Christmas may be just behind us, but there’s not a lot of time to lose in planning for the next big event – New Years. And what better place to ring in the New Year than a tropical paradise. Have you ever considered renting a timeshare and experiencing New Year’s Eve in Hawaii? You’ll be glad you did – all over Hawaii the New Year is greeted with spectacular fireworks displays.
Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year’s Eve is believed to have originated centuries ago, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits, and thus ensure good luck for the new year. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks, and were the first to use them to spectacular effect in their new year celebrations.
More and more cities and towns in the U.S. are following that tradition, and happily, due to Hawaii’s large Asian immigrant population, fireworks have been the mainstay of New Year’s Eve celebrations for years on the Islands.
Following is a list of the biggest and best of Hawaii’s fireworks displays:
- Oahu
Midnight, Waikiki Beach fireworks display – Waikiki beachfront Free, open to public. Visible from the entire Waikiki beachfront, this annual fireworks show—sponsored by Waikiki hotels and businesses and the Waikiki Improvement Association—has a fun fireworks countdown before the main event.Midnight, Aloha Tower Marketplace fireworks show – Downtown Honolulu. Fireworks are shot from platforms docked in Honolulu Harbor so the best spots to watch are along the Marketplace long pier. Dining specials and entertainment are offered New Year’s Eve at many Marketplace restaurants.
Midnight, JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. Ko Olina Resort, 92-1001 Olani St. Fireworks are shot from Ihilani Resort beachfront, so they are visible to the public on the beach.
6 p.m., “Family New Year’s Eve Celebration” at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii – 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, Admission to the West Oahu water park required. The water park will open at 10:30 a.m. for full day of family activities. The fireworks show ends the day. Perfect for enjoying a New Year’s Eve fireworks display with your younger children.
- Big Island of Hawaii
Midnight, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Free to guests of the Haulalai resorts. Public viewing is available throughout the area. - Maui
Midnight, The Grand Wailea Resort – Free and open to the public viewing from Wailea Beach Park. The best spots for viewing are along Vailea Beach Park. If you’re staying in Wailea, just take the Wailea Coastal Walk to Wailea Beach. - Kauai
10pm, Sheraton Kauai Resort on Poipu Beach, Kauai’s south shore – Free, open to the public. The best views are at the Sheraton Kauai Resort and Poipu Beach Park, but you can catch the aerial display from many of the Poipu area resorts and condos.
Rent a Hawaii timeshare and enjoy a start to the New Year as only the beautiful Hawaiian Islands can offer.
Photo Credit: aquaresorts.com