The End

A couple rings in the New Year at Trump Hotel Waikiki’s annual Casino Royale party PHOTO BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO

There is a myth that whatever you do on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is an indication of what is to come in the following year. It’s probably just a silly superstition, but who wouldn’t want to spend all of 2015 bathing in champagne at elegant parties?

To help you have an exciting 2015, we’ve rounded up some of the best events around town happening Dec. 31.

If you’re looking to get fancy …

Check out The Modern Honolulu. As director of marketing and promotions Tyler Dickinson says, “The Modern is just a very unique property in general. It’s a very sexy, sleek boutique hotel.”

Combine that with champagne and fireworks, and Dickinson says you’ve got “THE place to spend New Year’s Eve.”

This year, the theme channels Las Vegas with “House of Cards.” The hotel’s working with local design firm Curate to turn its ballroom area into a bona fide casino and nightclub. Guests will be able to try their luck at table games, with some looking similar to those games you can play online. There’s also complimentary champagne, light hor d’oeuvres – and a nightclub complete with, as Dickinson says, “dance floors, VIP tables, bottle service, DJs, the whole nine yards.”

There also will be an opportunity for revelers to win a round-trip ticket to visit the real Las Vegas. The party runs from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., with VIP entry starting at 7.

Visit themodernhonolulu/newyearseve

For more fancy fun, Trump Hotel Waikiki hosts its annual Casino Royale bash, featuring live entertainment by Jordan Segundo, Al Waterson, Tahiti Rey and Dana Kruse.

For $350 general admission (prices increase after Dec. 30), the event seems steep, but it is all-inclusive. Most notably, “all-inclusive” entails full access to six food stations (open from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.), including sushi, seafood, prime rib, roast duck, lobster, filet-mignon and dessert. Each dish is paired with beer, wine or sake.

“I did a tasting – and holy macaroni, they’re paired perfectly!” exclaims event organizer Paul Klink.

Underlying all of this, Klink says the event is “a hidden fundraiser.” A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Oahu SPCA and other groups.

Call 721-7777 or visit luxvipevents.com

If you’re looking to get on a boat …

There are a few boats that set sail New Year’s Eve to catch a front-row seat of the fireworks – like the Maitai Catamaran, which takes off from behind the Sheraton and Halekulani hotels at 11 p.m.

“Oh my gosh, (the view) is definitely amazing,” Maitai general manager Mindy Sanford says. “You are kind of one with the fireworks because we are right there near them.

“It’s very romantic,” she adds.

Included along the ride is champagne, beer, wine, juice, soft drinks – and mai tais, of course.

Call 922-5665 or visit maitaicatamaran.net

Other seafaring options include the Island Catamaran New Year’s Eve Cruise, departing at 10:30 p.m. from Kewalo Basin. The ride features live Hawaiian music, party favors and cocktails.

Call 983-7827 or visit starofhonolulu.com

For a more upscale option, check out the Star of Honolulu’s cruise, which departs at 10:15 p.m. from Aloha Tower Marketplace and features champagne, party favors, live entertainment and dancing. This cruise also features elegant dinner options, with packages including a seasonally inspired five-course French meal with Maine lobster and prime beef tenderloin.

As of press time, this one was almost sold out, so hurry.

Call 983-7827 or visit starofhonolulu.com

If you’re looking for a bar …

Bars throughout town will be ringing in the New Year, so here’s just a few options.

If you’re going to be barhopping in Chinatown, Nextdoor could be your home base, with its Heaven or Hell party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

To celebrate 2015, Next-door is splitting itself in two: One side will be heaven, the other hell.

During the night, DJ Billy G will be spinning, and Nextdoor has a surprise for everyone who’s there at midnight.

Guests who don their best angelic or devilish attire get in free at the door.

Visit nextdoorhi.com

In Waikiki, Tiki’s Grill and Bar hosts its Tiki Drop 2015. Starting at 7 p.m., Tiki’s serves up dinner in addition to drink specials, with a four-course meal that includes ahi, foie gras, filet mignon and lobster tail.

Tiki’s also features live bands, a midnight champagne toast and drink specials on two sweet cocktails.

Plus, Tiki’s is right across from Waikiki Beach, so it boasts one of the best bar views of the fireworks.

Visit tikisgrill.com/new-years

In Kakaako, M Nightclub and Tantriq Entertainment present their annual New Year’s Eve Block Party at Waterfront Plaza from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. With the theme, “A Star Studded New Year’s Eve,” M Nightclub channels Old Hollywood and all of its glamor. There will be action both indoors and outdoors, including multiple DJ stages, a complimentary champagne toast and videos of fireworks from all over the world.

Call 529-0010 or visit flavorus.com/mnlhnl

Nearby, Bevy also will be celebrating, starting at 8 p.m., with live entertainment by DJ Timo, Kevin Koga and Gnaraly. Its Bubbles and Bites package (starting at $40; serves two) includes champagne and a choice of food items.

Call 594-7445 or visit bevybar.com

If you’re looking for a little bit of everything …

Then look no further than the Party of the Year at Kakaako. With an event title like that, it’s got a lot to live up to – but with the range of activities offered, it looks like Party of the Year has something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for.

Right as you enter, you’re greeted by more than 40 food trucks from Eat The Street, as well as carnival rides and games. Past that, there’s a concert area featuring various live bands. This year’s headliner is Steel Pulse, and the lineup also includes Jimmy Weeks Project, Kaipo Kapua, Bats in the Belfree and JAI the Band. Another music area will feature Far East Movement and local DJs.

“I’m super excited about the national artists that we have this year,” says event producer Michael Galmiche. “Also, the fireworks shows are going to be bigger this year.”

That’s right – he said fire-works SHOWS. Party of the Year will be setting off fire-works every hour, beginning at 9 p.m., leading up the finale at midnight. The idea behind that, Galmiche says, is to cater to families with kids who may not want to stay out too late.

VIPs can hang out at the Sky Deck – a platform raised 4 feet high. The platform features five local DJs and bottle service. If that’s not enough, step up to the Super VIP area, which is raised an additional few feet.

Visit nyehawaii.com