It’s New Year’s in All Directions!

By Maesyn

With so many things to do this  2010-2011 New Year’s, you may be feeling overwhelmed.

Where to go? What to do?

Here is a comprehensive composite of many of the happenings on Maui this New Years, to help you make an informed decision on how to ring in 2011.

As you peruse it, you can practice your Hawaiian for “Happy New Year!” which is “Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!” (pronounced, “how-oh-lay ma-ka-hee-key ho”).

Sacred Earth Assembly

DR. NAT AT SACRED EARTH ASSEMBLY (Haiku)

Dr. Nat, a latin-funk-fusion performer with a wild 11 piece band, will take over the stage at the amazing Sacred Earth Assembly on New Year’s Eve. A more bohemian gathering, the night will feature a lineup of fantastic artists from around the island including Dr. Nat, Donny Divino Smith, Mirayah Delamar, The Sacred Earth Ensemble, Maesyn and others. The Sacred Earth Assembly temple space is an architectural feat of wonder, including a massive dome ceiling with a giant lotus flower in the very center, hilted by a gigantic crystal. The temple overlooks a breathtaking view of the ocean and contains art and sculpture by local pillar of the Maui community, Blue Mountain. Raw food snacks and a smattering of vegetarian food will be offered. Located at 4505 Hana Hwy, in Haiku, tickets are $40.

THE GRAND WAILEA (Makena)
The most popular and exciting fireworks display that will be visible throughout the island is hosted by the Grand Wailea Resort. Partygoers can take a seat and mingle by the sea and gorgeous beaches, and enjoy live music and food at the Botero bar. You can also see the fireworks for free from any of the surrounding beaches. The Grand Wailea is located at 3850 Wailea Alanui
Wailea-Makena, HI 96753. For more information go to their website.

FONDUE @ THE MELTING POT (Lahaina)
If you are a foodie, chances are your palate experience will palatially influence your celebration of the New Year. The exquisite food at The Melting Pot is sure to offer you a mellow evening full of intimate union with your loved ones. Reservations are required for the private event. Their New Year’s Eve experience includes a Champagne toast and souvenir picture for $62.50 per person. They are located at 325 Keawe St. Suite A202 (Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center) in Lahaina, 96761. For reservations visit their website.

LUAU @ THE HYATT REGENCY (Lahaina)
The gorgeous Hyatt Regency Resort will be hosting a New Year’s Even Luau Expect to see fire knife dancers, hula dancers, and be blown away by spectacular views. This is the only luau happening on Maui for New Year’s this year. You will be fed scrumptious food and showered with party favors while you enjoy the open bar and the view. The ticket is $138 per person. You can find more information and make reservations on their website

NEW YEAR’S ROCK OUT @ THE HARD ROCK CAFE (Lahaina)
To immerse yourself in a “New Year’s Rock Out,” head on over to the Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina. There will be reggae bands, champagne toasts and snacks from the restaurant. You can pre-reserve a booth to guarantee you a spot and access to the menu. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The party starts at 9 p.m. It is located at 900 Front St Lahaina, HI 96761. You can register at their website.

JOHN CRUZ @ STELLA BLUES (Kihei)
Enjoy a seven course meal at Stella Blues Supper Club. John Cruz will provide the entertainment. You can make reservations for dinner starting aat 8 p.m. Their New Year’s Eve dinner package costs $100 per person. Stella Blues is located at 1279 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei. To register or find more information, go to their website.

MAKENA RESORT (Makena)
Enjoy a luscious three course dinner and celebration at the famed Molokini Bar & Grille at the Makena Resort. Dinner is served from 6-9 p.m., and entertainment begins at 8:30. Tickets are $62 for Adults, and $82 with Wine Pairings. Children are $30 (ages 6-12). Find more information about the menu here.

WILLIE K AT MULLIGANS (Kihei)
Mulligans on the Blue presents a New Year’s Eve musical extravaganza with a taste ‘o the blarney, with Willie K in a full band performance. As guests mingle and dance, they can partake of Mulligan’s famous fare: an elaborate Irish-Hawaiian buffet. You can buy a dinner package for $70 that will reserve you a table and a 3 course meal for the evening. General admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For details go to their website.

PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION CRUISE (Lahaina)
The Pacific Whale Foundation will be offering their ever popular New Year’s Cruise. With Hawaiian style entertainment and a delicious 4 course meal, guests have the options of purchasing a regular package, or an upgraded package that guarantees them a private table on the bow or upper deck of the boat. The cruise departs at 10:45 from Lahaina and lasts for 2 hours. Find their different pricing options on their website to make reservations.

DAT GUYZ FREE SHOW @ LIFE’S A BEACH (Kihei)
For a free celebration full of Maui laid back mellowness and wild music, go to Life’s a Beach in Kihei. Dat Guyz will be playing live reggae music all night. With one dollar Mai Tais, party favors, and a complimentary champagne toast, this is certainly the most affordable option for your New Year’s. They are located at 1913 South Kihei Rd, Kihei.

Timba

BLACK & WHITE PARTY @ TIMBA (Lahaina)
For a formal affair, try the New year’s Eve Black and White party at Timba, one of Maui’s hottest clubs. An elegant nightclub with the island’s hottest DJ’s this is your best bet if you want to dance the night away in hip elegance. Located at 505 Front Street in Lahaina, the event is sure to sell out, as it has the last eight years. Tickets are $35. Call 808-463-1371 to pre-purchase your tickets or tables. Check out the venue at their website.

FAIRMONT KEA LANI’S TOTALLY TUBULAR 80’s PARTY (Wailea)
In possibly the most creative New Year’s celebration on the island, check out the Fairmont Kea Lani’s Totally Tubular New Year’s Eve 80′s Party. The event will feature a 7 p.m. reception with pupus, games, fortune tellers, and children’s prizes followed by a gourmet buffet featuring lobster and filet mignon. In the later evening there will be dancing in the grand ballroom and a DJ leading up to the midnight New Year’s Eve countdown. Tickets are $250.00 per person for adults. For kids 16-20 years old tickets are $100.00, and for 6-15 years old tickets are $40. Children 5 years and under complimentary. Call 808-875-2290 or email [email protected] for reservations. Reservations are limited and are required, and can be placed on their website.

DJ DON @ CASSANOVA’S (Makawao)
DJ Don will be throwing a massive party at Cassanova’s Restaurant, where DJ Marasco and DJ Sid will be spinning dance tunes all evening. Ladies get in free until 11 p.m. Dinner will be served until 9 p.m. and there will be plenty of Champagne on hand to ring in the New Year. Cover is $20 with dinner purchase, $25 at the door. The address is 1188 Makawao Ave, Makawao. Call (808) 572-0220 for reservations.

NEW YEAR’S CRUISE ON THE PRIDE OF MAUI
And for next year, be sure to book far in advance for the most popular New Year’s Cruise on the island. Unfortunately, it is already sold out this year, but booking in advance for next year is always recommended. You could choose to cruise into the New Year sailing in style on the Pride of Maui, a catamaran complete with live music, catered food and desserts, an open bar and a champagne toast. Relax on the calming waters off shore and watch fireworks explode from all around the island! You can find more information here.

Whatever delights, parties, and adventures this New Year’s brings your way, be sure to be safe, have a blast, leave the past behind and start fresh!

Aloha and Happy New Year!