You’ve been in Hawaii for a while now, and you finally understand bus schedules, the zoo and aquarium hours, and golf course tee times. But, WAIT! It’s New Year’s Day, and some services and places in Hawaii are barely open — or closed altogether. What’s a traveler to do?
Hawaii Aloha Travel to the rescue! Here’s a look at some of changes you’ll find on New Year’s Day in Hawaii:
Oahu:
- Emergency ambulance, fire, lifeguard, and police services will be available.
- TheBus will operate on a Sunday schedule. Visit thebus.org for route and schedule information.
- The Honolulu Zoo will be open.
- The Waikiki Aquarium has reduced hours-11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The Pali and West Loch golf courses will be closed.
- The botanical gardens will be closed.
- The People’s Open Markets will not be held.
- The Ala Wai, Ted Makalena and Ewa Villages golf courses will be open from 7–11 a.m. for 18-hole play and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for 9-hole play. The Kahuku Golf Course will be open from 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
- On-street parking will be free, except for the meters on Kalākaua Avenue along Queen Kapi‘olani Park and metered parking lots.
- Traffic lanes will not be coned for contraflow.
- All Satellite City Halls and Driver’s License offices will be closed.
Maui:
- Federal, state and county offices will be closed on Friday in observance of New Year’s Day.
- All public libraries will be closed from Friday through Sunday.
Kauai:
- The Wailua Golf Course will be closed.
- Kapaa and Waimea swimming pools will be closed.
- All of the neighborhood centers will be closed.
Nearly all visitor attractions and shopping centers will be open for business on New Year’s Day, as will restaurants and grocery stores. However, it’s important to keep in mind that smaller “mom and pop” stores may be closed on New Year’s Day on all islands.
Of course, all Hawaii activities booked through Hawaii Aloha Travel for New Year’s Day will be up-and-running as usual. However, if you plan to take public transportation to or from any of your scheduled activities, make sure you check the bus schedule, as many bus systems are running on a holiday schedule.
You may be a bit weary from partying all night New Year’s Eve, but January 1st is a great day to get out and explore whichever island you’re on. So, grab a cup of coffee, check your Hawaii Aloha Travel blog, and enjoy the first day of the new year in paradise!
