Chinese New Year 2025 in Hawaii

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, lion dances and traditional performances!

Night in Chinatown Festival & Parade (January 25, 2025)

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. More than 50 local vendors are offering mouthwatering Chinese dishes, souvenirs, knick-knacks, and decorations. The lively atmosphere and unforgettable costumes make this event a must-visit destination. The festival spans from 9 am until 10 pm.

Lunar New Year at the Queens Marketplace (January-February, 2025)

Every year, the Queen's Marketplace hosts a vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration. Attendees can enjoy music, dance, and various traditions. Entertainment includes lion dances, Japanese taiko and koto performances, acrobatics, face painting, and much more. The lions proceed through the market, greeting vendors at each shop and performing their signature dance moves. The event is completely free to attend and usually spans from 4:30 to 6 pm, culminating with firecrackers.

Chinese New Year in Honokaa Town (late January, 2025)

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. Honokaa People's Theatre is one of the main spots for the celebration, drawing in hundreds of people each year. Normally spanning from 11 am until 4 pm, the festival features numerous vendors selling Chinese New Year souvenirs, decorations, and their usual goods at great prices.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Maui (January 29, 2025 TBC)

The village of Kahului, home to Kahului Airport of Maui County, holds a grand Lunar New Year event, celebrating the best of Chinese culture and its heritage. From traditional lion dances and calligraphy workshops to cultural and historic displays, the festival is both educational and entertaining. The event usually takes place at Maui Mall Village and spans from 9 am to 2 pm.