Mochi pounding is a popular new year’s tradition in Hawaii.

Employees and volunteers got a workout Saturday, turning sticky and glutinous rice into mochi for seniors at the Palolo Chinese Home.

The centuries old Japanese tradition is thought to bring good luck in the new year.

Volunteer Kayla Nakayama said, “We can share this with residents so they can enjoy and watch us do this.”

“I am thinking of my own young days that we used to mochi pounding. My father pounded. My grandma was the one that turned over mochi,” said Lorraine Nishiyama.

The mochi can be eaten plain or stuffed with anything from azuki beans to peanut butter to fruit.