663811 Sat Oct 31 21:04:12 -0700 2009 6 25 Elsewhere In America 0 5146106 Our family (4 adults and a 6 month old) will be celebrating in Waikiki this year. Any recommendations on where to eat/enjoy the evening? Will most of the restaurants be operating? We are looking for a family friendly place, we are open to any type of food. No precise budget in mind, but do not necessarily want to splurge for that specific night, rather have a nice easy going yet delicious experience. Thanks for your suggestions :) Sat Oct 31 21:04:12 -0700 2009 207118 plumeria 1 5146239 Try Wailana Coffee House www.yelp.com/biz/wailana-coffee-house-honolulu Don't know their hours for New Years. Haven't been to Waikiki in years to celebrate New Years, but I remember it being real crazy at midnight. Might be a little tamer now days... Sun Nov 01 01:14:09 -0700 2009 5146106 258262 flylice2x 2 5148819 Hawaii still celebrates new years loudly, perhaps not quite as loudly as it used to, but the asian influence of needing to scare away all the demons (or at least smoke them out) is still alive and well. For those with respiratory issues, plan to stay in the hotel room with the windows closed tight. As far as restaurants go, almost all of them, especially in Waikiki will be open. There are any number of threads on dining in Waikiki and nearby. Take a look at some of those and let us know if you have any specific questions. Wailana Coffee Shop is always a good rec. Mon Nov 02 08:07:18 -0800 2009 5146239 57890 KaimukiMan 1 5151314 I am in Waikiki every New Years and must say it is a great place for revelers especially families. For a bit more upscale dining try the Top of Waikiki which usually has two seatings that eve. I am sure Azure at the Royal Hawaiian will have something as well and food there is great in a beachside setting. All the other places on Beachwalk would be fun as well-a little more modest in price such as Yardman, Roys etc. Being in that vicinity would be an easy walk to the beach later to watch the fireworks and greet the New Year. Unlike times Sq in NYC it doesnt get crazy to the point of being dangerous and perfect venue for a night out with family and freinds. Tue Nov 03 03:41:08 -0800 2009 5146106 105205 UES Mayor 1 5180529 Given your specs., I am thinking of the Shorebird Beach Broiler (http://honolulu.diningguide.com/data/d100124.htm) in the Outrigger Reef (one of what, a dozen Outriggers?). It is a tad touristy, BUT, they have fire pits where you grill your own fresh fish. You order from the nightly list and then get choices of marinades and sauces, plus order the sides. The location cannot be beaten, as you will sit right on Waikiki Beach. The service (what is needed, as you do the cooking) is perfectly fine, and it's between a "family" restaurant and a higher-end hotel restaurant. It is NOT fine-dining, but that does not sound like what you are seeking. To whomever is doing the cooking in the family - do not do the bar offerings too much, prior to the cooking, or the family will shun you. Go for sunset seating, dine and enjoy. Have a few drinks and then, as KaimukiMan suggests, retire and shut your windows. Enjoy, Hunt PS - hope that it has not changed too much. Fri Nov 13 20:57:39 -0800 2009 5146106 11329 Bill Hunt 2 5180659 haha, i suggested those with respiratory issues shut the windows. everyone else should be out choking on the smoky air so thick it looks like a fog-bank sometimes. no place else in America celebrates New Years like Honolulu does. Embrace it, enjoy it... then AFTER midnight go back, take a shower, and hit the sack. Fri Nov 13 23:48:20 -0800 2009 5180529 57890 KaimukiMan 3 5182369 Going back some decades, my tennis doubles partner was 2nd generation Chinese. His famil owned several restauratnts in New Orleans, so we were gusts at every celebration. The cordite was always heavy in the air, and we even got to do the dragon-dance at many, though we were out of "the family." In my advanced age, I want a great meal, and then a warm, quite bed. Last trip to Maui, we scheduled things so as to NOT coincide with Halloween in Lahaina. We've done Mardi Gras many times, and do not need to try and recreate that. Those are the reasons that I ceased onto your comments. Now, if the OP is younger than I am, and most are, celebrations will be different. Been there - done that is my reply. Good tips! Mahalo and much aloha, Hunt Sat Nov 14 20:13:08 -0800 2009 5180659 11329 Bill Hunt