That our strange little orb hurtles 584 million miles around the Sun every 365 days (that’s 66,700 miles an hour, according to NASA!) is certainly something to celebrate. And so the Earth over, we collectively consecrate our new elliptical embarkation with libations and noisemakers, fireworks and midnight kisses, reflecting on the year gone by and making resolutions for the year to come. But why on January 1? And why with our weird traditions?
POLITICS IS EVERYTHING
Julius Caesar introduced his calendar in 45 B.C., moving the start of the year (i.e. the time when Roman consuls were to enter office) from March to January 1. However, it wasn’t until the centuries following Pope Gregory XIII’s 1582 reformation of the Julian calendar that many world countries adopted the Gregorian version and began to embrace January 1 as the first of the year. Though, oddly enough, the acceptance of January 1 as the New Year, in many countries, preceded the use of the Gregorian calendar at large—sometimes by more than a century.
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE
Since ancient times, cross-cultural superstitions led to the widespread use of fireworks and noisemakers as a way to dispel the wrathful works of evil spirits. The Chinese (whose New Year waits until February) are duly given credit for fireworks’ discovery. But 7th century Byzantine Greeks are
credited for the origins of the unassuming sparkler, with their creation of a fiery, pitch-based wartime implement called “Greek fire” used in naval battle. Today, pyrotechnics are pure entertainment, built—at great expense—with naught but shock-and-awe aesthetics in mind. If the cleansing of evil is still what you’re after, just imagine that’s what you’re doing when sweeping up all the opala the next morning.
SCIENCE OF CHAMPAGNE
New studies have revealed that it’s the bubbles in bubbly that make it so appealing. French scientists used a technique called mass spectroscopy to assess the surface of sparkling wine, finding that an average bottle releases 5 liters of carbon dioxide. Aromatic fatty acids are thus expelled as aerosols, creating a lustrous fizz that can fruitfully augment flavor. The best, of course, is real champagne—exclusively from France’s famed Champagne province—wherein wine has undergone methode champenoise, a complex traditional practice including a second fermentation. On the other hand, processes for making the cheap stuff (and at the end of the night, does it really matter?) are as simple as injecting CO2 into wine, not unlike the way soda pop is made. But why is champagne the standard celebratory sippable? Thanks to astute 18th century marketing, royalty used it as a status symbol at parties and coronations, making the drink synonymous with class in a glass.
SEAL IT WITH A KISS
No one seems to know the roots as to why, but superstition holds that a kiss-less New Year’s night heralds a year of loneliness (hmm… I’m guessing it was some susceptible, loose-lipped wench who first fell for a pickup line from a pub-drunk bloke, despite his Bubonic-ish ulcer, and the rest is history). But really, does kissing need a reason? Whether or not you’re sloppy drunk, snogging your dearest (or nearest) at the stroke of midnight is fun—whatever the past year brought and whatever the new one may bring.
Still figuring out what to do, where to go and who to kiss? You’re on your own with the last one, but as to the first two we’ve got you covered, with an islandwide rundown of the hottest shindigs and swankiest soirees. Pull out this section and take it with you (for bonus points, snap a picture of you and your friends partying with this guide and send it to us). Remember to designate a driver, celebrate responsibly (or at least not completely irresponsibly) and squeeze the last few drops out of 2010.
