The Year of the Rabbit officially begins on February 3, 2011. The month leading up to the holiday is a wonderful time to visit Honolulu’s Chinatown and to take part in festivities put on by government and community partnerships.
This area of town is always bustling with activity as shopkeepers tend piles of fruits, vegetables, and housewares. However, during the period leading up to Chinese New Year, it becomes extra festive!
You will notice the color red popping up everywhere, symbolizing prosperity, joy, and health. Red envelopes called lai see can be purchased in shops in Chinatown, along with decorations, firecrackers, traditional sweets, and nian gao, a rice cake consumed during Chinese New Year for good luck.
>> For a walkabout map of events, parking locations, and more detail, visit this page.
>> For more about Chinatown, please visit ChinatownHI.com.
1/10 – Narcissus Queen pageant – at the historic Hawaii Theater, 6:30-9 p.m. For tickets, call 533-3181.
1/14 – 1/15 and 1/21 – 1/22 – Chinese New Year Festival – from 10am to 10pm at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza. Free and open to the public.
1/22 – Coronation Ball – Hilton Hawaiian Village from 5pm to 10pm. For tickets, call 533-3181.
1/28 – 62nd Annual Narcissus Festival and Choy Cheng, Traditional Lion Dance Blessing, and Chinatown Open House – Chinatown and Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 6pm to 10pm. Free and open to the public.
1/29 – Chinatown New Year Celebration - Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 9am to 10pm. Free and open to the public.
1/29 – Night in Chinatown Festival - Maunakea and Smith streets, 9am to 10:30pm. Free and open to the public.
1/29 – Night in Chinatown Parade – begins on Hotel Street at the state Capitol and proceeds to Maunakea Street, 3:30 to 5:30pm. Free and open to the public.
>> For more details on the above events, please see here.
