“Hau’oli Makahiki Hou” as we like to say here, or Happy New Year! Always a time of celebration, with a distinctly Hawaii-style flair that’s unique. The countdown to New Years is on.
New Year’s Eve in Hawaii | Free Hawaii Fireworks
The new year arrives in Hawaii last (well nearly last – there is one more time zone to the west which is Midway and American Samoa). When the New Year does finally start in Hawaii, it will do so in island style including New Years Eve parties, fireworks, parties, food, drink, beach activities and more.
Hawaii’s diverse ethnic population ensures a unique, rich New Year, a Hawaiian fusion of traditions that begin with fireworks. Hawaii’s deep Chinese roots brought these to the islands a very long time ago.
New Year’s in Hawaii is a great time to celebrate. The warm winter weather and an ocean temperature still in the 70′s makes this the perfect place to start the year.
Food traditions abound for New Year’s celebrations in Hawaii. Favorites include Mochi pounding, for the creation of Japanese rice cakes. Others are Portuguese bean soup, Filipino pork adobo and Chinese dumplings.
Hawaii Fireworks Displays
You’re sure to find an array of fireworks shows every year on all the Hawaiian islands. Many of these can be viewed from land or by cruises timed during the Honolulu fireworks and the Maui fireworks.
Honolulu Fireworks
- Waikiki continues its tradition of Honolulu fireworks at midnight launched from a barge just offshore. Watch either from the beach or from the water via local Waikiki cruise companies including the popular Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise.
- Ko Olina Resort will be having at fireworks display at midnight.
Maui Fireworks
- Between the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, you can again watch traditional fireworks at midnight. The display is shot from an off-shore barge. This is very popular and parking has been a challenge in past years, so get there early and get comfortable. The fireworks start at midnight.
Kauai Fireworks
- At Poipu BeachPark you’ll find the annual Kauai New Year’s Eve celebration which includes a music fest and fireworks. It will be starting at approximately 8:45 pm. (Event is not confirmed).
Big Island Fireworks
- Entertainment and fireworks are an annual event at Kailua-Kona town. The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is having its annual celebration too, which begins at 8 pm.
- Hilo fireworks start over the ocean will be starting at midnight.
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New Year’s Eve “Hawaiaka” Ceremony
Muaisa Hale Pule is surrounded by a number of ranches that, on New Year’s Eve, put on their own fireworks displays. Because of this, during that week, we move our usual Sunday evening ‘Hawaiaka’ Sacred Plant Ceremony to December 31. Situated in the center of several of ranches’ displays, we start our ‘Hawaiaka’ Ceremony at 7 PM; so that by midnight, we can wind down and go out onto the lawns to view the overhead light show. It can be an amazing, spectacular event.
Where exactly is over the ocean? I think whom ever put the wording here on the Internet meant over on the ocean at – Hilo Bay “
Please be more specific. Aloha to everyone reading have a safe & blessed New Years 🤙🏼
Will the Big Island fireworks over the ocean be over Hilo Bay?
So it is a Tradition ?
Ko Olina on Oahu will also be having a fireworks display at midnight.
Hi Alfred.
Thanks. We added it.
Aloha.
Happy New Year Rob & Jeff,. You have been our best source for island information throughout 2021. You are priceless. Mahalo
Hi Linda.
Thanks so much! You just made both of our days. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!
Aloha.
I really miss attending the Poipu every New Years – this article says “not confirmed”. How and when WILL it be confirmed or canceled? Thanks –
Hi Matt.
The organization that used to run it is no longer in business. So it will either happen or it won’t.
Aloha.
FYI there are no official NY Eve fireworks display in Kona. Plenty of illegal ones though…
Hi Paul.
Thanks. Updated.
Aloha.
That’s a fact. In 1985 Ali’i Drive had so much red paper from bricks of fireworks it was like wading through a ticker tape parade! In the middle of the street!!!