Fri night fireworks

Question

We arrive to Hawaii around 3:30pm on a Friday at the Honolulu airport in March and then are headed to the Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki to check in. We are travelling with our 9 year old. Just starting to make a plan for dinner and hoping to watch the fireworks. Can anyone please help advise me on where we should go to watch the fireworks? Our room does not have a lanai and is in the historic section. Looking to keep our plan simple after the long plane ride, but also an exciting start to our Hawaii trip. Mahalo!

Answer

Welcome to Hawaii! Starting your trip with the Friday night fireworks is a great way to kick things off. The fireworks in Waikiki are held every Friday night at 7:45 pm, and they can be viewed from various spots around the area. Since you'll be staying at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, you’re in a great location to easily watch the fireworks without too much hassle after your long flight. Here are a few options for where you could go to watch the fireworks:

Waikiki Beach – Since you're staying at the Royal Hawaiian, you’re just a short walk from Waikiki Beach. The fireworks are launched from a barge offshore, and the best viewing spot is along the beach. You can grab a spot along the sand in front of the Royal Hawaiian or near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. This is a great option if you want a laid-back, beachfront view of the fireworks. Be sure to arrive a little early to get a good spot, especially since it will be a popular location!
The Royal Hawaiian’s Outdoor Terrace – If you prefer to stay close to your hotel, you can head to the Royal Hawaiian’s outdoor area to watch the fireworks. While not every room has a view of the fireworks, the hotel’s outdoor terrace is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the show. You can grab some takeout from one of the hotel's restaurants or enjoy a drink while you watch the fireworks.
Duke’s Waikiki – If you're looking for a nice dinner spot with a view, Duke's Waikiki offers a great location right on the beach. They often have live music, and if you time your dinner right, you can enjoy the fireworks while dining. It's a fun, casual option for both adults and kids, and the food is good too.
Hawaii State Art Museum (HI Art Museum) – For a quieter spot with a bit more space, you can head to the Hawaii State Art Museum. The museum’s lawn area is a bit farther from the action but still offers a great view of the fireworks. This might be a better option if you want to avoid large crowds on the beach and prefer a more relaxed, less crowded environment to watch the show.
Magic Island (Ala Moana Beach Park) – If you’re up for a short drive, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park is another great spot to watch the fireworks. It's a bit less crowded than Waikiki Beach but still offers excellent views of the fireworks. The park is a lovely spot to walk around or have a picnic if you want to make an evening out of it. It’s a little farther from the Royal Hawaiian, but still just a quick drive away.

Since you’ll be traveling with your 9-year-old, Waikiki Beach or the Royal Hawaiian’s outdoor area would likely be the easiest and most family-friendly options. You can grab a quick bite nearby or pick up some takeout, and just relax on the beach or in the hotel as you wait for the fireworks to start.

Enjoy your first evening in Hawaii, and have a wonderful trip!

Fri night fireworks

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