By Karen Villarmia, Alan Naito, Ethan Chang, and Luana Maitland

Chinese New Year celebrations were held at various Outrigger and OHANA properties over the past couple of weeks.

At the OHANA Waikiki West and the OHANA Waikiki East hotels, Chinese New Year kicked-off on Saturday, February 20. The festivities began with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performed in front of both hotels. Guests and employees were treated to the tradition of giving the Lai See (offerings) to the lion for good luck, as the lion danced its way around our lobbies. Following the dance, guests were treated to traditional Chinese New Year’s delicacies and desserts.

Mahalo to George Poon and the Maintenance staff, along with Sam Yip and Fu Chao Wong, for decorating the hotel, and our Housekeepers for contributing their time and talent to create a festive atmosphere. This was our second annual celebration, and we are especially appreciative of Janice Ng for her efforts in coordinating this successful event. Mahalo also to Jonathan To and Yuet Oy Au and her Housekeeping staff for the fireworks, great food, and their beautiful authentic Chinese New Year clothing!

At the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Andy Chan, owner of Island Jewelry, hosted this year’s Chinese New Year Celebration with a performance by the Lion Dance Association of Hawaii. They provided an excellent show, featuring a Jong (Pole Jumping) dance, as well as traditional table and chair routines. The evening ended with the Lion Dance making its way through the hotel.

The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach also enjoyed the traditional Lion Dance, as it made its way around the property, bestowing good luck and blessings to all.

Mahalo to all participants and employees who made the event possible. Kung Hee Fat Choy!