Chinese New Year in Honolulu 2008: Year of the Rat

Honolulu, Hawaii is a place of many cultures. 62 percent of the Honolulu County, Hawaii, residents are Asian American. Honolulu is the only county in the nation where Asians comprise a majority of the total population. So this year in Honolulu, there will be big celebrations for "The Year of the Rat", throughout neighborhoods in town. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. Below are some awesome places to join in the celebration with your family this February in Honolulu. Best of all they are free!

Aloha Tower Marketplace
1 Aloha Tower Drive • Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 528-5700

Chinese New Year Celebration
Sunday, February 10, 2008
From 11:00 AM
Center Atrium

Help celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rat at the beautiful Aloha Tower Marketplace. There will be FREE entertainment at the center stage called the Center Atrium. A traditional Lion Dance will be performed by the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association. Make sure you arrive early for best seating. The Lion will be roaming the entire Aloha Tower Marketplace setting off firecrackers. If you visit the Lion, he will bring you good fortune in the coming year. The Lion will also be visiting the merchants in the building to bring them good fortune as well. The restaurant located on the top floor, called Hong Kong Harbor View, will be having many New Year menu specials. Make sure to stop by the Imperial Gallery for some Asian inspired art, clothing and accessories.

Self- validated parking is available at the lot in front of the marketplace and next to the Maritime Museum . For discounted parking, you will need to make a purchase to recieve a validation sticker from any of the Aloha Tower Marketplace stores or restaurants. There is also valet parking available at the front of the marketplace. You will find additional parking at the nearby downtown parking garages across the street from the marketplace.

Chinatown
Maunakea StreetHonolulu, Hawaii 96817Maunakea Street
PHONE: (808)837-7335

2008 Night in Chinatown Festival & Parade
Sat - Feb 2, 2008
9:00 am until 10:00 pm

Join in the celebration of the 2008 Night in Chinatown Festival and Parade! The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Chinatown Merchants Association are presenting a FREE day long street festival. This will take place in Chinatown. Activities include crafts, food stands, Martial Arts demonstrations, entertainment, Lion Dances and good luck trinkets. The Chinatown Parade will start at 4:00 pm beginning on Richards/Hotel Street to River/Hotel Street. Local bands, Martial artists, Lion Dancers will be featured along with the awesome 150 foot Dragon. Parking is available for a fee in the public parking garages and lots.

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 955-9517

Chinese New Year Celebration
February 9, 2008

Join in the celebration of the Year of the Rat at the Ala Moana Mall. See a dozen Lions wake up to the lighting of the firecrackers in a traditional Lion dance. Come and follow the Lions as they bring good luck to visitors and merchants throughout the Ala Moana Center. A great day of Free fun for the entire family. Free parking is available in the parking garage located at the Ala Moana Mall.

Sources:
honoluluadvertiser.com
census.gov
alohatower.com
guides.hotelbook.com