Information from 2023:

15 participants will be selected from the 50 Okinawan clubs. They will travel to Okinawa in the first week of October 2023 and immerse themselves in Okinawan history and culture. Their trip will culminate in the annual (Naha Tsuna Hiki – Giant Tug of War).

This amazing experience is sponsored in part by HUOA and the respective selected clubs.  The tour costs (Air/Ground/Lodging) will be split 1/3 among HUOA, the respective club of each participant, and the participant. The estimated total cost of the tour per person is $4800 (⅓ share ~ $4,800/3 = $1,600).

View the photo album: https://huoa.smugmug.com/2023-Leadership-Tour

Youth of Okinawan descent from across the globe will have the opportunity to explore Okinawan history, culture, and nature while living alongside local Okinawan youths of the same age. This experience will foster strong connections and enhance their understanding of their Okinawan heritage. Additionally, local Okinawan students will gain a broader international perspective, contributing to the growth of the next generation that will carry forward the Uchinaa Network.

Application period usually ends in March

Program consists of 3 parts:
Part 1 and 2, Zoom meetings. Part 3, 7-day stay in Okinawa, at the end of July

Click to see Frequently asked questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/192-I1Nlw2dQmN-UVZO8ve0GbUKskEDOQUnbaUNzGeQ0/edit?usp=sharing

Application period for 2025 is now closed

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  info@huoa.org.

Hui O Laulima is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 Cultural Grant are being accepted.

Deadline for submission is July 31, 2024. Click here for information and application

A few of the criteria for selection include:
• Interest in the study, perpetuation and promotion, including goodwill projects of Okinawan culture (music, dance, art, or other forms of artistic expressions), language and history;
• Leadership ability;
• Community service;
• Financial need;
• Overall potential for success;
• Clarity of goal(s);
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives.

All prospective grant projects/activities should take place from January through December, 2025.

Hui O Laulima has provided grants to individuals and organizations in our local Okinawan community with the greatest potential for the preservation, promotion, and perpetuation of the Okinawan culture.

2024 Cultural Grant Awardees:

• Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai – Jimpu Kai Maui: To help with airfare for Cheryl Nakasone Sensei’s monthly classes on Maui
• Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala: To assist with airfare to bring RMD Oahu instructors to Hawaii island or sending their instructors or students to Oahu to learn new songs
• Shari Tamashiro: To hire a video editor for the creation of a series on “How To Be More Okinawan” to be hosted on HUOA’s YouTube channel.
• Wendy Tamashiro: To assist with her transportation costs for practice of kumiwudui and odori with Cheryl Nakasone Sensei and Jimpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho, Hawaii Shibu students on Oahu.

Visit Hui Makaala’s website for the latest update on the awarding of these scholarships to students going to college.

The deadline for applicants is usually in May.