The Chinese New Year, beginning Tuesday, February 17th, marks the Year of the Fire Horse. The beginning of the year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar is a time of celebration when you hear the traditional greeting, Kung Hei Fat Choy. This Cantonese salutation brings best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year, with an emphasis on wealth and success. On Maui, the day also provides an occasion to honor the island’s vibrant Chinese-American community. 

“The fire horse is full of enthusiasm, speed, and a fiery spirit,” said Sarah Shim, president of the Kwock Hing Society in Kula, which was founded in 1900 and today continues its mission to preserve and celebrate Chinese cultural heritage on Maui. “It’s a year to take bold steps and achieve fast progress like the horse, who is energetic, independent, adventurous, intelligent, and strong-willed. The fire element intensifies the horse’s speed.”  

Dr. Busaba Yip, docent of the former Wo Hing Museum on Front Street, explained, “The horse will canter its way to center stage with fresh starts, deep personal and collective rebirths, self-awareness, and new beginnings. Continuing to recover after the 2023 Lahaina fires, I have high hopes for 2026. The New Year is one of the most important and culturally meaningful experiences of the year and includes a wonderful sense of energy and customs rich in tradition.”  

Festivities include family reunions, fireworks, gifted red envelopes (called lai see) with money in them, and one of the most recognizable celebrations, the lion dance. Yip shared, “Known as the ‘feeding of the lions,’ it’s always a thrill. The custom, by offering the lion a voluntary donation, is believed to bring luck and prosperity. Many of the events [on Maui] offer guests an immersive cultural experience that feels joyful, inclusive, and rooted in community.” Yip added, “The 2026 zodiac cycle of the fire horse can be seen as a year of powerful forward momentum. It brings new leadership and actions that will help build foundations for new projects and chapters in our lives.” 

There are numerous Chinese New Year events throughout Maui, including:  

• Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center, February 16, 1pm-4pm 

• Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, February 18, 11am-1pm 

• The Shops at Wailea, February 18, 11am-1pm 

• Maui Mall Village, February 21, 9am-3pm 

• Kwock Hing Society, March 1, email kwockhingsociety@gmail.com to RSVP