Past Events

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.

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.

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.

Meet and shop with local vendors at the next JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair! Browse a selection of Japanese and Japanese-inspired items while supporting small business owners. The JCCH Gift Shop and Historical Gallery will be open until 3:00 PM.

OHANA ARTS: An all-youth cast from Ohana Arts will perform songs from PEACE ON YOUR WINGS, a musical inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki and her one thousand paper cranes. The performance will begin at 10:00 AM. Following the performance, visit their outreach and merch booth near the stage.

FREE GALLERY ADMISSION: Did you know that the JCCH’s Okage Sama De Historical Gallery offers free admission during the craft fair? Learn about the multi-generational history of the Japanese in Hawaiʻi through the self-guided exhibit. Donations are appreciated.

With hands-on guided instruction and all workshop materials included, participants will learn the traditional Japanese art of fish printing. Each participant will make their own original gyotaku print to take home!

COST: $150 for JCCH members | $175 for non-members

Join an evening of culture, conversation, and community as Brandon Ufugusuku Ing introduces Uchinaaguchi, the indigenous language of Okinawa. This informal session is a great opportunity to learn the history and significance of Uchinaaguchi, learn simple words and phrases, and talk story.

Stay afterward to continue the conversation with fellow attendees. If you play sanshin, ukulele, guitar, or another instrument, feel free to bring it along—there may be an informal kanikapila to wrap up the evening. All ages welcome!

The HUOA Summer Yuntaku Series is a casual Okinawan culture and arts exchange designed to bring together Uchinānchu and friends to learn, connect, and celebrate our shared heritage.

Overview

Stephen Miwa shares the rediscovered diary of his father, an A-Bomb Survivor and his quest for peace.

Stephen Miwa will share The Rediscovered Diary of his father, an Atomic Bomb Survivor and His Quest for Peace When the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945, Japanese schoolboy Larry Fumio Miwa faithfully recorded each day’s events in his diary, despite the massive devastation he experienced firsthand. His eyewitness account of the improbable survival of his family and his solitary treks through the abandoned city bears haunting testimony to this unprecedented tragedy. More than 60 years later, Larry—by then a successful banker in Honolulu, Hawai‘i—rediscovered his childhood diary, which has now been reproduced in collaboration with his son, Stephen Miwa, in Gambare Hiroshima—Don’t Give Up! Newly released by Legacy Isle Publishing, the book includes the complete diary in both Japanese and English, as well as historic photos and vivid illustrations by atom bomb survivors—capturing both the vibrancy of Hiroshima before the bombing and the horrific reality that unfolded afterward. Books available for purchase and signing at the event.

Barefoot Gen is a powerful animated film that follows six‑year‑old Gen Nakaoka and his family in Hiroshima during the final months of World War II.

Barefoot Gen (83 minutes) is a powerful animated film that follows 6‑year‑old Gen Nakaoka and his family in Hiroshima during the final months of World War II. Through Gen’s eyes, the story reveals the everyday struggles of wartime Japan — food shortages, air‑raid sirens, and a family doing everything they can to hold onto hope.

When the atomic bomb is dropped on Aug. 6, 1945, Gen survives, but his world is shattered. The film traces his and his mother’s fight to endure the devastation that follows: fire, radiation, hunger, and profound loss. Despite the unimaginable circumstances, Gen’s courage and instinct to care for others shine through, offering a deeply human perspective on one of history’s darkest moments.

Please note: The film contains graphic depictions of war, destruction, and injury, which may be difficult for some viewers.

Browse a selection of Japanese and Japanese-inspired items while supporting small business owners. The JCCH Gift Shop and Historical Gallery will be open until 3:00 PM.

The 13th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest returns back home to 1100 University Ave. at the Waiānuenue ma Kapa’akea Parking Lot
(the Old Varsity Building Parking Lot & Coyne St.)
in the heart of Mōʻiliʻili