Are you looking for things to do in Hawaii for Chinese New Year? Keep scrolling for my top picks for how to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hawaii this year.
This guide to how to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a Hawaii trip in February 2026?
You’re about to experience one of the islands’ most vibrant celebrations.
Chinese New Year falls on February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse with lion dances, firecrackers, red envelopes, and some seriously delicious food.
I’ve been celebrating Chinese New Year in Hawaii for years, and one of my favorite memories is watching my kids feed the dancing lions in Waikiki.
My husband is Chinese, so this holiday is extra special for our family.
There’s something magical about seeing my kids’ faces light up when they get those red envelopes (hongbao) filled with lucky money.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s visited the islands 40+ times, I’m sharing everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year in Hawaii in 2026.
When is Chinese New Year 2026?
Chinese New Year officially falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. But here’s the thing: celebrations actually kick off the weekend before and continue for about two weeks.
The biggest events happen on Saturday, February 14, 2026, so you can experience the festivities even if you’re not here on the actual holiday.
2026 is the Year of the Horse (specifically the Fire Horse), which symbolizes passion, energy, and freedom. You’ll see horse decorations everywhere during the celebration period.
Why Hawaii Goes All Out for Chinese New Year
Hawaii has one of the largest Chinese populations outside of Asia, with Chinese immigrants arriving in the islands as early as the 1780s.
Chinese culture is woven into Hawaii’s identity, which is why you’ll find amazing celebrations on every island.
The traditions are authentic.
We’re talking real lion dances performed by skilled martial arts teams, traditional firecrackers (where permitted), calligraphy demonstrations, and food vendors serving up authentic Chinese delicacies.
It’s not just a tourist show; it’s a genuine cultural celebration that locals take seriously.
Chinese New Year on Oahu (The Best Celebrations!)
Oahu definitely has the most extensive Chinese New Year celebrations in Hawaii. If you’re trying to decide which island to visit during this time, Oahu is your best bet for non-stop festivities.
Chinatown Festival & Parade
This is the event you don’t want to miss. The Chinatown Festival and Parade on Saturday, February 14, 2026 is Hawaii’s biggest Chinese New Year celebration.
The parade kicks off at 4:30 PM from the Hawaii State Capitol and winds through historic Chinatown, ending at A’ala Park.
Expect lion dancers, dragon dancers, martial arts demonstrations, and taiko drummers filling the streets with energy.
The festival itself is family heaven. Over 60 vendors sell everything from authentic Chinese street food (potstickers, spring rolls, bubble tea, jin dui) to handmade crafts and cultural items.
There’s a Keiki Fun Zone with activities for kids, live music performances, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Best part? It’s completely free.
Pro tip: Get there early if you want a good viewing spot for the parade. The streets get packed, but that’s part of the fun.
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Celebrations
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce hosts multiple events throughout Chinese New Year:
Friday Evening Celebration (February 13, 2026) at Chinatown Cultural Plaza from 5:00-10:00 PM. This is when the community really comes together with traditional performances, food booths, and activities for kids.
All Day Saturday Celebration (February 14, 2026) at Chinatown Cultural Plaza from 9:00 AM-10:00 PM. If you can only pick one day to experience Chinese New Year in Hawaii, this is it.
There’s also a fancy gala dinner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on January 31, 2026, if you want a more formal celebration experience.
Waikiki Shopping Centers
Pretty much every major shopping center in Waikiki and Honolulu hosts Chinese New Year events. Here’s where to catch the celebrations:
Royal Hawaiian Center hosts lion dances and cultural performances throughout the Chinese New Year period.
They typically offer special red envelopes (lai see) at the guest services desk that you can use to “feed” the lion for good luck. Check their schedule closer to the date for specific performance times.
Ala Moana Center creates a beautiful Lunar New Year Wishing Wall where you can write messages of hope and prosperity.
They also host lion dance performances, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations by master calligraphers, and sometimes offer gift-with-purchase promotions when you spend a certain amount.
