Local hot spots bank on after-Christmas reservations

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The Eve at a glance The name game: James "I Feel Good" Brown is the visiting VIP, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Two for one: Society of Seven Las Vegas does two shows for a single admission at the Outrigger Waikiki. Zing, with strings: The Halekulani's party at La Mer and Orchids is pricey ($250) but features the Honolulu Symphony and Jimmy Borges. Best buy: $35 buffet at Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, with ozoni (mochi in a soup) at midnight. Under kava: Wave Waikiki stays open until the sun rises, offering a kava bar from 4 a.m. Clothes encounter: Hula's Bar & Lei Stand welcomes those in service uniforms for its "Hollywood Canteen." Sleight of hand: Magicians do a family show (no alcohol) at Monty's Magic Theatre. Smooth grooves: Randy Smith sings Frank Sinatra at the Esprit nightclub. Ozoni zone: The Japanese good-luck mochi soup, ozoni, will be served at at least two restaurants: Roy's and Sansei.

That's the cautious word from reservationists at Waikiki hotels and several Honolulu restaurants. No one is sold out at this time, but party planners are optimistic about a good turnout, blaming "Hawaiian time" — the laid-back local style of buying late — for the less-than-rosy buying so far.

"People wait till the last minute," said a reservationist at Alan Wong's restaurant, perennially a favorite for residents and visitors. "We have openings for early and some late dinners, but we're not sold out yet." Even chef Wong has been operating on Hawaiian time, not yet deciding on his special menu to welcome the new year.

Reservations are coming in steadily at Roy's Restaurant in Hawai'i Kai, said Robbin Shim, who takes the calls. "We're doing well for Christmas, but not breaking any records this year. We should do well for New Year's, too."

With 3,000 seats to sell for James Brown at the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Coral Ballroom, easily the town's big-gest party, hotel publicist Kelly O'Sullivan said buying habits were being monitored to see if the events of Sept. 11 have impacted the celebratory spirit. "Too early to tell," O'Sullivan said.

"But we're also selling through Ticket Plus and military outlets, for a bigger reach."

"Bookings for 'Ho'omaka Hou' are at the same pace as last year," said B.J. Whitman, spokeswoman for the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, of the mammoth Hawaiian show being staged there.

"People can't think of New Year's till they get through Christmas."

Holiday parties for Christmas may be a barometer of the economic struggle at hand, said Sabine Glissman, food and beverage director at the Halekulani Hotel.

"We've seen a change in Christmas bookings, with parties on a smaller scale," she said. "And while people have started making plans for New Year's, instead of parties of 10 or 12, we're getting more twos and fours. Of course, many people may be deciding later (after Christmas)."

New Year's Eve celebrations on O'ahu

MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS

• Largest display: At Sand Island State Park, off Ala Moana Beach and Honolulu Harbor. Presented by Fireworks by Grucci, visible from Waikiki, Ke'ehi Lagoon, downtown heights. Sponsored by Aloha Tower Marketplace.
• West O'ahu display: Off Ihilani Resort. Viewable from surrounding neighborhoods. Sponsored by the hotel.
• Kahala beach: Off Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii. Viewable from heights, East O'ahu coast. Sponsored by the hotel.
• Waikiki beach: On a barge off Waikiki. Viewable from Waikiki, heights. Sponsored by the Halekulani.

THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS

• James Brown: "Feel Good" with the Godfather of Soul. From 9 p.m. at the Coral Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village. $150 for Platinum seating, $125 for Gold, $100 for Silver, $85 for general; includes show, cocktail, champagne, party favors, tax and tip. Reservations: 949-4321. Extras: Loretta Ables Sayre will be the opening act; a Hilton "New Year's Eve Celebration" package is available to kama'aina for $294.50 based on double occupancy and a one-night ocean-view room, with "Reveillon Dinner" at Bali by the Sea restaurant and platinum concert seating.

  Outlook: A rockin' good time with a soul survivor, who'll re-create his Caesars Palace magic in Honolulu.

• Steve Pierson and Blues Head: New Year's Eve blues bash. Doors open at 8:15 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m. at the South Seas Village/Hawaiian Hut, Ala Moana Hotel. $30 ($20 for members of the Hawaii Blues Society). Reservations: 864-6529, 955-3321. Extras: Bluzilla performs at 8:30 p.m.

  Outlook: You'll be singing the blues — in a good way.

SPECIALS

• Randy Smith: "An Evening With the Music of Sinatra." From 7:45 p.m. at the Esprit Lounge, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. $30, includes a glass of champagne, party favors. Reservations: 922-4422. Extras: Post-show dancing around the pool with Tino and the Rhythm Klub until midnight.

