While Hawaii residents may observe New Year's traditions, such as singing "Auld Lang Syne" and firing off fireworks, many ethnic groups celebrate the New Year with delicacies that bring good fortune. Traditions and superstitions span from pounding Japanese mochi for good luck to consuming Filipino Pancit to ensure a long life.

Fireworks to chase away evil spirits.

It all began in China in the seventh century and has grown globally. Hawaii residents adore fireworks—perhaps too much. The extensive use of firecrackers during the Millennium celebration was a bit overpowering, so laws were put in place to help limit how many we could let off.

Want to see some? Over 100,000 people visit Waikiki Beach for the midnight fireworks extravaganza every year. Fiery aerial designs of palm trees, multicolored strobes, and shimmering fan formations enchant observers as they welcome the new year.

Mochi Pounding

Mochi rice is pounded the old-fashioned way with a large wooden hammer, a usu. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake formed from sticky rice continuously pounded. Making mochi takes at least two people: one to relentlessly pound the rice and the other to roll and wet it to the desired consistency. It's hand-molded into mounded patties, representing good luck for the New Year.

First Day Hike

Celebrate New Year's Day with a spectacular sunrise stroll along the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. As part of America's State Parks' annual celebration, thousands of people nationwide start the new year with an early morning stroll to the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse. Watch the moon set and the sun rises among hundreds of others who attend the event each year.

Eating sushi for good luck

Sashimi, Japanese for sliced raw fish, most commonly tuna or ahi, is the most popular "Good Luck" delicacy that locals must consume to celebrate the New Year. Demand for sashimi-grade ahi is so high that prices can jump to $40 per pound before New Year's. It is no longer solely a Japanese tradition. It has grown so popular that practically everyone appears to appreciate the custom. That, and the fact that it's tasty, makes any excuse to eat sashimi worthwhile.

Fukubukuro (Lucky bag)

Another Japanese New Year practice that has gained popularity in Hawaii. Merchants create grab bags loaded with unknown random goods and sell them at a significant discount, typically 50% or more off the retail price of the products within (all sales are final). It becomes increasingly popular each year, and we have a lot of sales this year at some of our most popular shopping complexes, including Ala Moana Center, International Market Place, and Royal Hawaiian Center.

Large family reunions on the beach.

The average winter temperature is a sunny 78 degrees, and the water is 74 degrees, making this the ideal site to ring in the New Year on the beach. We know it. You understand. And that is how this became a New York tradition. Ala Moana Beach Park is the most popular beach for New Year's celebrations among residents.

Filipino Pancit

Pancit is available in two varieties: pancit bihon (long-rice style) and pancit kanton (chow mein style).

Combining Chinese traditional cooking with Filipino flavors is thought to bring prosperity, health, and longevity. Since Chinese traders brought it during the Spanish colonial era, pancit has become a mainstay on every Filipino family's dining table, especially for special occasions. This practice has also permeated Hawaii society. How could anyone not wish to live a long life?