For this 2010 New Year’s Eve, I was invited to party put on by Hawaiians at a local favorite hangout. set in the outback of the wild west Puna and virtually the back yard of the famous lava fields that all the tourists flock to this side of the island to see, this rural haven was definately a first as a party venue for me. Also I seldom celebrate New Years too formally, at best, at home with friends over a drink, and more usually,  in bed  to the sound of midnight fireworks.So this year was pretty special. The evening kicked off with a dancer who entertained the entire audience with dramatic and wild dancing swinging on ropes and creeping along rafters in a performance that skillfully combined acrobatics with traditional dance. Next were the hula girls, who shook their hips in a hypnotic fashion that both fascinated and tantilized the audience. Midnight was met with a dramatic display of fireworks and a wonderful band that played old-time favorites in the background. Everyone gathered to toast to the Newyear,  and many continued on dancing, singing and chatting  till early hours of the morning.