WEST
Can you believe it? The Maui Celebrity Series has been bringing big acts to our little isle for a year now. To celebrate their first birthday, a bunch of famous folk are returning to rub elbows with us once again. The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band—featuring Fleetwood, Rick Vito, Lenny Castellanos and Mark Johnstone, plus Eric Gilliom and Gretchen Rhodes—headlines, and show creator/crooner Brian Evans will join returning series guests William Shatner, Cheech Marin, Tom Arnold, Hal Sparks, Shawn Hatosy and Nermin Zajic (Thurs., Dec. 30; 8pm). Sing “Auld Lang Syne” as you set sail with the Pacific Whale Foundation during one of their two starlight cruises—each lasting two hours—and enjoy live Hawaiian music and ono grinds. Part of the ongoing Maui Whale Festival, their cocktail cruise departs at 10:30pm from Maalaea Harbor and the dinner cruise departs at 10:45pm from Lahaina Harbor (Fri., Dec. 31). Merriman’s hosts a hoedown (Fri., Dec. 31; no cover) with Brown Chicken Brown Cow, serving their regular menu from 5-6:30pm, followed by a special four-course dinner from 8:30-10pm ($125). Follow it up the following day at Maui Brewing Co., which is reintroducing weekly entertainment to kick off the New Year (beginning Sat., Jan. 1; no cover). Hop between sister locales Captain Jack’s Island Grill and Cool Cat Cafe for a double-dose of music, dancing, party favors and drink specials (Fri., Dec. 31; 10:30pm). Kimo’s has killa entertainment with DJ Unique (Fri., Dec. 31; 9:30pm-12:30am), and TiaJuana’s Cantina conjures the one and only Throwdowns, with a midnight champagne toast and party favors included with ticket (Fri., Dec. 31; $20 advance/$30 door; 9pm). At The Underground—the island’s newest (and only) underage nightclub—Maui’s under-21-ers finally have a place to party into the wee hours of the morning, sans bubbly (Fri. & Sat., Dec. 31 & Jan. 1; 7pm-2am; $10). Friday features DJ Blast, DJ Decka and DJ AstroRaph, and Saturday showcases DJ Daniel J, John Scott and Soundsex. As always, it’s a drug-and alcohol-free event, with a zero-tolerance policy (i.e. you’ll be 86’d for life if you break the rules), and those under 16 years old are subject to a Cinderella-esque situation (i.e. gotta bounce by 12am). Timba is as swanky as ever, with their B&W themed party. Tickets include free accessories (feather boas, tiaras, etc.) and a 187ml bottle of champagne just for you. Last year, Timba sold out nearly a week before the event, so if you want to ensure your spot, call for pre-sale tickets (Fri., Dec. 31; $35 advance; 9pm-2am). Umalu at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa again hosts their snazzy poolside sparkler party, with a la carte treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries and fine cheeses, plus goodies and entertainment by the Classic Knights (Fri., Dec. 31; 7pm-12am; no cover). And, the chefs at Japengo, the Hyatt’s newest eatery, offer a selection of New Year’s specials and cocktails (Fri, Dec. 31; 5:30-10pm), while the resort’s Drums of the Pacific show offers a late night lu‘au including party favors and a champagne toast (Fri., Dec. 31; 9pm-12am). Riddum of Knowledge, Ras Lil Dread and The Fiyah Blaze Band take over Hard Rock Cafe for a night of roots, rock and reggae to ring in the New Year. The kitchen stays open to offer a bite-sized menu past 9pm, and tickets (a portion of which will be donated to the World Hunger organization) include champagne toast and party favors (Fri., Dec. 31; $20 advance/$25 door).
New Year’s resolutions mean New Year’s Eve indulgences. Get your fine dining fix at the Five Palms Restaurant during one of two exclusive seating times for their gourmet four-course dinner (Fri., Dec. 31; 5-6:30pm or 7-9:30pm; reservations required). Or start your night with a little spice at Monsoon India’s New Year’s Eve BYOB buffet and enjoy a magic show by Neil Bruce and violin music by Cambria Moss (Fri., Dec. 31; 5-9pm; $29.95). Get intimate and add a little island flare with the award-winning sounds of John Cruz and his band at Stella Blue’s. Friday night at Stella’s includes a stunning seven-course dinner and midnight champagne toast, and music with Cruz continues on Saturday with a Supper Club installment (Fri., Dec. 31; 8pm-12:30am; $100 / Sat., Jan. 1; 6pm; $60 four-course dinner/$30 show only). Three’s Bar & Grill offers a four-course dinner ($55; includes three glasses of sparkling wine), but you’ll want to stay late for their black-light party that kicks off with Arise, followed