Waikiki Fireworks! Friday Sunset Picnic and Fireworks with friends

A Magical Waikiki Sunset

Town isn’t far. It’s maybe a half hour drive from Kailua, but it feels far. The kids balk and throw their little bodies dramatically on the couch as we pick them up from school with news of our evening beach plans. “Noooo!” they moan exaggeratedly. “We don’t want to go to the beach!” #truestory #Hawaiiproblems

Friday traffic certainly doesn’t help. Well, Friday traffic coupled with the (surprise!) Punahou carnival as we make a poorly timed sushi detour in Makiki. As traffic came to a grinding halt, brilliant, arching rainbows encourage us on. They’re like a pat on the back for getting our butts out of the house to meet with friends.

We arrive as the sun dips close the horizon, casting a golden shimmer on the still waters. Sunsets just seem better in Hawaii, am I right? Despite the chill (I’ll be honest with our wimpy-ness, it was mid 70’s), the kids approach the water. First, just testing the temperature with their toes before being drawn further and further into the slick, dark water. Their fully clothed friends join in for a raucous water fight and no one can be coaxed back back to shore for the main event at Ala Moana Beach Park – Friday night Fireworks!

Friday Waikiki Fireworks Show

At 7:30 pm we hastily make our way to the Diamond Head side of Magic Island for the show. Barefoot kids lead the way with chattering teeth and excited talk. Every Friday without fail, the Hawaiian Hilton Village hosts a small fireworks display around 7:45 pm.

It was such a beautiful scene that I couldn’t decide between video or photos so I went with both.

Planning your own visit to see the Waikiki Fireworks

First launched in 1988 by the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the free fireworks display has been delighting visitors and locals alike.

What day and time are the fireworks?

The fireworks display takes place every Friday night at either 7:45 pm or 8:00 pm (time varies with sunset times) and can be viewed from various spots along Waikiki Beach.

The show is a short and sweet 10-minutes long and best paired with a sunset picnic; at least in summer when sunset occurs closer to the start of the fireworks show.

What is the best beach to view the fireworks from?

The fireworks are launched off the beach at the Hilton’s Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and are visible through most of Waikiki (and beyond). My personal favorite spots for viewing the show –

1. Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. This is a popular spot for locals after spending an evening playing at the park. There is ample parking (although it can fill up in the summer) and great views of the fireworks and Waikiki all the way to Diamond Head.
2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon. People crowd around the lagoon and beach for a closeup view of the fireworks. Bring a blanket and arrive early to grab a spot.
3. Fort DeRussy Beach Park has a similar vantage point to Duke Kahanamoku.
4. View from the water! If you’re feeling fancy, you can book a boat a sunset boat tour that includes a viewing.
5. Rooftop Bars and Restaurants. Treat yourself to dinner and a show at one of the rooftop restaurants in Waikiki like Moana Surfrider’s Beachhouse, SKY Waikiki, and the Sheraton Waikiki’s RumFire.
6. Balconies and Lanais. If you’re fortunate to be staying in a hotel or vacation rental with an ocean-facing lanai, you may have a private front-row seat to the fireworks.

Need More Inspiration for Family Fun on Oahu?

• If you’re staying in Waikiki, check out this list of family activities.
• If you want to explore the outdoors, these 8 family-friendly hikes near Waikiki are a great option.
• If you want to capture all the fun you’re having, let me plan a fun family photo session for you! My favorite photo spots around Waikiki are at Magic Island and Kahala Beach.

If you want more tips, sign up for the Little Bird Post below for access to the activity library and monthly, off-the-beaten-path ideas for your family.