The Hawaii-Okinawa High School Student Exchange Program was established by the State Legislature in partnership with the Department of Education (DOE) and the Hawaii United Okinawa (HUOA) in 1990 to:

1. Provide student with the opportunity to learn first-hand about the diverse
   cultures of other countries of the world.
2. Foster and sustain good relationships and cultural exchanges between foreign
   countries and the State of Hawaii.
3. Foster global awareness and a sense of “internationalism” in today’s youth.

We are currently seeking families who would like to host one or two Okinawan students from 2/08/25 to 2/22/25. As host families, you can learn first-hand about the diverse culture of Okinawa, and at the same time, share your wealth of knowledge and experience of Hawaii’s diverse culture as well.
Here are the expectations of host families:

For more information about the HOSEP, including the opportunity to go to Okinawa in June, please contact Jon Itomura, Executive Director of the HUOA at (808) 676-5400.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be immersed in the Okinawan culture, and gain valuable experiences and memories as you foster a good relationship with your exchange student from Okinawa!

Just the same as the Hawaii United Okinawa Association does when the Okinawan
students are with us in Hawaii, the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education will arrange
for host families and cover the expenses for field trips, welcome gathering, sayonara
party, etc. Students will be responsible for their own plane fare to Okinawa.