Hawaii United Okinawa Association

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Hawaii United Okinawa Association The Hawaii United Okinawa Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, perpetuate and preserve Okinawan culture.

The organization is made up of 50 member clubs, whose combined member total exceeds 40,000 members. The Hawaii United Okinawa Association is a 501(3)c non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, perpetuate and preserve Okinawan culture. The organization is made up of 49 member clubs, whose combined member total exceeds 40,000 members. It is governed by a Board of Directors representing each HUOA Member Club, an elected Executive Council. HUOA employs an Executive Director and a staff of three full-time and two part-time employees. We are truly fortunate to have an extraordinary team of volunteers who become active and represent their Clubs, become officers of HUOA, run various cultural and community events, provide support staff in the office, work as landscapers, maintenance workers, painters, janitors, and list goes on. What we are known for and our biggest of event the year is the Okinawan Festival, traditionally held on the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki.

10/15/2026

🚨 DIAMOND JUBILEE TICKET SALES EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15
🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbio

🗓️November 8, 2026. 10 am
📍Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu Ballroom

🎙️ This week on Kariyushi To Tomoni’s YUNTAKU episode, we talk story with President Bob Shiroma about Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna’s legacy.

Diamond Jubilee is a luncheon celebrating both HUOA’s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

Commemorate and celebrate with us by sponsoring a table that reflects our Okinawan values of Chimugukuru, Ichariba Choodee, and Yuimaaru or join us as a Uchinanchu sponsor or fill a need by donating to our silent auction or making an in-kind donation.

💎 About the “Diamond Jubilee” Name
The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the original Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawai‘i and ultimately paved the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

💜 About the 75th Anniversary of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association
Since 1951, HUOA has grown from ten founding clubs to a vibrant network of 50 member clubs representing more than 40,000 Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at heart across Hawai‘i. Through beloved programs such as the Okinawan Festival, the Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program, Kugani Ashibi Children’s Camp, cultural classes, and year-round events, HUOA continues to share the spirit of chimugukuru—compassion, connection, and care—with our broader community.

🏵️ About the HUOA Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawai’i community, and abroad. We proudly recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2026 Legacy Award honorees are:

Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, Former Director of the State Department of Transportation, UOA President 1985-86

Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange

Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speedskating

10/14/2026

🚨 DIAMOND JUBILEE TICKET SALES EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15
🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbio

🗓️November 8, 2026. 10 am
📍Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu Ballroom

🎙️ This week on Kariyushi To Tomoni’s YUNTAKU episode, we talk story with Jodie Ching about Ryan Shimabukuro’s legacy.

Diamond Jubilee is a luncheon celebrating both HUOA’s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

Commemorate and celebrate with us by sponsoring a table that reflects our Okinawan values of Chimugukuru, Ichariba Choodee, and Yuimaaru or join us as a Uchinanchu sponsor or fill a need by donating to our silent auction or making an in-kind donation.

💎 About the “Diamond Jubilee” Name
The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the original Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawai‘i and ultimately paved the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

💜 About the 75th Anniversary of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association
Since 1951, HUOA has grown from ten founding clubs to a vibrant network of 50 member clubs representing more than 40,000 Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at heart across Hawai‘i. Through beloved programs such as the Okinawan Festival, the Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program, Kugani Ashibi Children’s Camp, cultural classes, and year-round events, HUOA continues to share the spirit of chimugukuru—compassion, connection, and care—with our broader community.

🏵️ About the HUOA Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawai’i community, and abroad. We proudly recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2026 Legacy Award honorees are:

Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, Former Director of the State Department of Transportation, UOA President 1985-86

Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange

Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speedskating

🚨 DIAMOND JUBILEE TICKET SALES EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15 🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbioNovember 8, 2026. 10 amShera...
10/12/2026

🚨 DIAMOND JUBILEE TICKET SALES EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15
🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbio

November 8, 2026. 10 am
Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu Ballroom

Diamond Jubilee is a luncheon celebrating both HUOA’s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

Commemorate and celebrate with us by sponsoring a table that reflects our Okinawan values of Chimugukuru, Ichariba Choodee, and Yuimaaru or join us as a Uchinanchu sponsor or fill a need by donating to our silent auction or making an in-kind donation.

💎 About the “Diamond Jubilee” Name
The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the original Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawai‘i and ultimately paved the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

💜About the 75th Anniversary of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association

Since 1951, HUOA has grown from ten founding clubs to a vibrant network of 50 member clubs representing more than 40,000 Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at heart across Hawai‘i. Through beloved programs such as the Okinawan Festival, the Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program, Kugani Ashibi Children’s Camp, cultural classes, and year-round events, HUOA continues to share the spirit of chimugukuru—compassion, connection, and care—with our broader community.

🏵️About the HUOA Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawai’i community, and abroad. We proudly recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2026 Legacy Award honorees are:

Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, Former Director of the State Department of Transportation, UOA President 1985-86

Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange

Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speedskating

10/10/2026

🚨 DIAMOND JUBILEE TICKET SALES EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15
🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbio

November 8, 2026. 10 am
Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu Ballroom

🎙️ This week on Kariyushi To Tomoni’s YUNTAKU episode, we talk story with granddaughter of Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Kirstie Maeshiro-Takiguchi.

