.
Tickets are $110 and get you admission as well as a view of the fireworks from the main pool deck.
See here for more details.
Maui
Grand Wailea Resort, midnight
The Grand Wailea Resort is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve party, featuring various artists such as Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler, and Weird Al Yankovic, among many others.
The tickets are pricey at $675 (with VIP options available), but proceeds benefit Maui Food Bank and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
The fireworks display begins at midnight and will be operated from an offshore barge, making the aerials visible to anyone on the South Maui coastline at the time.
For tickets and information, inquire at nyewaileafundraiser@gmail.com
Four Seasons Lanai, midnight
Lanai has its own New Year’s Eve celebration, for those lucky enough to be staying at the Four Seasons during this time.
The party includes a holiday luau, a live performance by Brenna Whitaker and her Little Big Band, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Check out more information on the Four Seasons’ event site.
A midnight fireworks show will be held between the resort and Manele Harbor and should be visible for anyone nearby—it’s not like there’s anything on Lanai to block your view anyway.
Anywhere, anytime
Fireworks permits on Maui have been available for the past week, and the island sees a lot of smaller, private displays.
Aerial displays are, of course, banned even with a permit, but that doesn’t stop everyone.
Chances are if you make your way to an elevated vantage point overlooking Kahului (or any other town) you’ll spot more than a few bright flashes.
Just make sure you bring apple cider instead of champagne, as you’re not allowed to consume alcohol in public areas.
Big Island
Mauna Lani Bay, midnight
Mauna Lani Resort is having a poolside party on the 31st with a midnight champagne toast to accompany the fireworks. Entrance isn’t free, and reservations are required.
The party is preceded by a dinner buffet, which costs extra to attend. Click here for more information.
Fairmont Orchid Kohala, 11:55
For those in Kohala, the Fairmont Orchid resort is hosting its New Year’s party starting at 7:00 p.m. and going on to 12:15 a.m. the next day.
The party features face painting, canoe rides, dinner, fire pits with s’mores, and a dance party in addition to the midnight fireworks show.
Dinner pricing is split into three packages, whereas “after-party” pricing, which starts after dinner at 9:30 p.m. is cheaper at $100.
Check out details on the Fairmont website.
That’s all the public fireworks that are planned for Hawaii this year!
Of course, there will probably be plenty of people playing with fireworks around every town in Hawaii (with or without permits…), so keep your eyes peeled and your spirits up!
Fireworks isn’t all there is to do, however, so stay tuned for a list of things to do on New Year’s in Hawaii!
