Chinese new year 2025 honolulu
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a significant cultural celebration in Honolulu, reflecting the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage within the Hawaiian community. In 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake, the festivities were particularly vibrant, offering a blend of traditional customs and modern festivities that brought together locals and visitors alike.
Chinatown Festival & Parade
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Honolulu’s Historic Chinatown was abuzz with the annual Chinatown Festival & Parade, presented by Chinatown 808 and American Savings Bank. The festival spanned from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, transforming Beretania Street between Maunakea and ‘A’ala Street, as well as ‘A’ala Park, into a lively hub of activity. Attendees enjoyed a plethora of food and craft vendors, free keiki (children’s) bouncy houses, and entertainment across three stages. The parade commenced at 4:30 PM, starting from the Hawaii State Capitol and making its way through Chinatown, showcasing vibrant lion dances, martial arts performances, and traditional music, all honoring Honolulu’s Chinese community.
Chinatown Cultural Plaza Celebrations
Concurrently, the Chinatown Cultural Plaza hosted its own festivities on January 24 and 25. This two-day event featured over 40 food, craft, and cultural booths, offering attendees a chance to indulge in delicious eats and unique gifts. Live entertainment included Chinese lion dancing, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese dances, and performances by the Gee Yung Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association. The 2025 Narcissus Queen and Court made special appearances, accompanied by nine different lion dance groups as they visited merchants throughout Chinatown, igniting firecrackers to usher in good luck for the new year.
Market City Shopping Center
On January 25, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Market City Shopping Center joined the celebrations with cultural performances, including taiko drumming, lion dancing, and firecrackers. Attendees received fortune cookies, with the first 300 guests receiving a special Year of the Snake fan. Some fortunate participants even found gift certificates hidden within their cookies, adding an element of surprise to the festivities.
Hawaii Kai Towne Center
Also on January 25, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hawaii Kai Towne Center celebrated with the Wah Ngai Lion Dance, a special appearance by the Narcissus Festival Court, and a kung fu demonstration. Attendees were encouraged to feed the lion—a traditional act believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
International Market Place
The International Market Place in Waikiki offered a full day of activities on January 25, from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM. The schedule included lion dance performances across multiple levels, an educational presentation on the Lunar New Year in Queen’s Court, and a traditional Chinese calligraphy session in Mauka Court. In the evening, attendees had the opportunity to stargaze with Stargazers of Hawaii, adding a celestial touch to the day’s celebrations.
Children’s Discovery Center
On January 26, at 10:30 AM, the Children’s Discovery Center in Kakaako hosted a child-friendly lion dance, complemented by Chinese crafts and activities suitable for all ages. This event provided an educational and entertaining experience for families, allowing children to engage with Chinese cultural traditions in an interactive setting.
Ala Moana Center
From January 29 to February 2, Ala Moana Center celebrated the Lunar New Year with a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural performances. Highlights included lion dancing, pole jumping, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations, and the return of the lucky Wishing Wall, where shoppers could write their new year’s wishes. Shoppers who spent $500 or more during this period received a limited-edition Year of the Snake boat tote, bandana, and an Ala Moana Center gift card in a lai see (red envelope).
SALT at Our Kaka‘ako
On February 1, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, SALT at Our Kaka‘ako kicked off the Year of the Snake with a martial arts demonstration, followed by a traditional Chinese lion dance by the Asian Lion Dance Team. As the lions danced through SALT, blessing its tenants, attendees were encouraged to feed them lai see to bring prosperity throughout the year. The event also featured appearances by the 2025 Miss Chinatown Hawaii Queen and her court.
Pearlridge Center
On February 2, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Pearlridge Center celebrated the Year of the Snake with festive in-store blessings throughout the mall. Shoppers enjoyed traditional lion dances and had the opportunity to participate in various cultural activities, enhancing the communal spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Ka Makana Ali‘i
On February 7, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei hosted an afternoon of cultural festivities, including Chinese calligraphy by Master Ina Chang and a performance by the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association. The event concluded with center-wide lion dance blessings, spreading good fortune to all attendees.
Ewa Town Center
On February 8, from 10:00 AM to noon, Ewa Town Center celebrated Chinese New Year with a traditional lion dance, free Chinese calligraphy from Ina Chang, and crispy gau gee (Hawaiian-style wontons) from Taste of Hong Kong. These activities provided a delightful blend of cultural education and culinary enjoyment for attendees.
