Chinese New Year

In Honolulu's Chinatown

By Sol March in Stories

Every spring, Honolulu’s Chinatown comes alive.

Regardless of where I am in the world, I find myself drawn to Chinatown. From Oakland to Sydney to Kobe to Honolulu, there’s something special about Chinatown.

Is it the mix of cultures? Is it the sense of community? Is it the delicious food?

Yes.

When spring rolls around though, Chinatown kicks things up to a whole new level. The streets are shut down and vendors line the streets selling grilled meats, jin dui, fried rice, and dim sum. The aromas of freshly cooked food mingle with incense rising from a hundred shrines.

People come from all over to celebrate Chinese New Year in Honolulu’s Chinatown. They are here to reconnected with old friends, enjoy tasty treats, and pay their respects.

Chinatown is buzzing with activity. One one corner, young and old find common ground as they dance to the same beat. On the other side of Chinatown, others prepare for the annual parade through main street.

Winding through all of the crowds are troupes of lion dancers, who have trained all year for today’s performance. Dancers of all ages bring the lion to life as other beat the drum to that familiar rhythm.