POIPU The Kauai Chinese lions will be out in force, Friday when The Shops at Kukuiula celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special offering during its monthly Flavors of Kukuiula event.
POIPU — The Kauai Chinese lions will be out in force, Friday when The Shops at Kukuiula celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special offering during its monthly Flavors of Kukuiula event.
“Our annual Chinese New Year Celebration is one of our largest events,” said Stacie Chiba-Miguel, The Shops’ general manager. “We cannot wait to welcome guests to this event, and we look forward to having an amazing Year of the Rat 2020!”
The Year of the Rat, coinciding with the Lunar New Year, is predicted to bring in wealth and lucky opportunities, and is a good time to strive for yearly goals and resolutions, Chiba-Miguel said.
Firecrackers — yes, Chiba-Miguel has the required permits for igniting the pyrotechnics whose red paper is a symbol of good fortune — and the arrival of the Chinese lions in the smoky explosive aftermath signal the start of the festivities starting at 6 p.m., Friday.
A limited supply of lai see, or the traditional red envelopes containing lucky money, is available while supplies last for guests arriving earlier than the firecracker start.
As the lions exit following its tour around the shopping center, accepting lai see and bestowing blessings of good fortune by chasing away bad spirits, the Tsunami Taiko ensemble welcome the night with its performance in the Palm Court area starting from approximately 6:40 p.m.
As Kauai’s “largest family-friendly pau hana party,” the Flavors of Kukuiula offers culinary street food from participating restaurants along with various refreshments from Merriman’s wine and beer garden, and the Tortilla Republic’s margarita bar.
Live music by Tflatz takes over from 7 p.m.