International Market Place in Waikiki features lion dances and special promotions. It’s convenient if you’re staying in Waikiki and want to catch some cultural performances without traveling far.
Ward Village hosts lion dance performances and hands out complimentary red envelopes. Master calligraphers are often set up here too, creating personalized good luck messages.
Family-Friendly Celebrations
Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Kakaako puts on kid-specific Chinese New Year activities.
Think lion dances performed at a level that won’t scare little ones, plus crafts and hands-on activities explaining the traditions.
Regular admission applies ($7-$12 per person), but it’s worth it if you have young kids who want to participate rather than just watch.
Town Center of Mililani hosts a fun community celebration with cultural performances including lion dances, taiko drumming, and martial arts demonstrations.
It’s less crowded than Chinatown but still captures the festive spirit.
Chinese New Year on Maui
Maui’s Chinese New Year celebrations are more low-key than Oahu’s, but you’ll still find festivities.
Maui Mall Village in Kahului typically hosts an annual Chinese New Year Festival with lion dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and family activities.
They often partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui to make it a community event. Check their website for 2026 details as it gets closer.
Important Note: Lahaina’s Front Street, which used to host Chinese New Year celebrations at the Wo Hing Museum, was devastated by the August 2023 wildfire.
Those celebrations won’t be happening in 2026. My heart goes out to the Lahaina community as they continue rebuilding.
If you’re planning a Maui trip and want help navigating what’s changed post-fire, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can discuss current conditions and the best family-friendly activities.
My Maui Travel Guide for Families has also been updated with post-fire information.
Chinese New Year on Kauai
Kauai keeps things intimate but authentic.
The Shops at Kukui’ula in Poipu hosts their annual Flavors of Kukui’ula event, typically in late January or early February.
This is Kauai’s largest Chinese New Year celebration, featuring Tsunami Taiko drummers (a youth taiko group from Kauai’s West Side), firecrackers, lion dances, and food from participating restaurants.
It’s a fantastic pau hana party atmosphere.
Kukui Grove Center in Lihue welcomes Tsunami Taiko Lion Dancers for performances and often includes activities for kids, like lucky fruit giveaways and crafts.
The celebrations on Kauai feel more community-focused than touristy, which I love. It’s a great way to experience local culture.
Want more Kauai trip planning help? Grab my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Kauai or check out my comprehensive Kauai Travel Guide for Families.
Chinese New Year on the Big Island
The Big Island’s celebrations are more spread out given the island’s size.
Queens’ Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort has hosted Chinese New Year celebrations in past years, including scavenger hunts for kids and festive decorations. Check with them directly as February approaches for 2026 events.
Shopping centers in Hilo and Kona may host smaller celebrations. Your best bet is to check with your hotel concierge or the shopping centers directly in January 2026.
If you’re planning a Big Island vacation, my Big Island Travel Guide for Families covers everything from volcano viewing to the best beaches.
I also have a free 7-day email course for planning a Big Island trip.
Best Chinese Restaurants in Hawaii
You can’t celebrate Chinese New Year without amazing food. Here are my top picks across the islands for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Oahu
Lucky Belly (50 N Hotel St, Honolulu) is my go-to spot in Chinatown. Yes, it’s known for ramen, but their Asian fusion small plates are incredible.
The crispy duck tacos and oxtail dumplings are must-orders. They’re open Monday-Thursday 5:00-10:00 PM, Wednesday-Friday for lunch 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday 5:00-11:00 PM. Closed Sundays.
Make reservations through OpenTable because this place gets packed.
The vibe is hip and intimate with an exposed brick interior and craft cocktails. It’s perfect for a date night or grown-up celebration of Chinese New Year.
Kauai
Ho’s Chinese Kitchen at Kukui Grove Center in Lihue serves up fresh, traditional Chinese food at great prices.
