What to do for Lunar New Year on Oʻahu: parades, lion dances, and more

Across Oʻahu, residents are preparing to usher in the year of the fire horse, which starts Tuesday, Feb. 17. Events in the next few weeks include parades, lion dances and opportunities to set intentions for the new year.

KH
Katie Helland

February 10, 20265 min read

Chinatown 808’s Chinatown Festival and Parade will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Chinatown 808’s Chinatown Festival and Parade will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21. (Chinatown 808)

Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year, starts Tuesday, Feb. 17. To mark the event, there are parades, parties and more. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

MONDAY, FEB. 9

Sig Zane. A new Sig Zane design called “Hoʻohei,” which means “to lasso,” or figuratively, “to fascinate,” according to the alohawear clothing brand, released in stores on Monday, Feb. 9. The design features two color schemes: one where the horse is orange and the other where it is black. The shirts will be available online starting Wednesday, Feb. 11.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14

Chinatown Festival and Parade. Chinatown 808’s Chinatown Festival and Parade, presented by American Savings Bank, returns for its 50th year. The all-day event runs from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and takes place in ʻAʻala Park on N. Beretania Street, between Maunakea and ʻAʻala streets. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. along Hotel Street and goes from the Hawaiʻi State Capitol through Chinatown. Look for lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, activities for keiki, live entertainment and vendors with crafts and food. There will also be a pony and donkey petting area. Details.

Chinatown 808 will host its 50th Chinatown Festival and Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Chinatown 808 will host its 50th Chinatown Festival and Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14. (Chinatown 808)

Feel’n Lucky. The District is hosting a Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day party, which is located one block from Ala Moana Center. The event features DJs, two rooms of music and opportunities to get table service or private karaoke rooms. Enjoy a mix of hip-hop and top 40 hits, as well as dance music. The event runs from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. Business casual or standard night club dress code applies. The cover charge is $20. Details.

SUNDAY, FEB. 15

Lunar New Year Yoga with Christy. This free yoga class is designed to help attendees start the Lunar New Year with a fresh start. Wear red, if possible. Bring a mat or towel. The class starts at 8 a.m. at the Lululemon store at Ala Moana Center. Water is provided. Afterward, shop the Lunar New Year collection. Details.

MONDAY, FEB. 16

Lunar New Year Reset. This event will have attendees building a 2026 mini bingo card, which can be turned into a magnet or key chain. The goal is to get the group back on track with New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Attendees must be at least 18 years old. No artistic experience is needed. Craft as golden hour settles over the North Shore at LPN Farms. Tickets start at $55. Details.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17

Eat! Aloha State Daily has your guide to what to eat for Lunar New Year. From Chinese food to coffee and pastries, Food and Dining Reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta has you covered. Check out her guide: Where to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026.

Exercise. This challenge asks participants to join a virtual challenge and commit to 2.026 miles, 20.26 miles or 202.6 miles in the year of 2026. Registration for the virtual race costs $25. It includes a commemorative medal and bib, plus 15% of the registration fee goes to the nonprofit Soles4Soles, which takes donated used shoes and creates business opportunities for low-income families across the world. Details.

Lion dance. Head to the Royal Hawaiian Center to catch a lion dance from the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club, which will visit The Royal Grove and participating stores. The event starts at 5 p.m. Details.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21

Waikīkī Beach Walk Welcomes Lunar New Year. There will be a pole-jumping performance at 5 p.m. at Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza. Lion dancers will visit retail stores and restaurants after that. Details.

Waikīkī Beach Walk will host lion dancers on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Waikīkī Beach Walk will host lion dancers on Saturday, Feb. 21. (Waikīkī Beach Walk)

Acrobatic Lion Dance. Watch an acrobatic lion dance from the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Details.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

Traditional Chinese Folk Dance. Oriental Dance Studio will share traditional Chinese folk dance at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. The performance starts at 3:30 p.m. Details.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28

Explore Asia Fest. This all-day event includes live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and a keiki zone. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Palama Settlement. Parking is available at Likelike Elementary School. Free. Details.

Chinese New Year with Mahjong Social Club. This monthly competitive mahjong community is meeting to celebrate Chinese New Year. The friendly competition is for experienced players only. The event includes a nightmarket with food and vendors. Dress your best. Arrive promptly at 4 p.m. to play. The winner takes home a grand prize. Mahjong costs $15 and includes a complimentary herbal mocktail. Details. 

Calligraphy. Catch calligraphy with Ina Chang at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Details.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.

Authors

KH

Katie Helland

Arts, Culture & Entertainment Reporter

Katie Helland is an Arts, Culture & Entertainment Reporter for Aloha State Daily.