Where to watch the pyrotechnics and croon "Auld Lang Syne" in paradise? The fireworks displays in Hawaii aren't as impressive as those found in bigger metropolises. But the setting tends to make up for that, thank you very much. Here are a few suggestions.

Star of Honolulu Dinner/Dance Cruises: Word has it that most of the passages on this big boat are sold out for New Years, although a few seats remain for some packages. What do I like about this fireworks cruise? The food actually is good, unlike most meals afloat in the islands. And the music is also pretty good -- the Honolulu Jazz Quartet often plays and they are actually a Billboard best selling jazz group. The views? Well, watching the colorful explosions while looking back at Honolulu is pretty hard to beat.(808) 983-7827 / Toll-free from Continental U.S.: (800) 334-6191

Hano Hano Room at the Sheraton Waikiki: You get stellar views of the Magic Island fireworks show off Ala Moana Beach Park. The crowd is young, svelte and dance happy. Grinds are vbery good with a light pupu menu. The champagne flights are perfect for New Years Eve toasts. The price, at $285 per person, is eye-poppling but hey, price is what the market will bear, not what you think it shoudl be. (808) 922-4422

Sarento's Top-of-the-I at the Ilikai: Another skyline restaurants with wide vistas and an upscale vibe. The crowd here is probably a bit older than at the Hano Hano room and the good not quite as good but its quite respectable, with Italian influences (the chef is named Marc Anthony - hee hee). This is an old-standy in Honolulu for New Years.

Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower Marketplace This Honolulu outpost of the beer chain sits at Ground Zero for one of the larger fireworks displays in the islands. The VIP New Years Eve package is hardly cheap, at $120 a throw. But that includes a beer, wine and champagne bar. Biersch is one of the places where young urban professionals go to tie it on, so things can get a bit raucous. 808-599-4877

—Alex, 12/26/06