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The 10 Best New Year’s Eve Events for Families in Hawaii!

hi new years

New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be all late-night parties spent in bars—it can also be a day spent with family doing crafts or enjoying music and dance performances. These family-friendly activities in Hawaii are sure to please keiki of all ages, but do be sure to buy tickets as these events are sure to be popular!


1.The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, HI

Enjoy holiday craft activities at Candy Cane Lane in The Ritz-Carlton from 10 until 11 a.m. Kids will be able to take home their crafts. Later in the evening, from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., children ages five and older can spend New Year’s Eve learning about nocturnal wildlife. After their wildlife observations, kids can enjoy movies and games while counting down to New Year’s Eve. Please note that the New Year’s Creatures of the Night for Children is a ticketed event, but the craft activities in the morning is free to attend.

2.Poipu Beach Resort Association, Kauai, HI

Each year, Poipu Beach Resort Association throws a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party held on the beach. The event features a firework display, children’s movies played on the beach, and games. Other fun will be available too, including an auction and food stalls. Check back to their Facebook page soon to get more details as they are posted.

3.House Without a Key, Halekulani, Honolulu, HI

Make your little kid feel ultra special this New Year’s Eve with “grown up” New Year’s Eve entertainment and a buffet dinner. From 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., adults and children will be able to enjoy a buffet featuring Hawaiian specialties as well as hula dancers performing. This is a ticketed event, so be sure to book a table for your family in advance.

4.Drums of the Pacific Maui, Lahaina, HI

Drums of the Pacific is holding two special New Year’s Eve shows for families on Dec. 31. The first showing is great for little ones as it is held from 5 to 8 p.m. and includes an all you can eat buffet featuring prime rib and other Hawaiian favorites. A later event is also available from 9 p.m. until midnight. This second show also features a buffet and guests receive New Year’s Eve gifts and sparkling wine.

5.New Year’s Eve Cocktail Cruise, Lahaina, HI

Another option great for older kids is hopping aboard a cruise with PacificWhale Eco Adventures. This highly-rated cruise company is holding a special New Year’s Eve cruise with food, music, dancing, and a toast at midnight. Guests will get to see fireworks being set off along the coastline. A few cruise times are available and all return to land shortly after midnight.

6.Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, Honolulu, HI

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at noon with the littlest keiki at Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Kids will get to enjoy crafts, children’s activities, and a balloon drop at noon! This party is especially for parents and their children to ring in the New Year’s in a kid-oriented environment. 

7.Near Year’s Eve at Aulani Resort, Kapolei, HI

Of course, the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa offers a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration! This year there are three different NYE options including the Ka Wa’a Lu’au experience, which features Hawaiian music, dance, and food. Other events are the dinner buffet and Seaside Elegance—both of which offer discounted prices for babies and keiki, making these options much more affordable.

8.Dave and Buster’s New Year’s Eve 2018 Event, Honolulu, HI

Get ready for a night full of games and activities at Dave and Buster’s this New Year’s Eve. Celebrate from 5 to 8 p.m. with an appetizer buffet, dessert, and a $20 Power Card. Kids and their accompanying parents can continue playing until 11 p.m. for a whole night of games and prizes.

9.Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, HI

Book into Rainbow Lanai at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve buffet dinner from 5 until 9 p.m. Meals will feature a carving station, snow crab legs, salmon, and a wide variety of other options. Reservations for the New Year’s meal are recommended and the price for children is significantly less than adults!

HAPPY ALOHA FRIDAY! Our Friday Night Fireworks at 7:45pm tonight. #ourGifttoWaikiki #hiltonhawaiianvillage #fridaynightfireworks @mattkuji

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10.Waikiki Fireworks 2018, Honolulu, HI

Let your kids stay up late just this once for the annual Waikiki New Year’s Fireworks. Starting at 11:55 p.m. on Dec. 31, viewers should look towards the ocean with a radio in hand to enjoy a choreographed show designed by Grucci. These fireworks can be seen through numerous locations in Waikiki, or simply from the waterfront area.

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