The best 2017 New Year’s Eve parties and events in Hawaii
Start planning your New Year’s Eve with these events on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai and Lanai.
Whether you’re looking for a 21-and-over party with DJs and lots of booze or a romantic dinner for two with music and champagne, here is our list of recommended parties, dinners and cruises to ring in the New Year.
OAHU
New Year’s Eve 2018 at Buho Cocina y Cantina
Who needs a New Year’s Eve bash when you can have a fiesta? Set in the heart of Waikiki, this chic Mexican restaurant opens its rooftop bar as 2018 makes its arrival. Honolulu-based DJ Toma will be providing the night’s soundtrack, while you enjoy margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine. 21+, starts at 10 p.m., $50 general admission tickets, 2250 Kalakaua Ave., fifth floor, Waikiki, buhocantina.com.
New Year’s Eve Celebration: The Seven Kingdoms at RumFire
Party oceanfront around the Sheraton Waikiki’s pools with a perfect view of the midnight fireworks. Couple this with a constant mix of DJs, live entertainment and the famous RumFire bar for an unforgettable night. 21+, 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., $120 general admission tickets, VIP packages and separate Champagne Room bookings available, 2255 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki, rumfirewaikiki.com.
New Year’s Eve 2018 Masquerade Party at Sky Waikiki
You’ll find the best view of Waikiki at Sky Waikiki’s rooftop lounge. An upscale dress code is strictly enforced at this New Year’s gala (men must wear collared shirts, pants and dress shoes), and masquerade masks are highly recommended. Food and drinks will be on sale all night long, with the hosted bar featuring Ketel One Vodka and Veuve Clicquot Champagne. 21+, 8 p.m. to midnight, $200 general admission tickets, 2270 Kalakaua Ave., 19th Floor, Waikiki, skywaikiki.com.
Star of Honolulu’s New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise
If you’re looking for a different way to ring in the New Year, consider boarding the Star of Honolulu at the Aloha Tower Marketplace. While sailing beyond Diamond Head and down the Kahala Coastline, enjoy a three-course dinner, a view of the Waikiki fireworks and onboard entertainment. All ages, 10:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., $195 general admission tickets, 1 Aloha Tower Dr., Honolulu, starofhonolulu.com.
8th Annual Party of the Year
Party with the masses at Aloha Tower Marketplace with 30 bands and DJs, featuring Walshy Fire of Major Lazer. There will also be food trucks and the island’s largest fireworks show. Choose the Sunday-only pass at $45 for general admission, or get a two-day pass ($135 early general admission) and attend The Chainsmokers concert the night before on Dec. 30, too. For more information, visit tickets.nyehawaii.com.
MAUI
New Year’s Eve 2018 at the Wailea Beach Resort
Returning for its 10th year, the Wailea Beach Resort will host its annual benefit for the Maui Food Bank and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Entertainment stars include Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, the ever-so-funny Weird Al Yankovic and Maui-born musician Willie K. Also included is a private rooftop viewing of the Wailea firework show and full bar. All ages, doors open at 7:30 p.m., $675 general admission tickets, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr., Kihei. For tickets and further information, call the Wailea Beach Resort at (808) 879-1922 and ask for the concierge, or email nyewaileafundraiser@gmail.com.
Masquerade Ball at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Festivities begin at The Ritz-Carlton with a four-course meal at The Banyan Tree ($218 per person) or buffet dinner at The Terrace ($138 per adult), however, the real glamour and glitz is at the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Trays of hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by local favorite Nuff Sedd, a photo booth and a premium open bar will keep you busy until you’re counting down the New Year. Though this is a party for ages 21 and older, parents should check out the hotel’s New Year’s Creatures of the Night party for children ($94.95 per child ages 5-14). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., $250 general admission tickets with VIP options, 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Lahaina, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kapalua-maui.
John Popper New Year’s Eve at Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon
Classic rock and roll fans will want to be at Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon in Paia this New Year’s Eve, as they’ve brought down co-founder of band Blues Traveler and legendary harmonica player John Popper. Half talk story and half musical performance, this is a rare chance to get up close and personal with a rock icon while welcoming in the New Year. 21+, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., presale tickets at $90, 142 Hana Hwy., Paia, charleysmaui.com.
HAWAII ISLAND
Boho Beach Bash at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Polynesian dancers and a DJ will entertain, while pupu (appetizers) and handcrafted cocktails will keep you energized to dance the night away. All ages, 9 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., $75 general admission, 78-128 Ehukai S.t, Kailua-Kona, (808) 326-4969, sheratonkona.com/haleo-luau.
Mauna Lani Bay Poolside Party
Spend your evening oceanfront at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows with desserts, a midnight champagne toast, and music by local band Full Circle. End the night counting down to the New Year with your own fireworks show, courtesy of the resort. All ages, 9:30 p.m. to midnight, $72.50 per adult, $36.25 per teen, complimentary for ages 12 and under. 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast. For reservations, call (808) 881-7911 or email concierge@maunalani.com.
Hilton Waikoloa Village New Year’s Eve Party
Start early with a full dinner in the grand ballroom before busting out your dance moves to rock anthems and Top 40 hits performed by a nine-piece band. Drink specials and champagne cocktails will keep your night going until the countdown and balloon drop at midnight. All ages, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., $149 adults, $109 teens, $69 children; $65 for 10 p.m. entry. 269-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa. Call (808) 886-1234, ext. 54 for reservations or visit bit.ly.hwvevents.
KAUAI
New Year’s at RumFire Poipu
The island’s fireworks show takes place at Poipu Beach at 8 p.m., so follow it up with a romantic meal at the Sheraton Kauai Resort’s RumFire restaurant. Its special menu includes starters, such as king crab and an oxtail ravioli soup, and main entrees of seared scallops and a 10-ounce filet mignon. Service is until 10 p.m., but the bar will be open until 1 a.m. Sheraton Kauai Resort, 2440 Hoonani Rd., Koloa, rumfirekauai.com.
LANAI
New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Four Seasons Resort, Lanai
Dine at One Forty, Nobu Lanai or Malibu Farm and get free entry into the Four Season Resort Lanai’s New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be live entertainment, dancing, a champagne toast at midnight, and even a fireworks display, courtesy of the resort. All ages, 1 Manele Bay Rd., Lanai City, fourseasons.com/lanai/festive/.
