Celebrate 125 Years of Okinawan Heritage at Hawaii’s Festivals

This year marks a significant milestone for the Uchinanchu community, as they celebrate the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii. To honor this heritage, the 43rd annual Okinawan Festival will take place on August 30-31 at the Hawaii Convention Center, featuring a vibrant mix of performing arts, cultural education, arts and crafts, historical exhibits, genealogy research, and, notably, a variety of traditional Okinawan cuisine.

The festivities continue with the sixth Okinawan FEASTival, running from September 1 to 15. During this period, local restaurants will offer limited-time Okinawan dishes, allowing residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the flavors of Okinawa. A comprehensive list of participating restaurants and their specials can be found at hawaiiokinawans.com/about.

Local Eateries Join the Celebration

Among the featured establishments, Chillest Shave Ice will serve a unique shikuwasa shave ice from September 1 to 15, available at their location on 3408 Waialae Ave. This refreshing treat features an Okinawan lemon-lime syrup drizzled with caramel kokuto, or Okinawan black sugar. Operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays, and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. More details are available on their Instagram @chillestshaveice.

Beer Lab Hawaii is also participating by offering a limited-run Okinawan sweet potato ale named Karii, available starting August 29 at all locations. The Pearlridge Center venue (98-1005 Moanalua Road) will feature oxtail soki soba and beni imo crème brûlée, while the Puck’s Alley location (2600 S. King St. Ste. 107) will serve fried chicken coated in andagi batter. These special dishes will be available until September 15. Preorders for the Karii ale can be made at beerlabhi.com beginning August 28.

Zigu, located at 413 Seaside Ave., will showcase several Okinawan specials from August 30 to September 15. Highlights include mozuku shooters, Kurobuta pork rafute, and Okinawan yakisoba, complemented by a special awamori cocktail. For dessert, patrons can indulge in Okinawan sweet potato crème brûlée. Reservations can be made by calling 808-212-9252 or visiting their Instagram @zigu.hi.

Masa & Joyce Okazuya, located at 45-582 Kamehameha Hwy., will offer Okinawan abura miso, seasoned miso with crispy pork, alongside abura miso musubi from September 1 to 15, excluding Tuesdays. Diners can also enjoy jyu shi me (Okinawan rice soup), andagi, Okinawa soba, and a variety of traditional soups. Preorders can be placed by calling 808-235-6129.

More Festive Offerings and Treats

Aloha Andagi will host a pop-up event at Marukai Dillingham’s (2310 Kamehameha Hwy.) on September 20-21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering the beloved Okinawan treat, andagi. Both regular and Okinawan sweet potato varieties will be available, along with boroboro jushime (Okinawan porridge), while supplies last. More information can be found on their Instagram @alohaandagi_llc.

For those seeking a convenient meal option, Sunrise Restaurant Hawaii at 525 Kapahulu Ave. will serve a Sunrise Okinawan Bento from September 2 to 8, except on Sunday. This bento box features yakisoba, rafute, and goya champuru, along with a selection of soups. Preorders are required and can be made by calling 808-737-4118. For additional details, visit their Instagram @sunriserestauranthawaii.

The Okinawan heritage is being celebrated with gusto in Hawaii, providing a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to explore the rich culture and flavors of Okinawa. As the community comes together for these events, the spirit of Uchinanchu continues to thrive, honoring a legacy that has been a vital part of Hawaii’s history for over a century.