How to Celebrate Lunar New Year on Oahu in 2025

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, officially falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, but celebrations for the Year of the Wood Snake are planned throughout late January and February on Oahu. According to Chinese astrology, the Wood Snake is associated with wisdom, growth and transformation—a perfect time to reflect on personal growth and embrace new opportunities. 

Start the Year of the Snake on a high note by joining these vibrant festivities on Oahu. Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Honolulu for the first time, Chinese New Year celebrations are a memorable way to experience the beauty and traditions of Chinese culture. Below, you'll find some of the biggest Year of the Snake celebrations happening across Oahu in the coming weeks.

Chinatown Cultural Plaza

Friday, Jan. 24 | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii will kick off Chinese New Year festivities with an exciting lineup of cultural events and activities in Honolulu's historic Chinatown. This two-day event is packed with fun, food and festivities for the whole family. The event will feature more than 40 food, craft and cultural booths offering delicious eats, unique gifts and cultural treasures and free activities for keiki.

Live entertainment will include Chinese lion dancing, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese dances, and performances by the Gee Yung Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association. All performances will take place on the Moongate Stage, located inside the Chinatown Cultural Plaza courtyard. Be sure to catch the 2025 Narcissus Queen and Court as they make special appearances throughout the celebration; they will be accompanied by nine different lion dance groups as they visit merchants throughout Chinatown, while popping firecrackers for good luck in the new year.

The celebrations at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the traditions and cultural richness of this auspicious holiday. Whether you’re sampling delicious food, admiring the artistry of lion dancers or shopping for festive goods, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate and connect with the community.

Tips for Enjoying the Celebration

• Arrive early: Parking in Chinatown can be challenging during large events, so plan ahead and arrive early.
• Bring cash: Many vendors may only accept cash for food and goods. 
• Dress festively: Wear red to symbolize good fortune and ward off bad luck! 
• Stay for the performances: The high-pole lion dance and cultural performances are highlights you won’t want to miss. 

Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 100 N Beretania St., Honolulu

Market City

Saturday, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ring in the Year of the Snake with a bang at Market City shopping center Saturday, Jan. 25. This exciting celebration will feature taiko drummers, lion dancers, fire crackers and fortune cookies. Be on the lookout for lucky fortunes in the cookies to win a gift certificate to the center! The first 300 attendees will receive a Year of the Snake fan.

Market City, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu

Hawaii Kai Towne Center

Saturday, Jan. 25 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In Hawaii Kai on Saturday, Jan. 25, check out the Wah Ngai Lion Dance, enjoy a special appearance by the Narcissus Festival Court and be amazed by a kung fu demonstration and lively lion dance. Be sure to feed the lion for good luck while you're there! For more information, visit hawaiikaitownecenter.com.

Hawaii Kai Towne Center, 333 Keahole St., Honolulu

International Market Place

Saturday, Jan. 25 | 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Swing by the International Market Place in Waikiki Saturday, Jan. 25 for lion dance performances on Levels 1, 2 and 3, followed by an educational presentation on the Lunar New Year in Queen’s Court. Learn the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy in Mauka Court from 1 to 3 p.m., and take in the stars with Stargazers of Hawaii in the evening. Plus, get a gift with purchase of $150 or more while supplies last. For more information, visit shopinternationalmarketplace.com.

International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu

Children’s Discovery Center

Sunday, Jan. 26 | 10:30 a.m.

Treat the keiki to a child-friendly lion dance and fun Chinese crafts and activities for all ages at the Children's Discovery Center in Kakaako. Regular admission prices apply ($7 to $!2 per person). For more information, visit discoverycenterhawaii.com.

Chidren's Discovery Center, 111 Ohe St., Honolulu

Waikele Premium Outlets

Sunday, Jan. 26 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

In Waikele, celebrate the Year of the Snake with thrilling lion dances at Center Stage near American Eagle. Wah Ngai’s pole-jumping lion dance will perform at 11 a.m., followed by Lung Kong Physical Club’s performance and in-store blessings from noon to 2 p.m. This free event also includes photo opportunities and giveaways, while supplies last. For more information, visit premiumoutlets.com.

