Q. Let us say, a guy is alone in a desert, without the necessary implements to make and light candles on Chanukah, and obviously will not see the lit Chanukah candles of another, does he make a Birkas Shehecheyanu on the Yom Tov of Chanukah itself?

A. Meiri (Shabbos 22b) writes that if someone lacks with what to light and will not see a Chanuka candle either, he should recite Sheasa Nisim every night and Shecheyanu the first night. Mishna Berura and in Biur Halacha (692: 1) quotes different opinions in regards to one who does not have a Megilla, if he should say Shecheyanu on the day itself. The issue seems to remain unresolved.
 
Sdei Chemed (M. Chanuka 9: 3) quotes that Horav Shlomo Cohen zt’l from Vilna wondered, why we don’t find that on Chanuka and Purim that “Zman Omro Bashuk” or to recite Shecheyanu for the sake of the day itself. He explains that since these two festivities lack kedusha and normal work is permitted on them, we don’t recite Shecheyanu. Meoros Nossan (60) mentions that Zera Emes (960 maintains that it is a brocho on the day, while Pri Chodosh (676: 1) and Pri Megodim (676; M.Z.: 2) disagree.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that when in doubt we do not recite Shecheyanu. Preferably, he can recite the brocho on acquiring a new significant item or fruit (when applicable) and have in mind Chanuka.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a