President's Message

To our members and friends of Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii (HKBAH):

The Inaugural Honolulu - Hong Kong Festival 2026 has finally closed its curtain. Seeing it come to life here in Honolulu has been incredibly moving. Planning for the festival dates back to more than a decade, when it used to be called 'Hong Kong Week', what began as a small celebration has grown into a vibrant, community-wide event that bridges cultures and celebrates the enduring connections between Honolulu and Hong Kong.

Thank you for our Title Sponsor - Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, and other sponsors and donors, plus additional support from the Mayor's Office, the MOCA and the Honolulu Police Department of the City and County of Honolulu, and other valued partners to made it possible to broaden the event into a month-long festival. Their generosity support have not only enriched the festival experience but have also fostered greater cultural understanding and friendship within our community. We look forward to building on this success and welcoming everyone again in future years.

We kicked off the celebration (January 31 – March 1) with an outdoor street fair: Temple Street Night Market, held at the historic Fort Street Mall, which is Honolulu’s first retail center. More than 2,500 spectators joined us. It was the comforting aroma of milk tea being freshly brewed, Canto pop songs and Cantonese opera drifting through the street, and the laughter of visitors enjoying Hong Kong street food and learning how to play mahjong, that reminded me why cultural exchange matters.

The celebration continued with traditional lifestyle tours in Honolulu’s Chinatown, the “Hong Kong At Your Doorstep” promotion featuring local eateries offering Hong Kong-style street food, an industry-focused Hong Kong–Greater Bay Area Export Day and Trade Fair, and a Gala Dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year. Each event was thoughtfully curated to highlight the vibrant traditions and flavors of Hong Kong, allowing everyone to experience a piece of its culture right here in Honolulu.

Last weekend, we concluded our festival with the “Spring Festival Gala,” commemorating the 30th anniversary of the association at the prestige Waialae Country club. 150 members and guests were presents and celebrate with us.

My sincere gratitude goes out to every sponsor, partner, performer, volunteer, and colleague who poured their support and energy into making this possible. Building bridges between cities is never just about trade or tourism. It is always about the people. And in the past month, that connection felt very real. The joy and unity felt throughout the festival have inspired new friendships and deeper understanding, reinforcing the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in our community.

Wishing you all a prosperous Year of the Horse! Aloha and Kung Hei Fat Choy! 

Barinna Poon