New Year’s celebrations on Oahu bring fireworks and a first-day hike
New Year’s festivities on Oahu include parties into the wee hours and an early-morning hike to see the island’s first sunrise on Jan. 1.
More than 100,000 people are expected to gather in Waikiki high-rises and along the beach for Honolulu’s annual fireworks show.
Starting at 11:55 p.m. Dec. 31, a single rocket is launched every 60 seconds from an offshore barge as onlookers bid farewell to 2018.
At the stroke of midnight, a fusillade of fireworks up to 10 minutes long brightens the night sky over the water. The pyrotechnics include designs such as swaying palm trees and multi-colored leaves that fall from the sky into the sea.
For early risers, Hawaii’s First Day Hike takes locals and visitors on a guided trail walk to Oahu’s Makapuu Lighthouse in time to witness the first sunrise of the year.
The gates at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, located at the easternmost point on the island, open at 5:30 a.m. The sun will rise about an hour and a half later.
Before the hike, a ceremony begins with the traditional blowing of a conch shell followed by an oli, a chanted Hawaiian blessing. A taiko drum group is to perform as people begin to make their way along the one-mile trail that leads to the lighthouse and a lookout.
The relatively easy walk takes place on a paved trail that’s also handicap-accessible. (However, there are no restrooms or drinking water available.)
The trail is 15 miles from Waikiki on the other side of Oahu.
Twitter: @latimestravel
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