In partnership with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO), Kinetic Productions, and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i, a live musical performance by HSO concertmaster Iggy Jang and cellist Joshua Nakazawa will welcome audiences as part of a screening of “Voices Behind Barbed Wire”. A violin that was used at Honouliuli Internment Camp is the inspiration for this special HSO performance. This special film screening will be followed by a panel session, including Ryan Kawamoto, the director of the film; Karen Murashige, whose father was incarcerated at Honouliuli and whose violin is featured; and a member of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.

Participate in the 10th annual Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden, a relay race inspired by the Japanese tradition of ekiden, where teams of runners complete a looped course from Kapiʻolani Park to Diamond Head. Teams pass a tasuki (sash) between runners as they complete their 5k legs, emphasizing teamwork and connection. The event includes the team ekiden, a 5K fun run/walk, and a children’s race.

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association’s (HUOA) Okinawan Festival Committee will move forward with planning the 2026 Okinawan Festival in a modified format as the Hawaiʻi Convention Center undergoes construction and renovation of its lobby and third-floor ballrooms. The Okinawan Festival will happen on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, 2026.

While the format of the 2026 Okinawan Festival will look different from years past, the Festival remains at its heart, a celebration of the culture, history, and community of Uchinanchu in Hawaiʻi. The decision to proceed with planning reflects the organization’s continued commitment to promote, preserve, and perpetuate the Okinawan culture in Hawaiʻi while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and accessible experience for its community, volunteers, performers, vendors, and attendees. The committee is confident that the Convention Center provides the infrastructure and capacity needed to support a modified festival format, visitor comfort, and allows the Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association the opportunity to showcase its rich history and cultural heritage on a scale that reflects its significance in Hawaiʻi. The committee appreciates the patience and understanding shown throughout this decision-making process by the community.

Ippee Nifee Deebiru and mahalo for the continued support of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, the Okinawan Festival, and its mission to promote, perpetuate, and preserve the Okinawan culture in Hawaiʻi. The Hawaii United Okinawa Association looks forward to welcoming everyone to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center at its upcoming annual Okinawan Festival in September. For up to date information and details regarding the 2026 Okinawan Festival visit www.OkinawanFestival.com or follow @HawaiiUnitedOkinawaAssociation and @OkinawanFestival on Facebook and Instagram.