This year marks a historic milestone — the 125th Anniversary of Okinawan arrival and emigration! Let’s gather in Okinawa, our ancestral homeland, to honor this incredible journey together.

Reconnect with Okinawans from around the world in a heartfelt celebration that feels like a mini Taikai — full of culture, aloha spirit, and unforgettable memories. Let’s reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and build a golden future for generations to come.

We’re excited to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Leadership Tour, in partnership with N&K Travel. A big ippee nifee deebiru to Nadine and Tomomi for helping us share the spirit of Uchinaanchu culture!

• Limited to 15 Participants
• Must be 21+ by October 2, 2025
• Three-year leadership commitment required

💲 Estimated Tour Cost: $4,800

• 1/3 (Participating Individual)- $1,600
• 1/3 (Participating Club)- $1,600
• 1/3 (HUOA)- $1,600

📅 Deadline to Apply: June 20, 2025 by 5:00 PM

📎 Leadership Tour Documents

1 – 2025 HUOA Leadership Tour Info sheet

2 – 2025 HUOA Leadership Tour Participant Committment Agreement-fillable

3 – 2025 HUOA Leadership Tour Club Confirmation Letter-fillable

📬 Submit To:

Caro Higa – caro.h@huoa.org
Frances Kuba – Franceskuba808@gmail.com

📞 Questions?

Contact HUOA at (808) 676-5400

🌍 Let’s celebrate our legacy and uplift the next generation of Okinawan leaders. We can’t wait to see you in Okinawa!

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 deadline is March 15, 2025. 

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.

A total of $4,000.00 was awarded to four individuals in 2025. We congratulate and extend our best wishes to each of the following recipients for a successful year:

• Keahi Ingram – Airfare support to Okinawa to undertake the Ryukyu Shimpo Geinou Konkuru Sanshin Bumon Newcomer’s Division Test.
• Yoshino Ingram – Airfare support to Okinawa to undertake the Ryukyu Shimpo Geinou Konkuru Sanshin Bumon Yushusho test.
• Eric Kobayashi and Mina Tamashiro – Technical support for recital production of “Chu Hisa Na.”

2026 Cultural Grant: Deadline for submission is May 31, 2025. 2026 Hui O Laulima Cultural Grant Announcement 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, 2026.

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.

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.