NEW YEAR’S EVE GUIDE 2009
Image: John hook
John hook
NEW YEAR’S EVE GUIDE
Compiled by Margot Seeto
However you decide to pronounce the coming years of the next decade, ringing in the new should be all about having a good time. No empty resolutions and no false hope during a time of war and recession. But you can take a night off and ponder the past and the future while gazing at your reflection in your champagne glass. Or in the water of the toilet bowl you may be hugging at 4am. However your night ends up, enjoy the fireworks and the company of loved ones. Be safe and really, have a Happy New Year.
Concerts
Get kicked in the head by snot-nosed youth trying to crowd surf or sit at a white-clothed table while gracefully sipping a flute of champers. Either way, enjoy being entertained on the last night of the year.
Misfits
The New Year’s Evil show brings the celebrated (and perhaps feared) punk band well into its third decade of making everyday Halloween. Opening acts include Preachers That Lie (see the Weekly’s Dean Carrico drum his arse off), Psychotic Perverts, 86 List and Phoenix Rose.
Stylistics
Need more soul in your life? Let the ’70s show you how, Philly style. Get a drink with your ticket purchase or a bottle of champagne per couple. Bubbly plus “Betcha by Golly, Wow” equals one smooth entry into 2010.
Village People
It’s amazing that band members can still fit into their outfits. Brings back meaning to the YMCA beyond pilates classes.
Marine Corps League New Year’s Eve Comedy Show and Silent Auction
Comedian Bo Irvine and friends help you laugh out your stress from 2009 and welcome 2010, all smiles (and maybe a few side cramps). A fundraiser for the Marine Corps League Scholarship Fund. Pupu included.
Kaneohe Marine Corps Base–Klipper Golf Center, 8pm, $60 general, $75 VIP, 254-7563
Clubs
You like moving. Or just ogling. Maybe a little bit of both. Look good and get ready for more than Christian sidehugs at these sure-to-be-packed club events.
Flash and Matty Boy’s White Party
As most people outside of the Miami club circuit–at least those of us who never made it onto Sean Combs’ party invite list–don’t own spanking white clothes, get thee to the nearest fashion outlet. All white mandatory. Nothing too casual. Or ugly.
New Year’s Eve Circus
DJ Harvey and the thirtyninehotel All-Star Tigers DJ in the New Year with what owner Gelareh Khoie would call “real music.” So obviously, get ready to shake it. And maybe pop it, too.
New Year’s Eve at Elegant Dive
If Top 40 tunes from the ’80s through today draw you in, there will also be a champagne bar, LED bar and great view of the Waikiki fireworks.
Hula’s
Expect something racy for each year’s party. The theme to close out 2009 is “Tuxedo to Thong.” No further explanation needed.
Fusion
Even if your name isn’t Alice, you’re still invited to this “Wonderland,” which will include showgirls, a massive midnight balloon drop and a chance to win prizes (including a Wii).
Moana Surfrider
Local band eightOeight’s sounds will make you hit the dance floor. In between songs, take a break at the pupu and dessert buffet and enjoy the party favors.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
The Mai Tai Bar and Ocean Lawn join forces for this celebration. The Hot Club of Hulaville will take you tino 2010 with its energetic gypsy jazz sounds.
Zanzabar
On the heels of its 10th anniversary, the club shows that partying into the ’tweens is all the rage. Two rooms of music. Dress to impress.
Out and about
Here are a few chances to hit the pavement or the water for those who can’t be caged in one place all night.
Fourth Annual Quest for Father Time
Ravenchase Adventures’ city-wide scavenger hunt starts in downtown Honolulu and ends with an after-party filled with open bar, pupu buffet, live band, fireworks and champagne toast.
Makani Catamaran
Complimentary champagne all night plus two free drinks at the full-service bar. If that’s not enough to entice you–you’ll be on a boat! And you’ll get to see fireworks.
Star of Honolulu’s New Year’s Eve Cruise
Ring in the year on your sea legs. With fireworks, dinner, dancing, prizes and a champagne toast. Three cruise packages available.
Wholesomefun
New Year’s Eve at the Cathedral
An organ recital by John Renke followed by a blessing of the city will absolve you of your sins before you’ve even committed them.
Eats
Alan Wong’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
A tasting of five appetizers, lamb Wellington, butter-poached lobster and more. Go big or go home–no a la carte menu available this night.
Azure
The 2010 Hale Aina award winner for Best New Restaurant will serve up a special five-course dinner by Executive Chef Jon Matsubara.
Chai’s Island Bistro New Year’s Eve Menu
Choose the size of your stomach’s celebration. An a la carte menu gives you the choice of assembling a three- to five-course dinner. Choose among baked stuffed clams with lobster, shrimp and crab, roasted butternut squash and lobster bisque, deconstructed Beef Wellington and more. And enjoy live entertainment by romantic crooner Danny Couch.
Ciao Mein
The Chinese and Italian fusion restaurant will introduce a new menu for New Year’s Eve.
Don Ho’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Buffet dinner and fireworks, champagne and nightclub entry, prizes and general merriment.
Nobu
Be close to the Waikiki party madness at the trendy Nobu. Fill up on oysters and steamed abalone, lobster with uni butter, Washu beef short ribs with soba “risotto” and more.
Vino
Pre-party for your eve of shenanigans with a classy wine tasting of five types at two ounces each. If you are feeling the spirit of Vino, stick around for a dinner created by Chef Keith Endo.
Wolfgang’s New Year’s Eve Menu
Surf and turf is the party on your plate. Filet mignon, Australian lobster tail and complimentary champagne might put you out before the ball drops.