  Outlook: A repertoire of Frank Sinatra songs, intended for an older clientele, with a panorama of Diamond Head.

• The Honolulu Symphony, conducted by Stuart Chafetz and Matt Catingub, with Jimmy Borges: New Year's Eve dinner gala. From 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Orchids and La Mer, Halekulani Hotel; symphony ensembles perform from 8:30 p.m.; orchestra performs from 10:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., with Chafetz; orchestra (Honolulu Pops) performs from 11:45 p.m. to 1 a.m, with Catingub and Borges. Orchids, $250, includes special holiday menu; La Mer, $350, includes seven-course menu. Dress code (collared shirts for gentlemen in Orchids, long-sleeved collared shirts or jackets for gentlemen in La Mer). Reservations: 923-2311. Extras: Party favors, view of Waikiki fireworks.

  Outlook: A classy and pricey proposition, for folks who want the big bang.

• Romance Cruise aboard the Star of Honolulu: Departing 10:30 p.m. from Pier 8, Aloha Tower. $130, includes five-course dinner, champagne toast, two cocktails, jazz entertainment, tax. Reservations: 983-STAR (7827). Extras: An off-coast view of the midnight fireworks.

  Outlook: An ocean of fun.

• Celebration Cruise, aboard the Star of Honolulu: Departing 10:30 p.m. from Pier 8, Aloha Tower. $85.50 ($78.50 for children 11 and under), includes three-course meal, champagne toast, two drinks, party favors, tax. Reservations: 983-STAR (7827). Extras: "Spirit of Aloha" show, a view of midnight fireworks.

  Outlook: Another watery getaway.

SHOWROOMS

• Society of Seven Las Vegas: New Year's Eve party. From 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Main Showroom, Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. Dinner package, $110, includes buffet dinner, show, dancing, party favors, split of champagne; cocktail package, $85. Includes two back-to-back performances, at 9:45 and 11:45 p.m. Must be 21 or older. Reservations: 923-SHOW (7469). Extras: Two shows for the price of one, and the first New Year's Eve show by this recent spin-off group of the original band.

  Outlook: Waikiki's liveliest, most expansive production show.

• Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Olomana with Frank Hewett, O'Brian Eselu with Halau Kekai O Kahiki, and Danny Couch: "Lei Na Hoku." From 6 p.m. to midnight at the Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Cost: Dinner package, $255 (kama'aina rate, $225), includes five-course dinner, glass of wine, split of champagne, party favors, tax and tip; cocktail package, $95, includes split of champagne, party favors, tax and tip. Doors open, 7 p.m.; Moana Chang Trio, 7 p.m., in foyer; Ku'uipo Kumukahi, 8 p.m.; Olomana, 8:50 p.m.; soldiers of the Royal Guard, 9:50 p.m.; O'Brian Eselu, 10 p.m.; Danny Couch, 11:05 p.m. Reservations: 973-7194. Extras: Brickwood Galuteria is master of ceremonies.

  Outlook: A lei of musical stars, in Waikiki's jewel-box showcase.

• The Makaha Sons, Robi Kahakalau, Kapena, Brother Noland, Kanilau with Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala, Moe Keale with Nalani Keale and Tony Conjugacion: "Ho'omaka Hou." From 6 p.m. to midnight at the Hawai'i Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Dinner package, $225 for Platinum seating, $200 for Gold seating; includes buffet, wine and champagne; cocktail package, $85, includes a half bottle of champagne. Doors open, 6 p.m.; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; 'Ale'a, 7 p.m. in the foyer; Kanilau, 8 p.m.; Moe Keale, 8:25 p.m.; soldiers of the Royal Guard, 8:45 p.m.; The Makaha Sons with Robi Kahakalau, 8:50 p.m.; Chinese lion dance, 9:50 p.m.; Tony Conjugacion, 10:05 p.m.; Brother Noland, 10:35 p.m.; Tony and Noland, 11 p.m.; Kapena, 11:25 p.m. Reservations: 922-4422. Extras: Bill Van Osdol and Randy Hudnall co-masters of ceremonies.

  Outlook: A star-studded Hawaiian-style celebration.

• Don Ho: 7 p.m., Hoku Hale Showroom, Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. $52 dinner package, $32 cocktail show (includes one drink). Reservations: 923-3981. Extras: You get to hear "Tiny Bubbles."

  Outlook: Ho's doing his regular show for New Year's Eve.

