Let the Good Times Roll in 2010!

Still procrastinating about what to do? Wasn’t that on your Resolutions List last year? No worries. There are plenty of exciting options for revelry on Maui this New Year’s Eve and so it should be! We haven’t found too many folks reluctant to let 2009 go its merry way. Auld Lang Syne aside, kick off the beginning of the new with one of the following suggestions:

Kaanapali Ocean Resort

It’s good to start the evening with a little something in your stomach, which is why Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas’ Ocean Bar and Grill is offering a beautifully presented 3-course prix fixe menu at $45.95* per person, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Also at KOR, don’t miss Pulehu’s excellent Seafood Buffet on New Year’s Eve (December 31) at $72.00* per person, from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Favorites include roasted petit lobster tails, king crab legs, fresh island mahi mahi, baked penne with italian sausage, pepper crusted tenderloin of beef, oysters on half shell, shrimp and chicken satay, kalua pork spring rolls, asian pot stickers and lobster quesdillas. For sweet treats, indulge in the bread pudding, tiramisu, chocolate decadence cake and more. For reservations at either restaurant, call 667-3254.

On New Year’s Eve, Pailolo Bar & Grill offers light fare menu and drink specials until 12:30 am for party revelers who would like to join in the fun and watch the New Year’s Eve Ball drop on the large flat TV screens of this oceanfront restaurant bar. Offering scenic views of the Pacific with the islands of Lanai and Molokai, it is the perfect place to enjoy a casual outing with family and friends.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa presents“Dancing Through the Decades”

Location:    O’ahu Pool Deck

Date: Thursday, December 31, 2009
Time: 9:30pm – 12:30am
Price:  $60.00 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity
Inspiring inclusions designed to make the evening the most memorable ever:

• Dance music provided by Hawai’i's premier DJ ChillTown Productions
• Party favors (hats, noise makers, horns, glow necklaces, new year’s beads)
• drink of your choice
• glass of champagne at midnight
• 5×7 photograph taken and developed on site
• Mystics – Look into 2010 when you visit the astrologer or tarot card reader

Special guest appearances by some icons throughout the decades and to match the theme, specialty drinks popular in each decade and appetizers available for purchase.

Please note that there is a 72 hour cancellation policy.  Must be 21 years or older to attend.For a print-friendly version flyer, please click here.

Also available on New Year’s Eve, Wailele Polynesian Luau, the perfect event to herald a brand new year with a traditional celebration amidst the Hawaiian tropics. Guests can enjoy authentic Polynesian dances, songs, colorful costumes, delicious island cuisine served family style, and a free flow of drinks and cocktails. Please click here for pricing and more information.

Reservations for both events can be made via Westin’s special events line at: (808) 661-2992.

Tia Juana’s Dinner Show and Party

The Joe Cano Band performs live at this special New Year’s Event  at Tia Juana’s Beach Cantina!
Dinner & Show is $49, show only $25. The fun begins at 9:00 p.m. and runs till the ball drops at midnight – or you turn into a pumpkin, whichever comes first.  Call 808-677-4080 to reserve your spot.

Mulligan’s on the Blue – Costume New Year’s Eve Party!

If you didn’t quite hit the mark with your Halloween get-up this year, you have another chance — and don’t we all as a New Year dawns? This New Year’s Eve Mulligan’s is awarding $500 in prizes to the best costume.

Repeating the Halloween theme even further, you’ll have another chance to listen to the very same bands who played back on 10/31; like déjà vu all over again. Kulture Klash 808, Fish Tank and WCM’s favorites, Off Tomorrow, will all be partying like it’s the end of 2009. Only $10 advance purchase admission or $15 at the door. If you prefer having dinner before the dancing begins, the package includes admission, dinner, champagne toast and a great view of the fireworks for $60/pp. Call 808-874-1131 to reserve a spot.

Ruth’s Chris Champagne Deal

From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve at both Lahaina and Wailea locations, Ruth’s Chris will help you forget the old year with special pricing on Moet ($50/bottle) and Veuve Cliquot Reserve ($100/bottle.)

Casanova’s Kit Kat Club

There’s been a growing trend on Maui for Vegas style shows and revues lately and Casanova’s Kit Kat Club will be maintaining the movement at least through New Year’s Eve. Promised as a “spectacular soiree of DJs, dancing, gogos, and sizzling sideshow acts,” the evening is guaranteed to remind guests that life is a cabaret, old chum, and in good times or bad, a girl just wants to have fun. Cover charge is $20 after 9:30 p.m. Arrive early and enjoy something from Casanova’s wonderful Italian menu.

