Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Parties, Fireworks and More Events
Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou! Ring in 2026 with fireworks, ball drops, parties and dazzling events across O‘ahu.
Photos: Courtesy Of Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center
Discovery Center’s New Year’s at Noon
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Skip the late-night fuss and take your keiki to a celebration crafted for young partygoers. Countdown to 2026 at noon with a balloon drop and a variety of fun activities.
Family-friendly, $10 kama‘āina admission, free for infants under 1 year old, Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center, 111 Ohe St., Kaka‘ako, discoverycenterhawaii.org, @hawaiichildrensdiscoverycenter
SEE ALSO: Christmas and New Year’s Special Menus at O‘ahu Restaurants
Photo: Courtesy of Town Center of Mililani
Mililani’s The Noon Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Town Center of Mililani’s illuminated 12-foot pineapple will descend at noon in Center Court. Enjoy a family-friendly event with live performances by Likkle Jordee and high-energy haka, lion dance and taiko drum groups. There will also be face painting and giveaways throughout the day.
Family-friendly, free, Town Center of Mililani, 95-1249 Mehe‘ula Parkway, Mililani, towncenterofmililani.com, @towncenterofmililani
Dave & Buster’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
If you still want to stick to bedtime on New Year’s Eve, bring the ‘ohana to this early evening celebration that includes a strolling magician, balloon twisting, a DJ, an appetizer buffet and arcade games galore. Then gather for a ginger ale toast to ring in the new year.
Family-friendly, $37.59, Dave & Buster’s, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ala Moana, daveandbusters.com, @dnbhonolulu
Búho Cantina’s NYE 2026
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 1:30 a.m.
Sip and snack on happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m., then watch as the restaurant transforms into a rooftop bash at 7 p.m. Dress in your finest, dance to live DJs and enjoy a view of the Waikīkī fireworks show.
21+, $46.52, 2250 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, eventbrite.com, @buhocantina
New Year’s Eve on the Marina
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. dinner shows
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 1 a.m. VIP party
With three unique celebrations, choose how you want to ring in 2026 at this new venue in Hawai‘i Kai. Dine on a four-course dinner with entertainment by Henry Kapono and his band, slip into a speakeasy for dinner and music by Tavana or attend the VIP party with cocktails, dancing and music along the waterfront.
Ages 10+ for the dinner shows, Ages 21+ for the VIP Party, $75-$245, Kapono’s at The Lounge, 377 Keahole St., Hawai‘i Kai, kaponosatthelounge.com, @kaponosatthelounge
Sky Waikīkī’s High Resolution – New Year, New Heights
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 1:30 a.m.
Dress to impress at this chic rooftop nightclub with tunes by DJ Compose and DJ JEM, plus a stellar view of Waikīkī’s fireworks. Splurge on VIP table service for a private area, karaoke experience and access to the express admission line.
21+, +, tiered pricing starting at $50, VIP table service starts at $1,200, 2270 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, skywaikiki.com, @skywaikiki
Photo: Courtesy of The District Nightclub
The District Nightclub’s Silver & Stars New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 4 a.m.
Ring in the new year with a multi-sensory, DJ-led countdown enhanced by a 36-foot LED video wall, lasers and CO2 cryo cannons. General admission tickets include two drink tickets and are sold online and at the door. VIPs also get exclusive access to the Champagne room, which has its own dedicated DJ, snacks and party favors.
21+, $40 general admission, $70 VIP admission, The District, 1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Ala Moana, thedistricthi.com, @thedistricthi
Photo: Courtesy of Wai Kai
Wai Kai x Hawai‘i’s Finest Present New Year’s Eve 2026
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
At this property-wide event, you can surf under the stars on an artificial wave, dine at multiple eateries, including family-friendly options and a VIP party for the 21+ crowd, or chill out on the event lawn with live entertainment. Don’t miss the finale: a fireworks display over the Wai Kai Lagoon at midnight.
Family-friendly, free for general access to the event lawn, $65–$75 for night surfing, $100 VIP 21+ party, $500–$650 cabana rentals, Wai Kai, 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd., ‘Ewa Beach, waikai.com, @waikaiexperience
Photos: Courtesy of Hideout at The Laylow
Hideout at The Laylow’s Drip
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
Dress to dazzle at this open-air soirée in the heart of Waikīkī, where you can dance the night away to DJ J. Esco, enjoy party favors and appetizers and give a Champagne toast at midnight.
21+, $85 presale tickets, $105 day of tickets, VIP bottle service starts at $800, 2299 Kūhiō Ave., Waikīkī, eventbrite.com, @hideoutwaikiki
Photo: Courtesy of Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council
Nā Lei Aloha New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
Lū‘au meets New Year’s Eve bash hosted by local comedian Pashyn Santos on the open-air terrace at the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa. You’ll enjoy live Hawaiian music, hula by the cast of Nā Lei Aloha, a fire knife performance as well as dancing to DJ beats, a prime view of Waikīkī’s fireworks show and a Champagne toast.
21+, $149 general admission, $189 VIP admission, Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa, 2424 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, naleialoha.com, @naleialohaluau
New Year’s Eve at Podmore
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
This intimate celebration themed, “Forever Young,” takes you back to the 80s with a live duo performing your favorite iconic hits. Note—decade appropriate attire is encouraged, too. Sip on a champagne cocktail, snack on late night bites and celebrate with festive party favors.
21+, $125, 202 Merchant St., barpodmore.com, @barpodmore
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis Adventures
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
Step aboard the Majestic by Atlantis Cruises for a party at sea, and most importantly, an unobstructed view of Waikīkī’s fireworks. You’ll dance to a DJ, enjoy a complimentary drink and take in the twinkling skyline from this sleek 150-foot, three-level yacht.
Family-friendly, $99 adult, $49.50 child, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 6, 301 Aloha Tower Dr., Downtown, majestichawaii.com, @atlantishawaii
Photo: Courtesy of Waikīkī Improvement Association
Waikīkī’s New Year’s Fireworks
Wednesday, Dec. 31, midnight
Waikīkī comes alive with a dazzling fireworks show at the stroke of midnight. The fireworks barge will be located about a mile off the beach, and the fireworks themselves will be visible throughout Waikīkī and surrounding areas. Tune into 105.9 The Wave FM to listen to the accompanying music soundtrack.
Family-friendly, free, Waikīkī Beach, waikikiimprovement.com
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