by metalicious Moth—and a laser light show—at midnight. Plus, they’re doling out giveaways for the first 50 patrons and offering $3 champagne specials (Fri., Dec. 31; 9pm; $5). If you’re all dressed up, you’ve got somewhere to go: The South Shore Tiki Lounge is requesting you dress to the nines—bling and boas encouraged—for a smooth criminal party that’s one part gangster and one part gorgeous. If you call and reserve a VIP table, you’ll get gobs of goodies like feathered tiaras and noisemakers (Fri., Dec. 31; 10pm; no cover). Mulligans on the Blue partners with Maui Tribe to present a New Year’s extravaganza with the one and only Willie K, plus Gail Swanson and Ka‘ena Elaban. Whatever party plan you choose—either the buffet dinner/show package ($75) or show-only tickets ($25)—make sure you get your tickets early, as this event sells out annually (Fri., Dec. 31; dinner starts at 7pm, last seating at 8:30pm). “Ambrosia’s Next Top DJ” winner DJ Mats headlines a night of dancing—plus free party favors for all. They’re doing something unique with their hourly shot specials—so wherever in the world it’s turning 2011, there’s a locale-inspired drink available. Like, when the ball drops in NYC, you can down a “New York Motherfucker.” When it’s party time in the Lone Star State, buy a round of “Texas Twisters.” Or when they’re kissing in Colorado, top off a “Colorado Bulldog.” Come Saturday night—if you’re still ready and rearing while the rest of the world is recovering—Ambrosia has you covered with turntable tunes by DJ Decka and $2-off tequila drink specials (Fri. & Sat., Dec. 31 & Jan. 1; 9:30pm-2am).Oceans offers a little something for everyone, with entertainment including Dat Guyz, Pac Vibes and DJ Stylz (Fri., Dec. 31; 9pm; no cover).
SOUTH
New Year’s resolutions mean New Year’s Eve indulgences. Get your fine .
dining fix at the Five Palms Restaurant during one of two exclusive seating times for their gourmet four-course dinner (Fri., Dec. 31; 5-6:30pm or 7-9:30pm; reservations required). Or start your night with a little spice at Monsoon India’s New Year’s Eve BYOB buffet and enjoy a magic show by Neil Bruce and violin music by Cambria Moss (Fri., Dec. 31; 5-9pm; $29.95). Get intimate and add a little island flare with the award-winning sounds of John Cruz and his band at Stella Blue’s. Friday night at Stella’s includes a stunning seven-course dinner and midnight champagne toast, and music with Cruz continues on Saturday with a Supper Club installment (Fri., Dec. 31; 8pm-12:30am; $100 / Sat., Jan. 1; 6pm; $60 four-course dinner/$30 show only). Three’s Bar & Grill offers a four-course dinner ($55; includes three glasses of sparkling wine), but you’ll want to stay late for their black-light party that kicks off with Arise, followed by metalicious Moth—and a laser light show—at midnight. Plus, they’re doling out giveaways for the first 50 patrons and offering $3 champagne specials (Fri., Dec. 31; 9pm; $5). If you’re all dressed up, you’ve got somewhere to go: The South Shore Tiki Lounge is requesting you dress to the nines—bling and boas encouraged—for a smooth criminal party that’s one part gangster and one part gorgeous. If you call and reserve a VIP table, you’ll get gobs of goodies like feathered tiaras and noisemakers (Fri., Dec. 31; 10pm; no cover). Mulligans on the Blue partners with Maui Tribe to present a New Year’s extravaganza with the one and only Willie K, plus Gail Swanson and Ka‘ena Elaban. Whatever party plan you choose—either the buffet dinner/show package ($75) or show-only tickets ($25)—make sure you get your tickets early, as this event sells out annually (Fri., Dec. 31; dinner starts at 7pm, last seating at 8:30pm). “Ambrosia’s Next Top DJ” winner DJ Mats headlines a night of dancing—plus free party favors for all. They’re doing something unique with their hourly shot specials—so wherever in the world it’s turning 2011, there’s a locale-inspired drink available. Like, when the ball drops in NYC, you can down a “New York Motherfucker.” When it’s party time in the Lone Star State, buy a round of “Texas Twisters.” Or when they’re kissing in Colorado, top off a “Colorado Bulldog.” Come Saturday night—if you’re still ready and rearing while the rest of the world is recovering—Ambrosia has you covered with turntable tunes by DJ Decka and $2-off tequila drink specials (Fri. & Sat., Dec. 31 & Jan. 1; 9:30pm-2am).Oceans offers a little something for everyone, with entertainment including Dat Guyz, Pac Vibes and DJ Stylz (Fri., Dec. 31; 9pm; no cover).
