The Haebaru Club has a long and proud history that began back in 1937, when six community leaders — Shuntan Shimabukuro, Saburo Akamine, Kogoro Kaneshiro, Tokusuke Akamine, Dr. Zensuke Kanashiro, and Shochiku Oshiro — came together to support newly immigrated Okinawans from Haebaru town. What started as a small group helping each other find a sense of belonging in a new country has grown into a lively club that continues to celebrate our shared heritage and community spirit.

Today, we keep those traditions alive with our annual Shinnen Enkai (New Year’s Party), summer picnics, and one of our favorites — bagging and selling andagi at the Okinawa Festival! In 1991, Dr. Yoshinobu Oshiro started our student cultural exchange program to strengthen the ties between our hometowns and share the spirit of Haebaru with the next generation.

Through friendship, food, and fun, the Haebaru Club continues to honor our roots while building bridges between Hawaii and Okinawa.

Contact us!
email: haebaruhawaii@gmail.com
Facebook: haebaruclubhawaii
Instagram: @haebaruclubhawaii