Kauai Celebrates Lunar New Year with Fire Horse Festivities

Kukui Grove Shopping Center hosts Chinese lions, cultural events, and more to ring in the Year of the Horse.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Today marks the start of the Chinese (or Lunar) New Year, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrations across Kauai's Kukui Grove Shopping Center include appearances by Chinese lions, the opening of a new boutique, tax preparation assistance, and more festivities to usher in the new year.

Why it matters

The Lunar New Year is an important cultural celebration, especially in Hawaii's diverse communities. The Year of the Horse is believed to bring vibrant and energetic momentum, making it an auspicious time. Kukui Grove's events showcase the island's rich cultural traditions and bring the community together.

The details

The Chinese lions from the Saam Fu Cultural Center of Oahu made appearances throughout Kukui Grove, visiting businesses like the newly opened Pulelehua Boutique. The boutique's owner, Gemma Alvior, presented traditional lai see hongbao and received red New Year papers in return. Elsewhere in the shopping center, the Kauai County Farm Bureau distributed free good luck dishes of citrus, the AARP Tax-Aide team offered free tax preparation services, and the Kapa Native Bookstore previewed its selection of Hawaiian language books and crafts ahead of an upcoming celebration.

  • Today marks the start of the Chinese (or Lunar) New Year, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
  • Pulelehua Boutique is having its grand opening on March 28, coinciding with Kukui Grove's Spring Festival.
  • The AARP Tax-Aide team will be available for free tax preparation on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • The Ola Ka 'i Kauai Niihau Hawaiian Language Celebration will take place on February 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kukui Grove.
  • Toddler Tuesday with the Showtime Characters happens every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Kukui Grove.

The players

Gemma Alvior

The owner of Pulelehua Boutique on Maui who made a special trip to Kauai to welcome the Chinese lion from the Saam Fu Cultural Center of Oahu.

Sasha Casillas

The store manager of Pulelehua Boutique.

Laurie Ho

The president of the Kauai County Farm Bureau, which distributed free good luck dishes of citrus at Kukui Grove.

Kaeo Bradford

The owner of the Kapa Native Bookstore, which previewed its selection of Hawaiian language books and crafts ahead of an upcoming celebration.

Daphne Halverson

A representative of Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Pulelehua Boutique is having our grand opening on March 28. We're going to see you?”

— Gemma Alvior, Owner, Pulelehua Boutique

“Plus, Pulelehua will have the new drop when Gemma unveils the new line for this year's Merrie Monarch Festival.”

— Sasha Casillas, Store Manager, Pulelehua Boutique

“We're partners with Kukui Grove for the Pau Hana Market that happens every Monday from 3 p.m.”

— Laurie Ho, President, Kauai County Farm Bureau

What’s next

The Ola Ka 'i Kauai Niihau Hawaiian Language Celebration will take place on February 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kukui Grove, featuring additional cultural performances and activities.

The takeaway

Kauai's Kukui Grove Shopping Center is embracing the vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year by hosting a variety of cultural events and festivities to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. These celebrations showcase the island's diverse community and rich traditions, bringing residents and visitors together to usher in the new year.