CENTRAL/UPCOUNTRY
For early NYE entertainment, make sure you check out the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater for Solo Sessions with Barry Flanagan, where Flanagan will share stories and insights from his career (Thurs., Dec. 30; 7:30pm; $25/$45 VIP). Since we’re coming into the Year of the Rabbit, a special “New Year’s Eve Romp” benefit will be held in support of arts education on Maui (with special thanks to Maui Elite Gymnastics Academy, Queen Kaahumanu Center, MEO, Next Level Theater Productions and Source Maui; call their info hotline for details: 495-0099). Feel like a hot, famous person at the one and only Kahului Ale House’s red carpet night. Dance off your regrets and make your resolutions to the sultry stylings of Next Level Entertainment DJs, special guest DJs and smokin’ go-go dancers. Included with price of ticket are cool party favors for the first 100 guests, a midnight pupu buffet and champagne toast (and don’t miss their special ice shots—i.e. shots poured into glasses formed of ice), and arrive pre-party for extended happy hour specials, live Hawaiian music and a screening of the Times Square ball drop (Fri., Dec. 31; 7pm; $20). Makawao’s Casanova restaurant lives up to its synonymous-with-seduction namesake, offering a night of erotic NYE festivities. The digs are dressed up with decor by Next Level Theater Productions, and dancers twirl on poles while Marasco and DJ SID spin vinyl. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight, plus purrfect sideshow acts by Kit Kat Club Production and exotic body painting by Maya (Fri., Dec. 31; 9:30pm; $25 door).
INDEX
Ambrosia, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei; 891-1011; ambrosiamaui.com
Captain Jack’s Island Grill, 672 Front St., Lahaina; 667-0988
Casanova, 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao; 572-0220
Cool Cat Cafe, Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front St., Lahaina; 667-0908; coolcatcafe.com
Drums of the Pacific 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina; 661-1234
Five Palms Restaurant, 2960 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei; 879-2607; fivepalmsrestaurant.com
Hard Rock Cafe 900 Front St., Lahaina; 667-7400
Japengo 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina; 661-1234
Kahului Ale House, 355 E. Kamehameha Ave., Kahului; 877-9001; alehouse.net
Kimo’s Restaurant, 845 Front St., Lahaina; 661-4811; kimosmaui.com
Maui Brewing Co. Brewpub, Kahana Gateway Center, 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy., Kahana; 669-3474; mauibrewingco.com
Mulligans on the Blue, 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea; 874-1131
Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Maalaea Rd., Ste. 100, Maalaea; 249-8811; pacificwhale.org
Maui Theatre, 878 Front Street (Old Lahaina Center), Lahaina; 856-7973; mauitheatre.com / ticketmaster.com
McCoy Studio Theater, MACC, One Cameron Way, Kahului; 242-7469; mauiarts.org
Merriman’s, 1 Bay Club Pl., Lahaina; 669-6400
Monsoon India, 760 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei; 875-4555
Oceans Beach Bar & Grill – 1819 S. Kihei Rd.; 891-2414
South Shore Tiki Lounge, Kihei Kalama Village, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei; 874-6444; southshoretikilounge.com
Stella Blues Cafe, 1279 South Kihei Rd., # 201, Kihei; 874-3779; stellablues.com
Three’s Bar & Grill, 1945 S Kihei Rd., Kihei; 879-3133
TiaJuana’s Cantina, 2291 Kaanapali Pkwy., Lahaina; 667-4080
Timba, 505 Front St., Lahaina; 463-1371; timbamaui.com
Umalu 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina; 661-1234
The Underground, 744 Front St., Lahaina; lovelighthawaii.com
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