6 Best 2015 Oahu New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Are you ready to ring in the new year in paradise? I thought so!

If you’re visiting Hawaii, you have your choice of Oahu New Year’s Eve bashes—some of which are family-friendly and some that are for grown-ups only. Here’s a look at the top 6 Oahu New Year’s Eve celebrations, so you can decide how and where you want to welcome 2016:

1. Night Circus: One of Hawaii’s most popular hotels, the Sheraton Waikiki, is hosting a New Year’s Eve spectacle that’s sure to rival any ball-drop on the mainland. “Night Circus” will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, and will continue through 2:30 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2016. The event will feature four live deejays spinning Top 40 hits, Go-Go dancers, firebreathers, aerialists and more. And, the extravaganza will take place at RumFire, Helumoa Pool and the Infinity Edge Pool, providing the best views of the midnight fireworks off Waikiki. Tickets go on sale on Sunday, November 1 at HonoluluBoxOffice.com. Presale tickets cost $85 (and will be sold through December 20), $100 for regular-priced tickets, and $50 if purchased after midnight on Jan. 1.

2. Aloha Tower Marketplace Entertainment and Fireworks: The celebrations at Aloha Tower start at 7:00 p.m. and end around 2:00 a.m. Multiple stages host live music during the course of the event. Face painting, giveaways and balloon animals are just a few of the fun features. Aloha Tower restaurants, will offer special dining packages on New Year’s Eve, and the evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. Ticket prices start at $40.

3. Take a Cruise: The Star of Honolulu is offering a cruise on The Dolphin Star, featuring live music and dancing, plus a champagne toast and party favors. Then, enjoy the Aloha Tower fireworks to ring in 2016. The cruise starts at 10:15 p.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m. The Pacific Whale Foundation and Navatek cruises also offer their take on a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration, but you need to book ASAP to get a spot. If you miss-out on the New Year’s Eve cruise, never fear! You can always book a Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise through Hawaii Aloha Travel during the last days of 2015 or the first days of 2016!

4. Pineapple Drop: If you have the kids in-tow, you’ll want to check-out the Mililani New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy performances by The Deadbeats, Crimson Apple, American Idol Finalist Camile Velasco featuring the band TTYM, and Bungie the Clown. Entertaining the little ones is easy—at the even, you’ll find firecrackers, confetti cannons, food booths and lots of family fun.

5. Turtle Bay: What better way to ring-in 2016 than with a masquerade ball? Head to Turtle Bay’s Kuilima Ballroom for family-friendly fun food and entertainment. Doors open at 7 p.m., and dinner starts at 8:30 p.m.  At 10 p.m., a live DJ and the band, Nesian NINE, settle-in for four hours of live entertainment until 2 a.m. Book your Turtle Bay vacation through Hawaii Aloha Travel, and enjoy discounted prices on rooms. Then, use that extra cash to pay for your ticket to the resort’s New Year’s Eve bash!

6. Go Pink: Pink is the new black, especially on New Year’s Eve at The Royal Hawaiian’s Ocean Lawn on Thursday, December 31, featuring champagne tastings and live entertainment. Tickets are $100 per person, and $50 for children under the age of 12.

Start 2016 off right—check-out these Oahu New Year’s Eve celebrations, and say good-bye to 2015 in-style!

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Dec 23, 2015