Are you ready to celebrate the new Chinese New Year, the year of the brown rat?  If you’re on Oahu, you’ll find exciting ways to celebrate it  Here’s a couple of fun events going on in Honolulu:

Night in Chinatown 2008 Festival & Parade
Event Description: A day long block party features food, Martial Arts, crafts, good luck trinkets, Lion Dances, fireworks, and other entertainment.  At 4:00 pm the ever-popular Night in Chinatown commences with Color Guards, Lion Dances, bands, Martial Arts clubs, Chinese Societies, marching units, and the majestic and colorful dragon!
When:  Saturday, February 2nd
Where: Chinatown in Honolulu.  Parade from Richards/Hotel St to River/Hotel St.

Aloha Tower Marketplace Chinese New Year Celebration
Event Description:  Celebrate the Year of the Rat with FREE entertainment in the Center Atrium, including a traditional Lion Dance by the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association.  Don’t miss out!  The Lion will roam the Marketplace setting off firecrackers and bringing spectators and merchants good fortune in the coming year! Head to Hong Kong Harbor View for unbeatable New Year menu specials and Imperial Gallery for fantastic discounts on Asian-inspired art, apparel and accessories.
When:   Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 11:00 AM
Where:  Aloha Tower Marketplace Center Atrium

Here’s a brief video from 2007 Chinese New Year Celebration.  I just love the lions, dancing, music and colors of the festivities!

GoHawaii has listing of other Chinese New Year Events for all the islands. 

Happy Chinese New Year!