Your Guide to New Year’s Eve Festivities and New Year’s Day Events for 2026

woman holding sparklers

With the year coming to an end, it’s time to gear up for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration filled with happiness and connection. From spectacular fireworks to engaging cultural events, there are plenty of family-friendly options to enjoy. Let’s discover the exciting ways to ring in the New Year together!


New Year’s at Noon

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center

Families are invited to rock, roll, and ring in the New Year at the island’s only New Year’s Eve party designed just for kids! The event features lively music, fun activities, and a thrilling balloon drop as little ones countdown to NOON. It’s the perfect way for children to celebrate the New Year with excitement and joy!

For more information, please visit discoverycenterhawaii.org.


The All New Noon Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Town Center of Mililani, Center Stage

Ring in the New Year with a family friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration at the Town Center of Mililani. This lively ‘ohana event features cultural performances including Haka and Tahitian dance, Chinese lion dance, and powerful taiko drumming, plus a headline music performance by Likkle Jordee. Kids will love the face painting and giveaways, and everyone can join the excitement as the iconic Mililani Pineapple drops at noon. A fun, festive way for all ages to welcome the New Year together.

For more information, please visit towncenterofmililani.com.


Celebrate NYE Early at Dave & Buster’s

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Dave & Buster’s

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with nonstop energy and family friendly fun at Dave and Buster’s. This arcade meets night out experience combines unlimited games, interactive attractions, and prize challenges with crowd pleasing food and drinks. Families can enjoy a festive countdown complete with party favors, music from a high energy DJ, and extra entertainment like strolling magic and balloon artists. It is a lively, all ages way to welcome the New Year with laughs, friendly competition, and plenty of excitement to keep everyone entertained.

For more information, please visit feverup.com.


New Year’s Eve Soirée

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 9:00pm – 1:00am
Turtle Bay Resort

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay on the North Shore! Join the ultimate soirée featuring handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and dancing under the stars. This unforgettable night promises fun for all ages and a chance to ring in 2026 with glamour and excitement.

For more information, please visit turtlebayresort.com.


New Year’s Eve at Wai Kai

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 9:00pm – 1:00am
Wai Kai

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a high energy, all ages experience at Wai Kai, where community, entertainment, and waterfront fun come together. This property wide celebration features live music curated by Hawaii’s Finest, late night activities, special dining options, and a spectacular midnight fireworks show over the lagoon. Guests can enjoy free lawn seating for performances, elevated VIP experiences for adults, cabana rentals, and even late night surfing sessions. With something for every age and interest, this festive gathering offers a memorable way to welcome the New Year island style.

For more information, please visit waikai.com.


December Great Grand Purification

Daijingu Temple of Hawaii
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 12:00am – Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 4:30pm

Welcome the New Year with a meaningful cultural tradition at the Daijingu Temple of Hawaii as 2026 begins. Visitors are invited to gather for blessings from the Shinto priest, observe proper purification rituals before entering, and start the year with reflection and intention. Guests may also bring their previous year’s omamori for respectful disposal at the shrine. This peaceful New Year’s observance offers a unique opportunity to honor tradition, receive blessings, and begin the Year of the Horse with gratitude and renewal.

For more information, please visit daijingutemple.org.


Waikiki New Year’s Fireworks

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Midnight
Waikiki Beach

Sponsored by the Waikiki Improvement Association, the 2026 Waikiki New Year’s Fireworks show promises a stunning array of vibrant colors and sparkling effects, set to festive music. Visible along the Waikiki shoreline, this dazzling performance celebrates the spirit of unity and offers a perfect way to welcome the new year in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

For more information, please visit waikikiimprovement.com.


New Year’s Blessing (Hatsumoude)

January 1-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2026, Hours Vary by Day
Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii

Celebrate the New Year with a special “Hatsumoude” blessing at the Shrine, available all day during the first four days of the year and weekends through January 18. No reservations are needed for the short blessing or to purchase Omamori and Ofuda. Visit at your convenience and receive a peaceful start to the year with this meaningful tradition.

For more information, please visit izumotaishahawaii.com.


2025 New Year’s ʻOhana Festival (NYOF)

Sunday, January 11, 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the New Year’s ʻOhana Festival, a free, family friendly community celebration honoring local and Japanese New Year traditions. Held in the heart of Mōʻiliʻili, this beloved annual event features live music and dance, cultural demonstrations, hands on activities, and plenty of local food to enjoy. Highlights include the opening ceremony of the Cherry Blossom Festival and festive experiences for all ages. It is a joyful way for families to come together, celebrate culture, and start the new year with community and tradition.

For more information, please visit jcchawaii.org.


Family Mochi Blessing

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Honbushin International Center

Ring in the New Year with gratitude and joy at Honbushin International Center’s New Year Mochitsuki Ceremony. This special event invites the whole family to celebrate by engaging in the authentic Japanese tradition of mochi pounding. Give thanks for the past year and pray for your family’s health and happiness in the year ahead. Expert guides will lead you through the entire process, from pounding the mochi rice to shaping it into smooth, bite-sized pieces.

For more information, please visit hichawaii.com.

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