Umalu at the Hyatt Regency, Kaanapali

Since I’m just back on island after a stay in Copper Mountain where the search for s’mores roasted on the open fire left us disappointed beyond measure when the powers that be decided it was too cold for such frivolity, you can imagine how thrilled I am to see that Umalu is letting everyone play with fire on New Year’s Eve and indulge their inner child with sparklers and s’mores.

If/when your more sophisticated side cries out for adult beverages, there will be plenty of that, too. How wonderful to be a grown up and have it all, no? Expect live music, champagne, sparklers, roasted marshmallows melting chocolate on grahams, party favors, and that most famous aphrodisiac – chocolate dipped strawberries – for only $35/pp. If it’s anything like Umalu’s Oktoberfest, it will be fun and beautiful.

Stir Things up at The Melting Pot – Lahaina

Get the gang together and head to the Melting Pot’s gala New Year’s dinner event with a signature menu to include Cheese Fondue Starter, followed by Filet, Lobster and Duck cooked fondue style, finished with a sinful Raspberry Frangelico Dark Chocolate dessert. For only $125/couple the dinner includes a keepsake photo and champagne toast. Call 808-661-6181.

Lulu’s Lahaina – Laser Light Show!! Live Maui Reggae! Dinner Show! Free NYC Trip Giveaway!

Gee, I get excited just telling you about all that Lulu’s will have going on for New Year’s Eve. You’ll jam to four different bands, enjoy an exotic food buffet, and basically party till you drop. The buffet dinner show and countdown party is $49/pp while the countdown (after 9:30 p.m.) and champagne is only $29.

Hard Rock Café

Simple without a lot of commitment – if that’s the way you prefer things, get over to Hard Rock’s After Midnight party where you can dance in the New Year with DJ Chuck starting at 9 p.m. Cover charge only $7 with complimentary champagne toast and favors. Some of the proceeds benefit World Hunger Year since even the tough guys have a soft “I just wanna be loved” side.

Magical Evening at Kupahana, Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Spend the entire evening at a Magical Maui New Year’s Eve Party hosted by master illusionists Jody and Kathleen Baran at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel theater. Guests will enjoy a three-course starting with Kalua Pork Quesadillas, followed by a choice of filet, chicken, fish or tofu and veggies, finishing with a Pina Colada cheesecake or fruit platter. Prices include complimentary cocktail and pre-show hosted bar with wine and beer.

Then there’s the magic show followed by a balloon drop at midnight concluding with a New Year’s Good Morning breakfast. Gold circle seating package is $175/pp, general seating $155/pp. Reservations required so call today! 808-667-0128. Kama`aina and keiki pricing also available. www.kupahana.com

Sheraton, Kaanapali – Black Rock New Year’s Eve Buffet and Wine Bar

The Sheraton will offer a family friendly buffet of  Epicurean Delights with a spectacular Wine Bar  from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM New Year’s Eve. Adults $89.00, Children 12yrs – 16yrs $34.50, Children 5yrs – 11yrs $17.25, Children 4 & under free.

The extravaganza includes an Antipasto Station, Imported Italian Meats paired with artisan cheeses, up-country greens, fresh island vegetables, and assorted side salads along with Evo Grill Bistro Fresh Seafood & Poultry Grilled to Order, Island Snapper, Seared Garlic Prawns,Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken Breast, a Carving Station with Kona Coffee Rib Eye, Chinatown Crispy Roast Pork, and Roast Duck Manapua. Plus, save room for the Haleakala Seafood Tower, an Ice Tower of delectable Seafood Treasures: including Chilled Shrimp, Oysters, Clams, Mussels and Snap and Eat Crab, Assorted Island Pokes.

As if that weren’t enough, meander past the Sushi Station filled with Unagi, Tamago, Mirugai, California Roll, Spicy Ahi Roll, Caterpillar Rolls. Of course there’s a Dessert Station, too, with Cherry and Lychee Jubilee, a Chocoholic Bar, Strawberry Sabayon, Assorted Cookies and Specialty Brownies. You won’t have to eat again until 2011!

Or you can always dive into the New Year with a full day of festivities at Sheraton’s poolside bar, culminating ina special party from 9:00pm to 12:30am.  Casual Dining will be available all day from 12:00pm to 11:00pm. New Year’s Eve Happy Hour from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Party into  the evening featuring $3 Big Wave & Longboard Draft Beers and Specialty Martinis for only $5. Entertainment includes the amazing Cliff Dive Ceremony at Sunset and live entertainment from 6:00pm – 8:30pm featuring a 4 piece band from 9:00pm into 2010.

There will be prizes, games, giveaways and the Great Bartender Drink Creation Challenge. Not sure how New Year’s Eve could be any more fun!