Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, runs from Tuesday, February 18, 2026, to Monday, February 23, 2026, and celebrations for the Year of the Horse are planned across Oahu. According to Chinese astrology, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which is associated with energy, passion and transformation.
Kick off the Year of the Horse on a high note by joining one of the many vibrant festivities accross Oahu. Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Honolulu for the first time, Lunar 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 Horse events happening across Oahu in the coming weeks.
Kapolei Shopping Center
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunar New Year festivities begin Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Kapolei Shopping Center with a performance by the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association, followed by a lively parade through the shopping center where spectators can “feed” the lions and watch merchants receive blessings. Be sure to stop by Locations' Kapolei office, next to Sushi Bay, for a chance to win a $50 gift card and other prizes. For more information, visit kapoleishopping.com.
Kapolei Shopping Center, 590 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei
Ka Makana Ali‘i
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ka Makana Ali'i in Kapolei will welcome the Lunar New Year with an afternoon of cultural festivities and activities. The Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association will perform in Center Court and host Center-wide lion dance blessings, while keiki can enjoy fun glitter tattoos and make a fortune teller. For more information, visit kamakanaalii.com.
Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy., Kapolei
Chinatown Cultural Plaza
Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Saturday, Feb. 14 | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii hosts the island's largest Chinese New Year celebration, 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. Follow these tips to make the most of the experience:
Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St., Honolulu
Waikele Premium Outlets
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 | Noon – 2 p.m.
In Waikele, celebrate the Year of the Horse with thrilling lion dances at the Waikele Premium Outlets Center Stage, near American Eagle/MINISO. The Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association will perform at noon, followed by Lung Kong Physical Club’s performance and in-store blessings from 1 p.m. 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
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 - Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Visit the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki Tuesday, Feb. 17 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. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The Royal Grove. On Sunday, Feb. 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Oriental Dance Studio will perform traditional Chinese folk dancing in The Royal Grove. Saturday, Feb. 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., also in The Royal Grove, 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 Feb. 15 to Feb. 28, 2026. Visit royalhawaiiancenter.com for details.
Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
Market City
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ring in the Year of the Horse with a bang at Market City shopping center in Kapahulu Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. This exciting celebration will feature taiko drummers, lion dancers from the Chinese Lion Dance Association and thousands of firecrackers. The first 300 attendees will receive a Year of the Horse fan. Visit marketcityhawaii.com for more information.
Market City, lower-level parking lot fronting HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu
Hawaii Kai Towne Center
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In Hawaii Kai on Saturday, Feb. 21, visit the Hawaii Kai Towne Center to 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. Bring your lai see (red envelopes) to feed the lion for good luck while you're there! For more information, visit hawaiikaitownecenter.com.
Hawaii Kai Towne Center, marina docks, 333 Keahole St., Honolulu
International Market Place
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Swing by the International Market Place in Waikiki Saturday, Feb. 21 for lion dance performances from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Levels 1, 2 and 3, followed by an educational presentation on the Lunar New Year in Queen’s Court. Plus, learn the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Mauka Court. For more information, visit simon.com/mall/international-market-place.
International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
Ala Moana Center
Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse Sunday, Feb. 22 at Ala Moana Center with a full day of cultural performances and activities throughout the center. Enjoy a festive kickoff, Chinese calligraphy by Ina Chang, a lively lion dance, and thrilling pole jumping performances from Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association at Centerstage. From Feb. 17 to Feb. 22, shoppers who spend $500 or more can receive receive an exclusive tote bag and limited-edition Year of the Horse charm. Guests who spend $1,000 will receive both these gifts, plus a $100 Ala Moana Center gift card. Visit alamoanacenter.com for details.
Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
Children’s Discovery Center
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 | 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 Kaka'ako. Regular admission prices apply ($7 to $12 per person). For more information, visit discoverycenterhawaii.com.
Children's Discovery Center, 111 Ohe St., Honolulu
Pearlridge Center
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Pearlridge Center with in-store blessings throughout the center Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A pole jumping performance by Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association begins at noon. For more information, visit pearlridgeonline.com/events.
Pearlridge Center, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd., Aiea
Ewa Town Center
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. – Noon
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Ewa with a firecrackers, a traditional lion dance by the Asian Lion Dance Team and free Chinese calligraphy from Ina Chang, while supplies last, at Ewa Town Center. For more information, visit ewatowncenter.com.
Ewa Town Center, 91-1401 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach
Salt Lake Shopping Center
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
In Salt Lake, you can feed the dragon and lion for good luck, presented by the Asian Lion Dance Team, then 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. For more information, visit saltlakeshoppingcenter.com.
Salt Lake Shopping Center, 848 Ala Lilikoi St., Honolulu
Hawaii Public Library, Various Events
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 to Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Salt Lake-Moanalua: Chinese New Year Paper Lantern Craft: Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Space is limited to 10 participants 18 & older. Supplies provided. 3225 Salt Lake Blvd., Honolulu
- Ewa Beach - Chinese New Year Paper Lantern Craft: Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. Supplies provided. 91-950 North Road, Ewa Beach
- Pearl City - Chinese Lantern Suncatcher: Feb. 17, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 1138 Waimano Home Rd., Pearl City
- Kahuku - Chinese New Year Celebration: Feb. 17, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Lion Dance blessing by the Phung ‘Ohana of Ka’a’awa, Young Me Tai Chi demonstration by the Lin ‘Ohana of Hau’ula, New Year’s food tasting and craft activity. Red envelopes for donations/good fortune will be provided. 56-490 Kamehameha Hwy
- Honolulu - Lion Dance: March 7, 11 a.m. - noon. Enjoy a short introduction to Chinese Lion dancing and a live performance, drumming and good cheer. 478 S King St., Honolulu
For more information about library events, visit librarieshawaii.org.
However you choose to celebrate Lunar New Year this year, we wish you good health, happiness and prosperity in 2026. If you find yourself in Kapolei during the festivities, we’d love for you to stop by and say hello. And if you’re curious about any of the neighborhoods mentioned in this post, your Locations agent is always happy to share more.
