If you’ve ever spent late December on Kauai, you already know this is one of the best times to visit. Instead of huge street parties or citywide countdowns, people welcome the new year in a much more low-key way—sunshine-filled days, time outdoors, and evenings spent enjoying good food and good company. It’s the perfect trade if you’re looking to leave cold weather behind and enjoy a warm, easygoing holiday surrounded by Kauai’s natural beauty.
In Poipu Beach, December is one of the most inviting months. Days are sunny and dry, whales often appear offshore, and the sunsets are as spectacular as ever. If that sounds like your ideal New Year’s celebration, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy the week on the island, from coastal walks and garden tours to holiday tasting menus worth planning your night around. Check them out and get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Kauai.
Enjoy Classic Poipu Sunshine and Outdoor Adventures
Take in a Signature Poipu Sunset
Poipu Beach Park is one of the island’s most beloved sunset spots, and early winter brings some of the prettiest colors of the year. It’s not unusual to see green sea turtles resting on the shoreline as the sun slips below the horizon, or families and little ones playing in the sand and surf. It’s a peaceful way to set your intentions for the year ahead as you welcome in new beginnings.
Walk the Shipwreck Beach Trail
Just past the Grand Hyatt, Shipwreck Beach opens into a stunning shoreline that leads to the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail. The hike is roughly 4 miles round-trip and leads you past oceanside cliffs, lava formations, dunes, tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones, along quiet beaches, and ends at Makawauki Cave. Take your time, stopping along the way to admire the scenery along this scenic path. It’s a great early morning activity that connects you to nature and helps quiet your mind as you reflect on all this past year has meant for you.
Whale Watching in Kauai
Winter marks the return of humpback whales to Hawaii’s warm waters, and Poipu offers excellent viewing from both the shore and on guided boat tours. Even a simple morning coffee on your lanai could pair with the sight of a fluke or spout in the distance. While the whales start to arrive as early as late October and November, the best times to spot these gentle giants of the Pacific are from December through March.
Read More: Best Time for Whale Watching in Kauai
Explore Local Culture, Art & Nature
Hanapepe Town
If your visit includes a Friday night, Hanapepe Art Night is a relaxed, locally loved tradition. Galleries open their doors, food vendors set up along the main street, and musicians perform throughout town. It’s not a New Year’s event, just a weekly gathering, but it fits the spirit of the season all the same.
Allerton Garden
Allerton Garden on the South Shore is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in Kauai’s tropical landscape. Meandering paths, towering palms, and curated spaces offer a peaceful afternoon away from busier beaches. You can plan a guided tour or explore at your own pace.
Waimea Canyon
Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is stunning at any time of year, but December’s clear skies and rich colors make it especially striking. If you want to start the new year with perspective, spend a few hours taking in overlooks, short hikes, and panoramic photo spots.
Special Holiday Dining on Kauai
While Kauai stays quiet on New Year’s Eve, its restaurants shine. Several offer fixed menus or elevated dinners to make the night memorable, whether you’re going all-out or just enjoying a culinary treat before heading back to your Suite Paradise rental.
1 Kitchen – New Year’s Eve Gourmet Buffet
- December 31 | 5 PM–9 PM
- Adults (13+): $195 + tax & gratuity
- Kids 5–12: $75 + tax & gratuity
- Kids 4 & under: Free with one paying adult
1 Kitchen’s holiday buffet blends live music, festive beverages, and thoughtful dishes crafted from Kauai’s farms and coastal waters. Guests start with carving stations featuring Tomahawk Prime Rib and Colorado Lamb Rack, followed by a vibrant spread of salads, grilled vegetables, local pickled produce, and an extensive chilled seafood station stocked with oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster salad, and Coconut Ahi Ceviche.
Warm entrées range from Smoked Chili Chicken, Rock Shrimp Curry, and Seared Snapper, to vegan-friendly items like Crispy Tofu with Ponzu and Honey-Roasted Winter Squash. Sushi selections, dim sum, and a dessert table round out the experience. It’s indulgent without feeling formal—ideal when you want a festive meal without a long night out.
Slow Down, Warm Up & Start the New Year Right
Featured Property: Kali Loʻihi
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Poipu Beach isn’t about crowds or fireworks—it’s about arriving rested, relaxing into island time, and enjoying the outdoors at your own pace. Whether you’re dining somewhere special, walking coastal trails, watching whales, or simply soaking up the winter sun, Poipu offers a holiday experience that feels restorative from the moment you arrive.
If the next year calls for more clarity, more calm, and more beauty, starting it on Kauai is a great place to begin.
Ready to make Poipu your home for the holidays? Book your Suite Paradise stay today and enjoy warm weather, spacious accommodations, and the local expertise you can only get when you book direct.