Hawaii United
Okinawa Association

Address: 94-587 Ukee Street, Waipahu, HI 96797

Our History

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association was established in 1951 as the Hawaii Okinawa Rengo Kai, or United Okinawan Association of Hawaii and renamed the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) in 1995. It serves as the umbrella organization for 50 member clubs statewide. The HUOA is also a charter member of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii.

The HUOA played an important role in Okinawa’s post-war recovery effort by sending clothing, livestock and other essentials to help the people get back on their feet after the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. That relationship created a bond between the people of Okinawa and Hawaii’s Uchinanchu community that remains intact more than a half-century later.

From the end of World War II, when Okinawa – Japan’s southernmost prefecture – was placed under U.S. military rule, until 1972, when it was returned to Japan, the United Okinawan Association was acknowledged by the United States government and the Civil Administration of the Ryukyus as the official representative of Okinawans in Hawaii. In that capacity, the UOA was asked to host official visitors from Okinawa and to participate in various government-sponsored programs. The UOA involved its member clubs in carrying out these programs.

The member clubs of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association are comprised of families whose ancestors immigrated to Hawaii from the same region in Okinawa. The HUOA thus plays an important role in fostering the Okinawan ethnic identity as its goals are to preserve, perpetuate and promote the culture of Okinawa. Today, membership through the member clubs total approximately 40,000.

Mission

The HUOA’s mission is to promote, perpetuate and preserve Okinawan culture in Hawaii.

Events

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Okinawan Festival

The Okinawan Festival is the signature event of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) and is known as the largest ethnic festival in Hawaii. It is organized and operated by over 3000 volunteers from the HUOA’s 50-member clubs and their extended ‘ohana of friends and family. Proceeds from the Okinawan Festival fund the HUOA’s cultural programs. The first Okinawan Festival was held in 1982 at the McCoy Pavilion at the Ala Moana Park and subsequently at Thomas Square. In 1990, the Festival moved to Kapiolani Park, attracting a larger and more ethnically diverse audience. In 2018, the festival moved to the Hawaii Convention Center, which proved to be one of the most successful means of sharing the Okinawan culture with residents and visitors alike. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HUOA launched its first Virtual Okinawan Festival to reach audiences around the world. Learn more at www.okinawanfestival.com.