Happy Chinese New Year! 2019 is the year of the Pig! Chinese New Year officially kicks off today February 5th. The zodiac symbols repeat every 12 years. The next time you will have a year of the Pig will be in 2031.

The symbolic feeding the dragon is a tradition done to bring good luck. Red envelopes are fed to the dragon by those seeking good fortune. If you’ve never had a chance to experience this it is truly a fun sight to see!

A full day of celebration is scheduled to take place on February 8th in Lahaina. Lions will dance through the streets of Lahaina and there will be plenty of festivities at the Wo Hing Museum and Cookhouse at 858 Front St. Chinese New Year exhibits will be on display beginning Monday, February 4th through Thursday, February 7th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Wo Hing Museum.

On Saturday, February 9th Lahaina Cannery will have the traditional “feeding of the lions” from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Martial arts display an firecrackers during the celebration, or come out at 1:00 pm for a pre-celebration hula performance!

On Sunday February 10th the Tiki Terrace Restaurant located at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel will host the Year of the Pig brunch buffet. Buffet will include shrimp egg fu young, braised short ribs and noodles. Reservations are a must!

Queen Kaahumanu Center will be hosting two different events for Chinese New Year. First event will be held on Sunday, February 10th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The annual event will consist of martial arts demonstration, fireworks, lion dance, and crafts for keiki under the age of 12. On Saturday, February 16th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm the Chinese New Year Festival will be held at the Queen Kaahumanu Center. Activities include good luck photos with ancient lion head, calligraphy writing, keiki ribbon dancing, plus so much more! This will be a fun event for the entire family!

The Grand Wailea Hotel has posted via their website that you can experience the Lion Dance in the resort lobby tomorrow, Wednesday February 6th at 4:00 pm.

In Paia, Maui Mediation Services will be celebrating tonight from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Flatbread Co. This annual fundraiser will feature a silent auction with items from Grand Wailea, Maui Laser Tag, and many others! A portion of all pizza sales throughout the evening will be donated to Maui Mediation Services.

So many events its impossible to choose just one! As more events unfold we will keep you updated! Enjoy the celebrations! Gong hei fat choy!