Thank you for joining 2026 Okinawa Heritage Tour by HUOA! ✨

From October 8–18, 2026, the Okinawa Heritage Tour by HUOA brought participants together for an unforgettable journey through Okinawa, celebrating their cultural roots, shared history, and the enduring bonds between Okinawa and Hawaii.

With tremendous support from the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA), the tour was filled with memorable experiences and meaningful connections. Special thanks go to HUOA President Bob Shiroma and his wife, Mimi, who generously presented every participant with an exclusive commemorative pin and tour T-shirt designed especially for this occasion.

One of the highlights was the Naha Giant Tug-of-War Festival on October 11, when participants proudly wore their matching tour T-shirts and joined the excitement of one of Okinawa's most celebrated cultural events. Despite a sudden downpour during the festivities, the rain did little to dampen everyone's spirits, making the experience even more unforgettable!

Beyond the festivities, the tour offered participants with Okinawan roots a valuable opportunity to reconnect with their heritage. Visits to significant historical sites, including Shuri Castle and Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, provided deeper insights into Okinawa's history, traditions, and the strong historical and cultural ties connecting Okinawa and Hawaii. The tour was a wonderful success, bringing participants closer to their ancestral homeland and to one another.

Building on the success of this year's Heritage Tour, HUOA are preparing an extraordinary travel experience for the 2027 Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival (Taikai) with us! The upcoming tour is being designed to offer an exceptional combination of convenience, cultural discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

Don't miss this once-in-five-years opportunity to reconnect with your Okinawan roots!

Subscribe to the Taikai 2027 Mailing List to receive the latest tour announcements and updates!
The 8th World Unchinanchu Taikai (Festival) by HUOA 2027

We look forward to welcoming you to Okinawa in 2027!