How to CELEBRATE New Years in Hawaii

What better place to Celebrate New Years Than HAWAII?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunblock
• Lodging
• Vacation Time

1. Celebrating New Years in a TROPICAL Paradise can be a REAL change of pace!
   
   Hawaii in Late December, Early January is still warmer and nicer than most of the U.S.! It is also a GREAT destination for New Years! Depending which island you choose, the party can be MILD to WILD!
   We will concentrate on Oahu and the Big island, Hawaii.
2. If you have considered visiting Hawaii and can do it during the New Years Holiday, it can be a LOT of fun!
   For Retired or Active Military, Oahu has a PRIVATE Military Beach available with camping. Also, lodging on base at discounted rates.
   Hotels can fill up FAST, so plan ahead.
   And SURFERS Beware! Winter Storms can create 40 foot SWELLS on the North Shore!
   Regardless of whether you are a family of 6 or going SOLO, Hawaii offers many options for relaxing and ADVENTURE!
3. For starters, remember that Hawaii is a TOURIST destination. as such, it can be VERY expensive. Most stores have LOCAL and TOURIST Prices! Shop around and try not to stick out too much. Expect to pay more than usual and try to go a little off the beaten path.
   A rental car is pretty necessary if you want to see most of the island. In Oahu, Snorkeling at Hunama bay is NOT to be missed. On the Big island, the volcano Kilauea is hard to miss!
   
   Save some money for a Helicopter Tour of the Big Island , or an Island HOP (from one island to the next).
   Of course, the best part about Hawaii around New Years is the WATER! It's Warm and CLEAR!
4. One thing that you will notice on New Years are the FIRECRACKERS! It's a Hawaiian Tradition! They are Everywhere on New Years Eve! Be safe and use common sense!
   
   Also, try to dress in layers. It is warm, but the weather can change rapidly!
   And those weather changes can bring INCREDIBLE changes in the ocean. You don't want to get rescued by one of those LIFEGUARDS on JET SKIS!!! Be careful in the water. The NORTH SHORE of Oahu is KNOWN for BRUTAL surf! Stay on the South side of the island. On the Big Island, Surf is harder to find. Oahu and Maui are the best bet for Surfers!
   Snow boarders, that's another story!
   YES, you can Snow Board on the BIG ISLAND! But Just like surfing 40 foot waves, it's NOT for your typical first timer!
   The climb is BRUTAL (on your vehicle) and the altitude is Mind Boggling! 13,000 + feet!
   No ski resort or Lifts... Just NUTTY people who DRIVE up and try to SKI/SNOWBOARD DOWN!
   BUT, YES YOU CAN SKI OR SNOWBOARD, and Surf in the same day!
5. Overall,
   Hawaii is a GREAT New Years Destination. They DO celebrate the New Year. You are IN a Tropical Paradise.... and there is something for EVERYONE!
   
   Try a Manapua (dumpling filled with meat), find a new BRAH (friend), Get called a Haole (howlie-foreigner), and be a "Gremmie" (better get some surf lessons)!
   
   
   Mahalo.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your flight and Lodging EARLY!
• Pack what you think you might need, but pack LIGHT!
• Plan ahead if you have KIDS.. they will have a BLAST!
• Hawaii is a STATE, but the Locals are HAWAIIAN and AMERICAN.
• Try to obey local laws and Customs.
• Cell Phone, Internet and Other Communication can be Spotty or Non-existent in remote areas.