Where to Welcome the New Year

By Vanessa Wolf

Options for ringing in 2014 range from pounding the pavement to sweating on the dance floor.

Those looking for a decadent food-based celebration can check out our listing of opulent NYE dining options here.

If you’re in shape for it or just want to get a jump on a plan to start working out, consider the First Annual Maui New Years Resolution Run.

Organizers invite you to “crawl, walk or run into the New Year” although we’d suggest if you were thinking about crawling, maybe just watch this year?

The event starts at 11:50 p.m. and at two miles those of you not crawling should be done just after the new year starts.

Sponsored by Paradise Grill in Kaanapali, it is an easy, flat course that starts and stops at the restaurant.

The $40 registration fee ($35 for those ages 4 to 13) includes glow sticks, horns, glowing necklaces and “pure fun.”

Please note, registration closes TODAY.

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If that sounds like too much work, Fleetwood’s On Front Street invites you to welcome the New Year with “glam and style.”

The restaurant will be ringing in the New Year with the elegant glamour of the Roaring 20s in “Great Gatsby” style.

Included in the price of admission are party favors, a New Year champagne toast, balloon drop and a countdown streamed from Las Vegas (so presumably at 10 p.m.) with Host Mick Fleetwood.

Admission tickets for dinner and the show are $229 with upgrades available.

Tickets for the show only are $129.

Also available are exclusive packages for those looking for a more intimate affair.

Call 808-669-MICK (6425) if this sounds like your cup of tea.

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If you’re looking for something a little less pricy, the Westin’s Pailolo Bar and Grill in Ka’anapali will be hosting their third annual Black and White Ball Drop party.

Featuring sounds by DJ Dan Illz, toast out the old and in with the new as they broadcast New York City’s ball drop celebration!

Events are from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and there is no cover.

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Upcountry?

Casanova’s in Makawao is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash.

Things start at 9:30 p.m. with smooth Brazilian jazz from duo “Nu Bossa.”

Then there’s an 80s themed dance party with the music and videos of DJ Blast.

Cover is $10 before 10 p.m. and $20 afterward and includes party favors and a midnight champagne toast.

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If you’re down south, Gannons is hosting their 4th annual New Year’s Eve party.

They invite you to break out your dancing shoes and cocktail dresses.

There will be party favors and four drink tickets apiece for all attendees.

The doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the event features a late night buffet until 10:30 p.m.

DJ Dan will be on hand to spin tunes and help you work off those calories until 1 a.m.

The event is $150 per person.

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Southsiders with tighter budgets may prefer Mulligan’s New Year on the Blue.

From 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The House Shakers featuring Lenny Castellanos, Paul Marchetti, Ken Geiser with Tim Osborne and Felicity Raugust will perform.

Cover is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Call 808-874-1131 for more information.

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As always, there are midnight fireworks launched from a barge anchored offshore and the best viewing points are considered the beach area between the Grand Wailea and The Four Seasons.

However, public parking is not available at that hour and the Shops at Wailea will be restricting parking to their dining guests.

Rent a room or wear comfortable shoes and plan to hike from Kihei, we suppose.

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Speaking of fireworks, if you happen to be on – or plan to head to – Lanai, a New Year’s Eve fireworks show above Hulopoe Bay is scheduled to happen at midnight.

The adjacent Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay will host a countdown to 2014 with The Brenna Whitaker Little Big Band. Brenna Whitaker recently signed with Verve/Universal and is working on her debut jazz album. She’s known as the go-to in Los Angeles for private, celebrity events and performed at celebrity weddings.

A cash bar will be available as well.

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Regardless of how you plan to celebrate, stay safe and have a Happy New Year!