I've been searching for hotel rooms for a quick New Year's jaunt down to Waikki to enjoy the madness and the fireworls. And, not surprisingly, good room deals are hard to find. Many hotels are already sold out. I wanted to check out the new Embassy Suites Hotel in Waikiki but was told it was already sold out -- probably due in part to its $199 local discount. Others hotels are simply holding out. The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, a local favorite on a lovely stretch of beach away from the crowds, instituted a five-night minimum. They've since backed it down to a two-night minimum and that may drop lower as they clear their wating list. Both the Outrigger and Aqua hotel chains definitely have availability in Waikiki on New Year's Eve but they seem to be mostly city view, garden view, or non-ocean view (that means no fireworks viewing from the room).

The Hawaii Prince has long been a favorite for fireworks watchers, as it looks straight out over Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island, where the biggest fireworks show takes place. Ditto the Hilton Hawaiian Vilage -- rooms facing to the West shoudl have great views of the show. For all the readers out there with simllar plans, drop a line and let me know how your booking/planning experience has been.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
Aqua Hotels & Resorts
New Otani Kaimana Beach
Expedia Hotel Search for Waikiki New Year's Eve 2006

—Alex, 12/20/06