The Hawaiian Islands are preparing for one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations of the year as the annual Tết Festival returns to Honolulu for its 15th year. Scheduled for February 8-9, 2025, at the Hawaii Convention Center, this two-day extravaganza promises to be the biggest Lunar New Year celebration the state has ever seen.

A Celebration of Heritage and Community

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. For the Vietnamese community in Hawaii, the annual Tết Festival serves as both a cultural preservation effort and a gift to the broader Hawaii community, sharing the richness of Vietnamese traditions with people of all backgrounds.

"This festival is about more than just celebrating the new year," explains Mai Pham, festival organizer and president of the Vietnamese Association of Hawaii. "It's about preserving our heritage for future generations while sharing the beauty of our culture with our Hawaii ohana. We want everyone, whether Vietnamese or not, to experience the joy, colors, and flavors of Tết."

What to Expect

This year's festival will feature an impressive lineup of activities and attractions across the convention center's exhibition halls:

Cultural Performances: The main stage will showcase continuous entertainment including traditional Vietnamese music, folk dances from different regions of Vietnam, contemporary Vietnamese pop performances, and the spectacular múa lân (lion dance). The highlight will be the dragon dance parade featuring a massive 100-foot dragon operated by 50 performers.

Culinary Journey: Over 40 food vendors will serve authentic Vietnamese cuisine, from traditional Tết dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and giò (Vietnamese pork sausage) to popular street food favorites including phở, bánh mì, and bún bò Huế. Special demonstrations will teach attendees how to make traditional dishes, and celebrity chef Lan Nguyen will conduct cooking classes throughout both days.

Cultural Exhibitions: Interactive exhibits will explore Vietnamese history, the significance of Tết traditions, and the journey of Vietnamese immigrants to Hawaii. Visitors can learn about customs such as the first-footer tradition, the importance of family altars, and the meaning behind Tết decorations.

Children's Activities: A dedicated family area will feature traditional games like đánh đu (swinging), traditional calligraphy demonstrations where children can have their names written in Vietnamese, lantern-making workshops, and storytelling sessions featuring Vietnamese folk tales.

Marketplace: Browse and shop from 60+ vendors offering Vietnamese handicrafts, áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dresses), decorations, books, art, and specialty goods imported directly from Vietnam.

Community Impact

The festival is entirely free to attend, thanks to generous sponsorships from local businesses and community supporters. Last year's event drew over 25,000 attendees across two days, making it one of the largest cultural festivals in Hawaii.

"The economic impact is significant," notes Jennifer Lee, director of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. "But more importantly, events like Tết Festival enrich our islands' cultural tapestry and strengthen Hawaii's reputation as a place where diverse cultures thrive and celebrate together."

Proceeds from vendor fees and donations support year-round Vietnamese cultural programs, including language schools, traditional arts classes, and community outreach initiatives.

Visitor Information

Dates: February 8-9, 2025 Times: Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM Location: Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu Admission: Free for all ages Parking: Available at the convention center ($10) or nearby public lots

Special shuttle services will run from Ala Moana Center and various locations around Oahu. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or rideshare services due to expected high attendance.

For the latest updates, full entertainment schedule, and vendor list, visit the official Tết Festival Hawaii website or follow their social media channels. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture and ring in the Year of the Snake with the community!