The Diamond Jubilee: A Hawaii United Okinawa Association 75th Anniversary & Legacy Award Presentation

November 8, 2026 | 10:00 am

Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii Ballroom 2255 Kalakaua Avenue
Huoa.org Image

About this event

The Diamond Jubilee is a luncheon celebrating both HUOA’s 75th Anniversary and our 2026 Legacy Award recipients.
Flyer:https://dev.huoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Diamond-Jubilee-Flyer.pdf

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.

Ticket & Sponsorship Information: https://dev.huoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Diamond-Jubilee-Sponsorship-Information.pdf
Registration form (mail in): https://dev.huoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Diamond-Jubilee-Order-Form.pdf
Registration form (online): https://huoa.wufoo.com/forms/the-diamond-jubilee-reservation-form/
Silent auction donation form: https://dev.huoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Diamond-Jubilee-Silent-Auction-Donation-Form.pdf

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

Videos of Past Honorees: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLazXIBrun201Y80Oz7T-e0w_Ht-4oFhck&si=FGSrHJQsrP2QZzY3
Past Banquet Booklets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H1uht2BYA0Q_9USKQ-UXDEh2e0EfS2qM?usp=sharing