Pole Jumping is just one of the traditions in the annual celebration of the Lunar New Year.
While it must be said it is clearly the most amazing of all the Lunar New Year traditions, it is not the loudest nor the popular.
But you’re in luck! Waikiki Beach Walk has all three: The loudest, the most popular, and the most spectacular traditional Lunar New Year rituals for its 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration.
FIRST, SOME BACKGROUND
The Lunar New Year is the centuries-long traditional start of the new year in many east Asian countries. It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon approximately 15 days later.
For many years (centuries, actually), it was celebrated as the Chinese New Year, and because the Chinese assign an animal of their zodiac calendar to each year, that zodiac sign has continued on to be a significant part of the celebration.
For 2025, the Lunar New year begins January 29 and ends February 16, and this year is the Year of the Snake.
OK, so now that you are up to date, here’s what’s happening at Waikiki Beach Walk for its celebration of the 2025 Lunar New Year on February 1.
IT STARTS WITH A BANG
The ceremony starts big, as in big noise, with 5000 firecrackers set off at 4:45 pm.
This tradition is to scare away evil spirits that may be lurking around the place. Or at least put them on notice that their numero uno nemesis is coming their way.
So it is suggested that observers plug their ears for a minute or two.
THE HUNT BEGINS
At 5 pm, the most dazzling event of the Lunar New Year traditions begins, as the aforementioned bane of evil spirits, the revered and mythical lion, makes its appearance. But it just doesn’t sneak in like a lion beginning a hunt, it pounces ...in a very spectacular way, on a series of death (or seriously maiming) defying poles.
At 5:30 pm, the hunt begins in earnest, as our lion protagonist starts going after those evil spirits, visiting and cleansing the Waikiki Beach Walk stores, and available to safeguard individuals against evil spirits in the upcoming year.
(This is where you should know about the tradition of monetary gifts delivered to the hungry, evil-spirit-eating lion’s mouth protects those providing the gifts.)
So guests are encouraged to feed the lion, but it is not mandatory. Only if you don’t want to risk a year’s worth of bad lion luck.
WE’RE NOT LION: COMPLIMENTARY PARKING IN WAIKIKI
Waikiki Beach Walk has complimentary valet parking from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a $10 purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant or restaurant! (Regular parking rates apply after 3 p.m.) Just make sure to present receipt to the valet!
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PHOTO CREDIT
Photos courtesy of Waikiki Beach Walk and Ying Sung Dragon and Lion Dance Association