Celebrating Chinese New Year in Hawaii

Marking the beginning on the new lunar year, Chinese New Year Day is celebrated annually sometime from mid-January to early March. To mark the occasion, the Chinese community gathers together to celebrate the occasion with many unique traditions. Red is the symbolic color that you will see surrounding most of the festivities, believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming days.

Chinese New Year 2020 officially begins on January 25 and ends on February 11, 2020. This year is the Year of the Rat!

From crimson lanterns adorning homes and streets, to residents robed in clothing of the vibrant hue, to the traditional exchange of red envelopes containing cash as gifts, Chinese New Year is an exciting and merry occasion, often marked by parades, special foods and revelry, including dancing, music, fireworks and more. Listed below is the inside scoop on each island’s Chinese New Year event offerings.

Chinese New Year on Oahu

Chinatown opens its doors wide to host a Chinese New Year extravaganza each year. Guests joining in this year’s January 17th and 18th festivities can head on over to the Chinatown Cultural Plaza to enjoy traditional lion and dragon dance, cultural entertainment, ethnic dishes made especially for the occasion, and more.

Chinese New Year on Maui

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation hosts a free Chinese New Year event every year at Wo Hing Museum. Attendees can look forward to a traditional lion dance, guest speakers, kung fu demonstrations, cultural demos, music and more.

Chinese New Year on Hawaii Island

On Hawaii Island, welcome the Year of the Rat at the exciting “Asian Fest” at Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, with Lion Dancers and drums from around the world. Admission to the annual event is typically free.

Chinese New Year festivities promise endless fun and fanfare. So enjoy, and here’s to a blessed and prosperous 2020!