Where to Celebrate the 2022 Chinese New Year in Hawaiʻi
Festivities across the Islands welcome the Year of the Tiger.
While millions of people around the world celebrate Chinese New Year, the holiday is especially significant in Hawaiʻi. Chinese customs are faithfully practiced for good luck, such as cleaning homes to expel negative chi (energy), wearing red for prosperity, and of course, feeding the Chinese Lions. Families also prepare or order a spread of lucky Lunar New Year dishes.
The holiday, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, starts on the second new moon following the Winter Solstice. This year, the Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 1, marking the end of winter and the start of spring. Traditionally, festivities run for about two weeks with lion dances and fireworks. Throughout the Islands, find celebrations to usher in the Year of the Tiger.
Oʻahu
Chinese New Year Celebration
Friday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Jan. 29
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi is hosting its annual family-friendly event. From 5-10 p.m. on Jan. 28, and 10 a.m-10 p.m. on Jan. 29, visitors are invited to explore various food and craft booths at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza. There will also be lion dances to bring good luck and rid unwanted spirits. Make sure to feed the lions lettuce or leafy greens for a year of happiness and good fortune!
100 N. Beretania St., Honolulu, chinatownculturalplaza.com.
Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Royal Hawaiian Center
Friday, Jan. 28 and Tuesday, Feb. 1
Royal Hawaiian Center is ringing in the Year of the Tiger with special promotions, giveaways and cultural festivities. You can experience Hawaiʻi’s beloved, jubilant lion dance by watching performances by the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club. On Feb. 1, Chinese firecrackers will be launched to drive evil spirits and from 1-4 p.m., the talented Chinese calligrapher Ina Chang with be at the center. Guests can receive delicately written fortunes by Chang at the Royal Grove.
2201, Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, royalhawaiiancenter.com.
The Year of the Tiger at Town Center of Mililani
Families in near central Oahu won’t want to miss the Chinese New Year festivities going down at the Town Center of Mililani on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at 5 p.m,. The center will host a free, family-friendly celebration, featuring the Asian Lion Dance Team, fun keiki crafts and an appearance by Miss Chinatown Hawaiʻi and Miss Chinese Jaycees. Keiki can also receive a free tiger plush toy, while supplies last.
95-1249 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, towncenterofmililani.com.
Maui
Year of the Tiger Craft Fair
Saturday, Jan. 29
On the Valley Isle, celebrate the year of the Tiger at the Maui Mall Village. In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Maui, the shopping center is hosting a keiki craft event from 2-6 p.m. Along with crafts, there will be special performances by taiko drummers. Reservations are required for the event. Visit mauimall.com for more information.
70 E. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Kahului.
Lunar New Year at Lineage
Monday, Jan. 31
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In Wailea, ring in Chinese New Year by indulging in a special menu at Lineage on Monday night. Known for its innovative Asian-American cuisine, Lineage puts contemporary twists on local recipes. Their festive menu includes roasted duck breast in their house-made steamed buns and Cantonese lobster noodles. Reservations are encouraged.
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., lineagemaui.com.
Hawaiʻi Island
Queens’ Marketplace Chinese New Year Celebration
Feb. 1-6
On Hawaiʻi Island, the Queen’s Marketplace is hosting six days of Chinese New Year festivities. A part of the celebration is a lai see (red envelope) scavenger hunt. To participate, guests only need a smartphone, face mask and curious spirit. Throughout the mall, hidden QR codes provide clues on where to find lai see. The final clue reveals the secret location to pick up a prize bag filled with lucky treats. The shopping center is also holding a photo contest with the grand prize of a $200 gift card to Waikōloa Luxury Cinemas. To commemorate the Year of the Tiger, the Coronation Pavilion will be decorated with an extravagant lion balloon sculpture and red lanterns. Post a photo at the pavilion between Feb. 4-6 on Instagram and/or Facebook and tag @QueensMarketplace for a chance to win the gift card. For more information on the scavenger hunt and photo contest rules, visit queensmarketplace.com/chinese-new-year-celebration-2022.
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr., Waikōloa.
Kauaʻi
Chinese New Year Celebration: Year of the Tiger
Friday, Feb. 4
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Kauaʻi is ushering in the Year of the Tiger with firecrackers, lion dances and a drum performance by Tsunami Taiko at the Shops at Kukuiʻula. The shopping center is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a drive-in event from 6-7 p.m. Reservations are required. For more information, visit theshopsatkukuiula.com.
2829 Ala Kalani Kaumaka St., Kōloa.
