In the 19th century, many Chinese immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. Since then, the Chinese community has spread all over the islands, especially in Honolulu. The local Chinatown has become the epicenter of Chinese New Year celebrations every January or February. Lots of tourists and locals are attracted by delicious Chinese cuisine and, of course, fireworks!
Night in Chinatown Festival & Parade (February 3, 2024)
The annual Lunar New Year parade in Honolulu Chinatown is the most popular CNY event in Hawaii. The parade starts at 4:30 pm at the Hawaii State Capitol lawn. The procession then moves along Hotel Street and along Beretania Street, ending at the historical A'ala Park. The colorful parade is followed by the Night in Chinatown Festival at Beretania Street with plenty of family-friendly activities. The festival also features cultural performances, delicious foods, lion dances, and more.
Lunar New Year in Big Island
Every year, the Queens’ Marketplace has a vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration. Attendees can enjoy music, dance, and various traditions. Entertainment includes lion dances, Japanese taiko and koto performances, acrobatics, and much more. Another celebration takes place at Honokaa Town along Mamane Street. Festivities include live music, food trucks, as well as origami animals and Chinese paper lantern workshops.
Chinese New Year in Lahaina (on hold)
The annual free Chinese New Year Celebration in Lahaina is organized by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. The celebration features lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, music, and cultural performances, held at the Wo Hing Museum & Cookhouse on Lahaina’s Front Street. The celebration starts in the afternoon with family-friendly activities such as crafts and storytelling for kids. Evening activities start at about 7 pm: firecrackers get lit, and the lions go dancing down Front Street while people feed them red envelopes for good luck.
