Shop for Lunar New Year goodies in Honolulu’s Chinatown

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Lunar New Year 2023 is on Jan. 22.

That means preparations are underway for the big celebration.

Sun Chong Grocery is one of the many Chinatown businesses that sell ingredients for “jai,” a Buddhist vegetarian stew traditionally served on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

This year marks the Year of the Rabbit.

Chinese families also give red envelopes filled with money to unmarried people in hopes of sharing wealth and good luck for the new year.

Many also share candied nuts and fruits and eat “nian gau” — a glutinous rice cake made with brown sugar that symbolizes “rising higher and higher” and building prosperity.

Chinatown is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration this weekend.

Friday:

• 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. — Enjoy food, craft and cultural booths, lion dancing and entertainment at Chinatown Cultural Plaza (100 N. Beretania St.)
• 6:00 p.m. — Traditional New Year’s blessing called “Choy Cheng” where lion dancers visit merchants & light fireworks. starts at 8 South King Street and goes through Chinatown, ending at Mauna Kea Street and Hotel Street.

Saturday:

• 9 a.m. - 10 p.m — Enjoy food, craft and cultural booths, lion dancing and entertainment at Chinatown Cultural Plaza (100 N. Beretania St.)
• 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Night in Chinatown Festival on Beretania Street between Mauna Kea and A’ala Street and at A’ala Park
• 4:30 p.m. — Lunar New Year Parade starts on Hotel Street and ends at River Street.

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