February 10 is the Lunar New Year, and with it the Year of the Dragon is purported to bring success upon those born in its years. While what the year brings for those born in other years of the Chinese horoscope, for those who are to be showered with wealth and wisdom, there is one requirement–that people need to be kind and compassionate to each other.
Other cultures may have varying perspectives of the dragon, be it a friendly creature or an ominous one that brings destruction, but the Chinese dragon has been long associated with nobility. The dragon brings good luck and harmony. So to celebrate the coming of the dragon year, consider enjoying a Chinese-inspired celebration that will hopefully bring prosperity to your year.
Fun Station
The noodle shop in Market City Shopping Center offers specials throughout the week that changes every two days.
For Friday and Saturday, the specials at Fun Station will be beef chow fun ($10.99) as a main dish and fried gyoza ($3.00) as a side, adding a few very affordable options for those who dine in.
However, if you are celebrating the Lunar New Year at a home party, there are two very tempting catering menus from which to choose. The first is Set A, which features 5 small pans of food that feeds 4-7 people. Included in this set are 40 fried gyoza, 18 fried spring rolls, a small pan of crispy spareribs, a small pan of broccoli stir-fried beef, and a small pan of house fried rice. The best part is that the cost is just $85!
The second Set B offers 8 small pans of chicken wings (20 pieces), fried gyoza (40 pieces), fried sesame balls (40 pieces), French fries, salt & pepper pork chop, broccoli stir-fried beef, house fried rice, and beef chow fun for just $156.00, and it feeds 7 to 10 people. There are a few other platters from which to choose to really ring in the Year of the Dragon.
Fun Station >> Get a special offer!
Location: 2919 Kapiolani Blvd. (Market City Shopping Center)
Phone : (808) 773-7367
Hour: 11am – 10pm daily
Prince Waikiki
On Tuesday, February 13, Prince Waikiki will welcome Gee Yung Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association to perform a Lunar New Year Lion Dance in the lobby and on the third floor of the hotel starting at 5:00 p.m. Bring some fresh dollars to feed the lion as a token offering for a year of good blessings.
Prince Waikiki
100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI
Phone: (855) 622-7558
Big Island Candies
Each year, Big Island Candies offers its coveted almond shortbread and white dipped almond shortbread to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This year, a special Lunar New Year Dragon Box is available at its flagship location in Hilo as well as the Ala Moana Center store. There is also a new Dragon Glow Square Box featuring the 7 almond shortbreads and 2 toffees but products are selling fast. There may be a few boxes left so get there as soon as you can.
Big Island Candies
Ala Moana Center, Street Level (next to Centerstage), 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI
Phone: (808) 946-9213
Business hours: 10am – 8pm daily
Sing Cheong Yuan
Hawaii locals love their snacks and Lunar New Year brings the charm of giving Chinese-inspired treats. Sticky rice lovers will appreciate the gau, which are available for $7.25 for a small size, or around $20 for a larger one ($6.95 per pound). Then, there are the mixed dried fruit boxes which retail for $16.88, $25.88, and $40.00, depending on weight. The boxes are loaded with delectable snacks including coconut chips, coconut chunks, peanut chunks, lucky candy, and an assortment of dried candied carrots, strawberries, ginger, lotus root, lotus seeds, water chestnuts, wintermelon, mango, pomelo, and pineapple. More savory finds with that touch of sweetness include Chinese pretzels ($6.75), honey walnuts ($5.95), and peanut chunks ($6 or $12).
Sing Cheong Yuan
1027 Maunakea Street, Honolulu, HI
Phone: (808) 531-6688
Business hours: 7am – 5pm daily
