On January 8, 1900, twenty-six men arrived in Honolulu and were recorded as the first Okinawan immigrants to Hawaii. In the years following, Toyama Kyuzo (“father of Okinawa immigration’”) led many more Okinawan Issei to establish their family roots in Hawaii. Immigration was much more severe and challenging than any of them ever assumed.
In 2025, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (“HUOA”) will remember those who came before us and celebrate 125 years of Uchinanchu heritage in Hawaii. Throughout the year, HUOA will celebrate many milestones and events to commemorate this 125th Anniversary.
Events highlights (dates pending):

All dates subject to change
January 8 Okinawan Immigration Commemorative Event
January 18 Uchinānchu of the Year & Installation Banquet
January 25 Hawaiʻi-Okinawa Student Exchange Program (Phase I)
February Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai’s 70th anniversary celebration
March 7 – 9 Honolulu Festival
March/April Kauaʻi Okinawan Dance Matsuri, Kauai Veterans Center
May 24 HUOA Goodwill – 125th Anniversary Golf Tournament
June 6 – 8 Pan-Pacific Festival
June Hawaiʻi-Okinawa Student Exchange Program (Phase II)
June 22 Irei No Hi – Memorial Event
August 16 International Hāri Boat Festival Wailoa State River Park, Hilo
August 30-31 43rd Okinawan Festival
September Okinawan FEASTival
September 14 HUOA Autumn Dance Matsuri, Hawaii Okinawa Center
September 21 Maui Okinawa Festival (Maui & Miyako City), Maui Mall
Mid-October HUOA Heritage Tour, Okinawa
October 29 Uchinānchu No Hi
November 2 Kugani Warabi (Golden Children) Children’s Performances and Culture Day