Their crispy gau gee (Hawaiian-style wontons), ginger chicken, and shrimp egg foo young are all delicious. It’s a food court setup, so it’s super casual and family-friendly. Open daily with slightly varying hours.
Big Island
Cheng’s Chop Suey House (138 Hualalai St, Hilo) moved to a new, clean location and continues serving some of the best Chinese food on the Big Island.
Their crispy oyster chicken and won ton mein have a cult following. Huge portions at reasonable prices make this a local favorite. Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
Chinese New Year Traditions to Know
If this is your first time celebrating Chinese New Year, here are the traditions you’ll see:
Lion Dances: Colorful lions (usually performed by two dancers) move through crowds and businesses, “eating” red envelopes filled with money. This brings good luck and scares away evil spirits. My kids love “feeding” the lions.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao/Lai See): These lucky red packets contain money and are given as gifts. Many shopping centers hand out empty ones that you can fill with a dollar or two to feed the lions. Keep small bills handy.
Firecrackers: The loud sounds are meant to scare away evil spirits and bad luck. Where permitted, you’ll hear strings of firecrackers going off.
Red Decorations: Red symbolizes good luck and prosperity. You’ll see red lanterns, banners, and decorations everywhere.
Special Foods: Certain foods are eaten for luck: long noodles for longevity, whole fish for abundance, dumplings for wealth, and sticky rice cakes for progress.
Planning Your Chinese New Year Hawaii Trip
Best Time to Visit: Arrive by Friday, February 13, 2026 to catch the weekend celebrations. The main events happen Saturday, February 14, with festivities continuing through the actual holiday on Tuesday, February 17.
Where to Stay: If you want to be in the center of the action, stay in Waikiki. You can walk to multiple celebrations and easily catch lion dances at various shopping centers. For Chinatown events, it’s a quick rideshare away.
Getting Around: Most Oahu celebrations are concentrated in Honolulu and Waikiki, making them easy to access.
Book a rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental if you want flexibility to visit multiple islands or explore beyond the city. They offer the best rates on Hawaii car rentals.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on your feet a lot), small bills for red envelopes, and layers (it can get warm in crowds but cool in the evening). Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for daytime events.
Tours and Activities: If you want someone else to handle the planning, check out cultural tours on Viator or Get Your Guide that might include Chinese New Year celebrations.
Capture the Memories
Chinese New Year in Hawaii makes for incredible photos. The colorful lion costumes, festive decorations, and energetic crowds create perfect backdrops.
Want professional photos without the hassle? Book a Flytographer session and save $20 with my link.
They’ll meet you at the celebration and capture your family experiencing this unique cultural event. Those action shots of your kids feeding the lions? Priceless.
Make the Most of Your February Hawaii Trip
Chinese New Year is just one reason February is an amazing time to visit Hawaii. It’s also prime whale watching season (December through April), the weather is gorgeous, and you’ll avoid some of the winter crowds.
If you’re visiting multiple islands, my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide helps you plan the perfect itinerary. I also have island-specific guides:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
Each guide includes daily itineraries, restaurant recommendations, kid-friendly activities, and insider tips from my 20+ years of hula dancing and 40+ Hawaii visits.
Need help planning? I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I create a personalized itinerary based on your family’s interests, budget, and travel style.
As a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I can help you navigate everything from inter-island flights to the best beaches for your kids’ ages.
I also share weekly Hawaii travel tips and updates on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Start Planning Today
Chinese New Year in Hawaii offers a unique blend of authentic cultural celebration and island paradise that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re feeding lucky lions in Waikiki, watching the Chinatown parade, or enjoying Chinese feast at a local restaurant, you’re experiencing traditions that have been celebrated in Hawaii for over 200 years.
Gung Hay Fat Choy (Congratulations and be prosperous)! Here’s to a lucky and prosperous Year of the Horse.
Want more February Hawaii travel inspiration? Check out my guides on whale watching on Maui, whale watching on Kauai, and seeing cherry blossoms in Hawaii.
