Celebrate with the family, see fireworks, dance all night, and start the year off right with blessings and a parade on New Year’s Day. Here’s a roundup of some public events planned for the holiday. Find a full list of concerts, nightclub parties and other special events at staradvertiser.com.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
>> Waikiki fireworks: The night skies will be lit by state-of-the-art, computer-fired fireworks in the annual show from Fireworks by Grucci. Sponsored by the Waikiki Improvement Association, more than 100,000 spectators are expected for the colorful explosive display launched from an offshore barge. The show starts at 11:55 p.m. Monday with music choreographed on Kool Gold 107.9, AM/FM The Answer, Country 97.5, and Real Country 95.1. The 8- to 10-minute fireworks show will include designs of palm trees, rings, strobes, sparkling fans, colorful falling leaves, brocades and willows falling to the ocean.
>> Mililani Pineapple Drop: A family-friendly celebration featuring a 12-foot-tall pineapple adorned with more than 900 feet of lights and 2,500 bulbs. There will be entertainment by the Asian Lion Dance Team, Ryugen Taiko and Josh Tatofi. Activities include temporary tattoos, contests and more. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday (7 p.m. pineapple drop), Town Center of Mililani. towncenterofmililani.com
NEW YEAR’S DAY
>> Hatsumode 2019: Let a Japanese Shishi lion “bite” your head for good luck and enjoy sake infused with 24-karat gold flakes and ozoni mochi soup. Midnight-4 p.m. Tuesday, Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu, 1239 Olomea St. (next to Honolulu Ford). Parking with free shuttle at Damien Memorial School. e-shrine.org
>> 2019 Hatsumode: Receive traditional Japanese New Year’s blessings at Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii. Ofuda (talisman) and omamori (amulet) for the blessing and protection of businesses, homes and people are available. Midnight-5 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday- Thursday at the shrine, 215 N. Kukui St. 538-7778, izumotaishahawaii@gmail.com
>> Lanikai’s 51st annual Woes Day Parade and Recovery Party: The Lanikai New Year’s Day tradition features a parade themed “Get the Scoop as you Bike the Loop!” Breakfast ($5) and Dixieland jazz music will follow. 9 a.m. parade, 9:30 a.m. breakfast, Lanikai Park. 295-3856
