The Best Places To Watch the Friday Fireworks Show in Waikīkī
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort fireworks show begins at 8 p.m every Friday night.
Every Friday since 1988, with the exception of two years during the pandemic, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort has lit up the sky with fireworks just after sunset. Visitors and locals enjoy the show from high-rise and beachfront restaurants, the beach and even from the water. Here are a few of our favorite spots to watch.
Mariposa, Neiman Marcus
Photo: Courtesy of Mariposa Hawaiʻi
This hidden gem tucked away on the third floor of Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center is known for its lānai (veranda). A table here guarantees you a front row seat to the fireworks show. You can essentially see the show from anywhere in the restaurant though. mariposa.com
The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood, Ala Moana Hotel
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On the 36th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel sweeping views and sizzling steaks await. Line up early for the famous happy hour served nightly in the lounge and linger for the fireworks, or reserve a table anywhere in the dining room for an even better view. signatureprimesteak.com
Wai‘olu Ocean Cuisine, Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach
Photo: Courtesy of Waiʻolu Ocean Cuisine
Reserve a table here if you are in the mood for sushi and fresh seafood dishes. The menu offers everything from local shrimp and amberjack to Atlantic lobster, and for the meat lovers juicy NY stripsteaks and braised short ribs. All tables have a view of the show. hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlwiol-ka-lai-waikiki-beach/dining/waiolu-ocean-cuisine
The Grove, The Modern
From the lobby, go one floor up to find live music and cocktails at The Grove pool bar. Sit beneath the mangosteen trees and sip on a POG (passion fruit, orange and guava) or Pineapple Coconut (our favorite) Slushie (virgin or with your choice of vodka or rum). If you sit closest to the harbor youʻll have a front row seat for the fireworks. hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlmogv-hilton-vacation-club-the-modern-honolulu/dining
Friday Fireworks & Cocktail Cruise, Majestic by Atlantis Cruises
Photo: Courtesy of Majestic by Atlantis Cruises
Departing from Aloha Tower, the Majestic Friday Fireworks cruise offers 360 views of the fireworks, details from a local guide about famous Waikīkī landmarks and live entertainment from a luxury three-level cruise ship. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail when you board and enjoy it from either the air-conditioned lounge, covered second floor deck or wide open top deck. Snacks and additional cocktails are available for purchase. majestichawaii.com
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort
Photo: Courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort
There are a few ways to view the fireworks show from its home-base. Make a dinner reservation at Bali Oceanfront, the Hilton’s premier restaurant on location with the best view of the fireworks. Ask for a table on the lagoon side of the dining room. You can also attend the Friday night lūʻau on the Great Lawn, which ends with a beach front view of the fireworks show. And if you are staying at the resort you can ask for an oceanfront balcony room in the Rainbow Tower for the most up-close view. hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
Magic Island, Ala Moana Regional Park
Photo: Courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort
Want to do it like the locals do? Grab a beach chair and some poke, salt-and-vinegar fried chicken and mac salad from Foodland Farms in Ala Moana Center and head across the street to Magic Island. Grab a patch of grass closest to the harbor (facing Waikīkī) and enjoy a picnic while you watch the show.
Or, blow all of these spots out of the water and watch the fireworks practicing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard with Yoga Floats. The Fireworks Glow & Flow is $75 per person, ages 12 and older.