BARS AND LOUNGES

• New Year's Eve at Kapono's. Ko'u Mana'o from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; band to be named, 8:30 to 10 p.m.; Natural Vibrations, 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Aloha Tower Marketplace. $10 cover. Information: 536-2161. Extras: Pupu menu available, party favors.

  Outlook: Harborside celebration, with a good view of midnight fireworks.

• Audy Kimura: From 8 p.m. to midnight, Hy's Steak House; dinner service from 5 to 11 p.m. No cover charge. Reservations/information: 922-5555. Extras: Champagne and party favors at midnight.

  Outlook: A cozy way to ring in the new, with Mr. "Lovers and Friends."

• Dennis & Manea: From 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Tapa Bar, Hilton Hawaiian Village. $10 cover includes pupu, novelties and noisemakers. Information: 949-4321.

  Outlook: Contemporary Island and light-rock music, bathed by the trade winds.

• Augie Rey and the Little Band, featuring Tahiti: From 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Surf Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel. First seating at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., $99; second seating, 8:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m., $140; includes four-course dinner, bottle of wine, party favors; Surf Room/Monarch Room package, first seating at dinner, show at the next-door Monarch Room, $175, includes four-course meal, wine, split of champagne, party favors. Reservations: 931-7194. Extras: The Surf Room offers a prime view of the Diamond Head and Waikiki skyline.

  Outlook: Latin-salsa, pop-rock music combined with reverential view of Waikiki.

• Olomana with Jerry Santos: From 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Paradise Lounge, Hilton Hawaiian Village. $10, includes pupu, novelties and noisemakers. Reservations: 949-4321.

  Outlook: Casual Hawaiiana, where the guests often become part of the show.

• Quintinn & Mike: From 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Shell Bar, Hilton Hawaiian Village. $10 cover, includes novelties and noisemakers. Information: 949-4321.

  Outlook: Acoustic guitar stylings, for a mellow experience.

• Winston Tan and Pierre Grill: Classical and contemporary sounds. From 9:30 p.m. to midnight at The Veranda, at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii. $25, includes appetizer buffet. Reservations: 739-8888. Extras: You can watch the comings and goings of the holiday crowd, too.

  Outlook: Chic and intimate place to party.

DINNER, PLUS

• Stardust, with Brian Robertshaw: "Travel the Islands." From 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Hanohano Room, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Gold Seating, at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., includes four-course meal, wine, beer or standard drink, $95; Gold Seating with Poolside Bash, $120, includes all of the above plus access to poolside party between 6 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. Platinum seating at 8:30 and 9 p.m., $185, includes five-course meal, champagne. Reservations: 922-4422. Extras: Music for listening and dancing.

  Outlook: Best high-rise panorama view of Waikiki, and midnight fireworks.

• Azure McCall: First seating from 6 to 6:30 p.m., second seating from 9 to 9:30 p.m., at Chai's Island Bistro, Aloha Tower Marketplace. $75 for seven-course dinner, $45 for complimentary wine accompanying each course, in dining room; lanai seating, dinner for two (set menu), $50 per person. Reservations: 585-0011. Extras: You could duck out to see the fireworks revelry over Honolulu Harbor.

  Outlook: A jazzy way to ring in the new year.

• The Islanders: Buffet dinner with Hawaiian music. From 5 to 8:30 p.m., House Without a Key, Halekulani Hotel. Dinner, $36 adults, $23 children 5 to 12; pupu selections, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., $10 cover for non-hotel guests. Reservations: 923-2311. Extras: Spectacular view of Waikiki skyline and midnight fireworks.

  Outlook: Upscale without being overly expensive.

• Puamana: From 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Don Ho's Island Grill; dinner service from 6 to 10 p.m. $50, includes holiday buffet dinner, entertainment. Reservations: 528-0807. Extras: Harborside view, disc jockey entertainment from 10 p.m. Until midnight ($10 cover charge, includes champagne, party favors).

  Outlook: Hawaiian music in the early hours, DJ doings to ring in the new.

• Jan Brenner & the All Stars: From 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Banyan Court, Sheraton Moana Surfrider. $200 for adults, $100 for children 5 to 12 for Ship's Tavern dining, with seatings at 5 and 8 p.m., plus access to buffet and merriment on the Banyan Veranda; $100 for adults and $50 for children for a buffet and show on the Banyan Veranda. Reservations: 922-3111. Extras: Party favors.

  Outlook: Hear party hits and groove to blasts from the past.

DANCING

• Big Daddy, Rubber Soul and Hot Rock: Poolside Rock 'n' Roll Party. From 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. poolside at the Sheraton Princess Ka'iulani Hotel; buffet available at Pikake Terrace from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Cost: Buffet, $80 for adults, $50 for youths 13-15, $30 for children 5-12. Reservations: 922-5811. Extras: Sam Kapu Jr. will be host.

