Okinawan Festival wraps up weekend of culture, food, music and dance

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The 44th annual Okinawan Festival is wrapping up its weekend celebration of cultural heritage and community at the Hawai’i Convention Center.

The two-day festival showcased live music, traditional performances and local craft vendors, highlighting a deep historical bond between Okinawa and Hawai’i.

Beyond the performances, the event celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Hawai’i United Okinawa Association (HUOA).

“Because of the community and all the leaders that helped preserve and perpetuate our community, and because of them, we’re here for our 75th year,” said HUOA President Frances Kuba.

Organizers and attendees noted the unique spirit of the festival, which is entirely put on by volunteers.

“The Hawaiians talk about laulima. Everybody helps out to get a job done, collective effort. The Okinawans have yui maru,” said former HUOA President David Arakawa. “And this whole event is put on by volunteers. So that’s an example of yui maru working together.”

Arakawa also emphasized the Okinawan philosophy of Ichariba Choodee.

“Once we meet, we’re brothers and sisters,” he said. “That’s the Okinawan spirit, and that’s exactly like the Hawaiian concept of ’ohana.”

Amidst recent storm systems like Hurricane Lowell, Gov. Josh Green noted the importance of positive cultural exchange in difficult times.

“We have a lot of these relationships, but Okinawa has a deeper presence than many, if not most, here in Hawai’i,” Green said, who recently visited Okinawa.

Food remained a major draw for the crowds, with long lines for traditional Okinawan favorites like soba and hot andagi.

This year’s event also featured a modern culinary collaboration with Prince Waikiki Hotel, bringing an izakaya-inspired House of Sakura pop-up to the convention center.

The menu featured Okinawan-infused dishes crafted by Executive Chef Brooke Tadena.

For information about future events, visit OkinawanFestival.com.