Waikele Premium Outlets, 94-790 Lumiaina St., Waipahu

Royal Hawaiian Center

Tuesday, Jan. 28 - Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025

Visit the Royal Hawaiian Center Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. for a lion dance by Lung Kong Physical Culture Club in The Royal Grove. At 5:30 p.m., the dance will continue throughout the Center and participating stores/restaurants. Guests can pick up a Custom Royal Hawaiian Center red Lai See (a red envelope containing money as gift for the lion) from Helumoa Hale to feed the lion. The Center will also host the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association Acrobatic Lion Dance Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy a demonstration of traditional Chinese calligraphy by Ina Chang. Additionally, to celebrate Lunar New Year, Royal Hawaiian Center will offer a special gift-with-purchase promotion from Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 2025. Visit royalhawaiiancenter.com for details.

Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu

Ala Moana Center

Wednesday, Jan. 29 - Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

Ala Moana Center is planning a host of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the end of January. The world’s largest open-air shopping center, located in Honolulu, is welcoming visitors with a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural performances to usher in the Year of the Snake from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. Highlights include: Lion dancing, pole jumping, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and more. The center’s lucky Wishing Wall will also be back, allowing shoppers to write a new year's wish. From Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, shoppers who spend $500 or more can receive a limited-edition Year of the Snake boat tote, bandana and Ala Moana Center gift card in a lai see, or red envelope. Visit alamoanacenter.com for details.

Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

SALT at Our Kaka‘ako

Saturday, Feb. 1 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kick 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 dance through SALT at Our Kaka‘ako blessing its tenants, attendees can feed them lai see, or red envelopes filled with money, to bring prosperity throughout the year. From 11 a.m. to noon, there will also be appearances by the 2025 Miss Chinatown Hawaii Queen Jacelyn Ho, 2024 Miss Chinatown Hawaii Queen Sara Liu, 2024 1st Princess Connie Huang and 2024 Princess Ellie Feng. For more information, visit saltatkakaako.com.

SALT at Our Kaka'ako, 691 Auahi St., Honolulu

Pearlridge Center

Sunday, Feb. 2 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with festive in-store blessings throughout Pearlridge Center. For more information, visit pearlridgeonline.com.

Pearlridge Center, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd., Aiea

Ka Makana Ali‘i

Friday, Feb. 7 | 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Kapolei with an afternoon of cultural festivities, beginning with Chinese calligraphy by Master Ina Chang from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Center Court. The Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association will perform from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m, followed by center-wide lion dance blessings until 8 pm. For more information, visit kamakanaalii.com.

Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy., Kapolei

Ewa Town Center

Saturday, Feb. 8 | 10 a.m. – Noon

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Ewa with a traditional lion dance, free Chinese calligraphy from Ina Chang and crispy gau gee (Hawaiian-style wontons) from Taste of Hong Kong (with purchase). For more information, visit ewatowncenter.com.

Ewa Town Center, 91-1401 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach

Lunar New Year Celebration at Ward Village

Saturday, Feb. 8 | Noon – 4 p.m.

Enjoy lion dance performances beginning at noon at South Shore Market, in Kakaako, followed by blessings throughout Ward Village. Master calligrapher Ina Chang will be at South Shore Market from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and photo ops will be available at Ward Centre and South Shore Market. For more information, visit wardvillage.com.

Ward Village, 1240 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

Salt Lake Shopping Center

Saturday, Feb. 8 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Feed the dragon and lion for good luck, and savor authentic Lunar New Year specialties like Gao (Chinese New Year cake) and Jai (a vegetarian dish and is eaten on the first day of Chinese New Year to bring good luck)  at Salt Lake Chinese Restaurant. Co-sponsored by The Yeung Dak Physical Culture Dragon and Lion Dance Association, this festive event promises to bring joy and fortune. For more information, visit saltlakeshoppingcenter.com.

Salt Lake Shopping Center, 848 Ala Lilikoi St., Honolulu

Hawaii State Library

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 | 11 a.m. to noon

Enjoy a short introduction to Chinese Lion dancing with a live performance at Hawaii State Library. Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii, there will be lions big and small, drumming and good cheer for the new year.

Hawaii State Library, 478 S King St., Honolulu

Kung Hei Fat Choi from all of us at Locations! Happy New Year!