  Outlook: A stroll down memory lane, with music from the '50s to the present, with a dose of The Beatles, too.

• Kit Samson's Sound Advice: New Year's dinner-dance. From 7 p.m. (no-host cocktails); entertainment from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Hibiscus Ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel. Dinner package, $55 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under; includes party favors and buffet from 8 to 9:30 p.m.; cocktail package, $35 and $20. Reservations: 955-4811.

  Outlook: Romantic sounds, movie themes and lots more, from the five-member combo.

• Joe Bermudez: "Hollywood Canteen," for service men and women. From 8 p.m. until "next year" at Hula's Bar & Lei Stand inside the Waikiki Grand Hotel, 134 Kapahulu Ave. $15 admission, $10 for those with military ID and Hula Hui card holders; additional $2 discount for those who show up in uniform. Information: 941-0424, ext. 10. Extras: Surprise entertainment.

  Outlook: Sounds like a boogie woogie happening.

• "United We Stand" dance party: From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Rumours, Ala Moana Hotel. $25 VIP package includes party favors, two drinks, pupu from 8 to 11 p.m.; $15 cover for late-arrivals from 11 p.m. to midnight, includes favors, two drinks; $5 cover for those who arrive between 12:15 and 1:30 a.m. Reservations: 955-4811. Extras: The site is the town's reigning disco/dance club.

  Outlook: A call for unity after Sept. 11.

• Tino and the Rhythm Klub: Oceanfront New Year's Eve party. From 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. poolside at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. $30, includes a glass of champagne, party favors. Reservations: 922-4422. Extras: Simplisity guest stars, from 6 to 8 p.m.

  Outlook: Musical oldies from the '50s up to the present.

• Picante: Latin Picante Party. From 9 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. at the Plumeria Beach Cafe, Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii. $175 for adults, $48 for children; includes buffet dinner. Reservations: 739-8888. Extras: Dance instructors will give lessons in salsa, merengue and cha-cha.

  Outlook: Sounds like a fiesta.

• Missing Dave, Red Door Dancers: "New York, New York"-themed celebration. From 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Wave Waikiki. $10 in advance, slightly more at the door (to be determined). Information: 941-0424. Extras: Free party favors for first 200 customers; the club will be converted into The Big Apple, Hawaiian-style; kava bar after 4 a.m. Until the sun comes up.

  Outlook: An all-night, alt-rock hip parade; open to those 21 and older until 4 a.m., 18 and older after 4 a.m.

FAMILY FARE

• "Magic Extravaganza": From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Monty's Magic Theater, 1270 Queen St. Suite 612. $12 for adults, $8 for children under 12. Reservations: 524-1791. Extras: Magic show, plus games, prizes and contests for the family; costume contest for best "Harry Potter" character look-alikes.

  Outlook: A non-alcoholic event; costumes encouraged but optional.

Kit samson will bring romantic sounds to the Ala Moana Hotel.

• Sansei dinner buffet: From 5 p.m to midnight at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Restaurant Row. $35 for adults, half-price for children 12 and under; includes party hats, favors, balloons. Reservations: 536-6286. Extras: At midnight, traditional Japanese ozoni (mochi in a soup base, with garnishes) will be served, a symbol of harmony for the coming year.
• New Year's Eve dinner: From 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Hoku's, Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii. $95 for adults, $48 for children. Reservations: 739-8888.
• New Year's Eve buffet: Seatings at the Plumeria Beach Cafe, Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, are 5-7 p.m., $45 for adults, $24.50 for children; and 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m., $70 adults, $35.50 children. Extras: Oceanfront dining. There are two seatings at Hoku’s: 5-8:30 p.m., $95 adults, $48 children; and from 8:30 p.m., $175 adults, $68 children. Call 739-8760 for reservations.
• New Year's Eve at Roy's: From 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Roy's Restaurant; music from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Roy's banquet room. Cost: Entrees range from $62 to $75, includes five other courses, from appetizers to desserts. Reservations: 396-ROYS (7697).

Correction: New Year’s Eve listings for the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii contained incomplete information from the hotel in a previous version of this story posted on Wednesdasy. There are two seatings at Hoku’s: 5-8:30 p.m., $95 adults, $48 children; and from 8:30 p.m., $175 adults, $68 children. Seatings at the Plumeria Beach Cafe are 5-7 p.m., $45 for adults, $24.50 for children; and 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m., $70 adults, $35.50 children. Call 739-8760 for reservations.