• "Hau'oli Makahiki Ho" means "Happy New Year" in Hawaiian.hawaii view image by csaba fikker from Fotolia.com
  
  Hawaii is a popular destination for a weather-weary tourist, especially during the cold winter months for the rest of the continental United States. Mid-December through mid-March and early April is known as "high season" for that reason. This makes Hawaii especially crowded due to holiday travel during the last two weeks of the year. Not only do temperatures rarely vary in degree, Waikiki Beach in particular is known for its continuous sunshine. This makes it an ideal spot to enjoy special New Year's Eve traditions, Hawaii style.
  
  

Quest for Father Time, Honolulu

• Hawaii's state capital rings in the new year with fireworks that explode over Honolulu Harbor at midnight. For an experience off the beaten path, opt for the annual Ravenchase Quest for Father Time. This New Year's Eve adventure pits participants against the cranky Father Time, determined to keep us all locked in the old year. Clues begin at Aloha Tower and the game continues until participants defeat this sinister plot. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. A champagne celebration follows, and this after-party lasts from 9 p.m. through midnight. There's a buffet, live music and dancing to celebrate your victory.
  
  Father Time Hawaii
  
  808-203-8963
  
  www.fathertimerace.com
  
  

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

• This sunny spot on the beach of Honolulu offers several New Year's Eve festivities. There's the Hilton's Starlight Luau, which is the only outdoor luau in Waikiki. This provides exciting live entertainment right under the stars. Hula your way into a new year while dining on traditional foods like pig and fish. The Hilton Hawaiian Village also sponsors a fireworks display in Waikiki every Friday, and New Year's Eve follows this same tradition.
  
  Hilton Hawaiian Village
  
  2005 Kalia Road
  
  Honolulu, HI
  
  808-949-4321
  
  www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
  
  

Honolulu Dinner Cruises

• The Star of Honolulu provides four different cruises to celebrate New Year's Eve. The Admiral's Dinner, Jazz and Fireworks provides adults with a five-course French dinner, jazz music and your own ocean view of the fireworks from Honolulu. For a romantic adults-only experience, a three-course French meal is enjoyed in their private lounge, topping the night and the year with champagne and fireworks. The Celebration dinner comes with a steak and lobster dinner and a show that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For the 21 and over set, try their Cocktail Fireworks cruise, to drink and dance your way into the New Year.
  
  The Star of Honolulu departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8 in Honolulu.
  
  Star of Honolulu Cruises & Events
  
  808-983-7827
  
  www.starofhonolulu.com