Okinawan Community Celebrates 125 Years of Heritage in Hawaii

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Uchinanchu community, the name given to Okinawan immigrants and their descendants in Hawaii. This year, they celebrate the *125th anniversary* of Okinawan immigration to the islands. To honor this heritage, the *43rd annual Okinawan Festival* will take place at the *Hawaii Convention Center* from *August 30 to 31*. The festival showcases a vibrant array of performing arts, cultural education, historical exhibits, and, importantly, traditional Okinawan cuisine.

Following the festival, the community will continue the celebration with the *sixth Okinawan FEASTival* from *September 1 to 15*. This event highlights local restaurants serving limited-time Okinawan dishes. The list of participating eateries, along with their specials, can be found on the website hawaiiokinawans.com/about.

Delicious Offerings from Local Eateries

Among the participating restaurants, *Chillest Shave Ice* at *3408 Waialae Ave. Ste. 102* will offer a limited-time *shikuwasa shave ice*, featuring a unique Okinawan lemon-lime syrup topped with a caramel kokuto drizzle. This refreshing treat will be available daily from *September 1 to 15*, with operating hours from *11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.* on Thursdays through Mondays and *1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.* on Tuesdays.

*Beer Lab Hawaii*, with multiple locations, will introduce a special Okinawan sweet potato ale called *Karii*, available from *August 29* until supplies last. The *Pearlridge Center* location will serve *oxtail soki soba* and *beni imo creme brulee*, while the *Puck’s Alley* venue will feature *andachicken*, a fried chicken coated in an andagi batter. These unique offerings will be available from *August 29 to September 15*.

At *Zigu*, located at *413 Seaside Ave.*, patrons can indulge in a variety of specials, including *Okinawan mozuku shooters*, *Kurobuta pork rafute*, and *Okinawan yakisoba*, available from *August 30 to September 15*. The mozuku shooters combine seaweed with umami dashi and ponzu, topped with a raw quail egg for a flavorful experience. Reservations can be made by calling *808-212-9252*.

More Local Favorites and Special Treats

*Masa & Joyce Okazuya* at *45-582 Kamehameha Hwy.* will offer a selection of Okinawan dishes, including *abura miso* and *Okinawan soba*, available from *September 1 to 15*, except on Tuesdays. Customers can also order *jyu shi me* and other traditional soups. To secure a meal, preorders can be arranged by calling *808-235-6129*.

*Aloha Andagi* will host a pop-up event on *September 20-21* at *Marukai Dillingham* with a variety of andagi, featuring both regular and Okinawan sweet potato flavors. This event will run from *8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.* while supplies last.

For those seeking quick options, *Sunrise Restaurant Hawaii* at *525 Kapahulu Ave.* will offer its *Sunrise Okinawan Bento*, a takeout meal that includes *yakisoba*, *rafute*, and *goya champuru*, available from *September 2 to 8*, excluding Sundays. Preorders are essential and can be placed by calling *808-737-4118*.

This year’s events serve not only to celebrate Okinawan heritage but also to strengthen community ties through the sharing of cultural traditions and delicious food. As the Uchinanchu community comes together, the festivities promise to be a memorable tribute to their rich history in Hawaii.