Diamond Jubilee is a luncheon celebrating both HUOA’s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

Commemorate and celebrate with us by sponsoring a table that reflects our Okinawan values of Chimugukuru, Ichariba Choodee, and Yuimaaru or join us as a Uchinanchu sponsor or fill a need by donating to our silent auction or making an in-kind donation.

💎 About the “Diamond Jubilee” Name
The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the original Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawai‘i and ultimately paved the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

About the 75th Anniversary of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association 💜

Since 1951, HUOA has grown from ten founding clubs to a vibrant network of 50 member clubs representing more than 40,000 Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at heart across Hawai‘i. Through beloved programs such as the Okinawan Festival, the Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program, Kugani Ashibi Children’s Camp, cultural classes, and year-round events, HUOA continues to share the spirit of chimugukuru—compassion, connection, and care—with our broader community.

About the HUOA Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawai’i community, and abroad. We proudly recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2026 Legacy Award honorees are:

Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, Former Director of the State Department of Transportation, UOA President 1985-86

Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange

Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speedskating

You’re invited to commemorate and celebrate with us for this year‘s Diamond Jubilee – a luncheon celebrating both HUOA‘s...
10/07/2026

You’re invited to commemorate and celebrate with us for this year‘s Diamond Jubilee – a luncheon celebrating both HUOA‘s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawaii and ultimately pave the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawaii community, and abroad. We probably recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2036 Legacy Award honorees are:

💜 Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, former Director of the State Department of Transportation, OUA President 1985-86

🌺 Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange

⛸️ Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speedskating

For more information or to purchase your ticket to this year’s event, please visit HUOA.org/events

Okinawan Prefectural Government offers a scholarship for young persons of Okinawan descent an opportunity to learn about...
10/03/2026

Okinawan Prefectural Government offers a scholarship for young persons of Okinawan descent an opportunity to learn about Okinawan culture and other subjects of interest so that they can return to their communities and share what they have learned and experienced. Selected individuals will study at the University of the Ryukyus, Meio University (Nago City), Okinawan Prefectural University of Arts (Geidai), Okinawa International University (TBD). This scholarship includes air transportation, tuition, books, room, and board.

For more information, please contact HUOA at [email protected].

November 8, 2026. 10 amSheraton Waikiki, Honolulu Ballroom.🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbio.Diamond Jubilee is a l...
10/01/2026

November 8, 2026. 10 am
Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu Ballroom.

🎟 reserve your seat at the 🔗 linkinbio.

Diamond Jubilee is a luncheon celebrating both HUOA’s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

Commemorate and celebrate with us by sponsoring a table that reflects our Okinawan values of Chimugukuru, Ichariba Choodee, and Yuimaaru or join us as a Uchinanchu sponsor or fill a need by donating to our silent auction or making an in-kind donation.

💎 About the “Diamond Jubilee” Name
The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the original Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawai‘i and ultimately paved the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

About the 75th Anniversary of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association 💜

Since 1951, HUOA has grown from ten founding clubs to a vibrant network of 50 member clubs representing more than 40,000 Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at heart across Hawai‘i. Through beloved programs such as the Okinawan Festival, the Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program, Kugani Ashibi Children’s Camp, cultural classes, and year-round events, HUOA continues to share the spirit of chimugukuru—compassion, connection, and care—with our broader community.

About the HUOA Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawai’i community, and abroad. We proudly recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2026 Legacy Award honorees are:

Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, Former Director of the State Department of Transportation, UOA President 1985-86

Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange

Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speedskating

You’re invited to commemorate and celebrate with us for this year‘s Diamond Jubilee – a luncheon celebrating both HUOA‘s...
09/18/2026

You’re invited to commemorate and celebrate with us for this year‘s Diamond Jubilee – a luncheon celebrating both HUOA‘s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.

The “Diamond Jubilee” name echoes the spirit of the Hui O Laulima Jubilee, which helped introduce Okinawan culture to Hawaii and ultimately pave the way for what we now know as the Okinawan Festival.

The Legacy Award honors leaders and cultural masters whose service and achievements have strengthened our Uchinanchu community, the greater Hawaii community, and abroad. We probably recognize them as significant contributors to present and future generations. Our 2036 Legacy Award honorees are:

💜 Dr. Ryokichi “Rick” Higashionna, former Director of the State Department of Transportation, OUA President 1985-86
🌺 Barbara and Kenji Maeshiro, Trans Pacific Tours and Pacific Money Exchange
⛸️ Ryan Shimabukuro, U.S. Long Track National Team Coach for U.S. Speed-skating

For more information or to purchase your ticket to this year’s event , please visit HUOA.org.

Address

94-587 Ukee Street
Waipahu, HI
96797

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18086765400

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hawaii United Okinawa Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Hawaii United Okinawa Association:

Shortcuts

Share

Category