This was probably the event I've been most excited for since my first Hawaii show back in 2017. I started that year at the HUOA Winter Craft Fair and have done it every year since. People have always talked about the Okinawan Festival, but I never made it out until now. All I can really say is it's about time.
It was amazing. My Dad is Okinawan, so I've gotten to know bits and pieces of the culture at different points in my life. I also got to visit Okinawa earlier this year. The festival, however, allowed me to see just how big the Okinawan culture is in Hawaii. I had some idea, but not quite like this. It's much different from what I've been used to at the winter craft fair. The festival had food and groceries, educational areas for learning, performances throughout the day, and a big bon dance to end Saturday.
I loved getting to experience this for the first time and hope to be back again in the years to come. Ippee nifee deebiru to the HUOA staff and everyone who stopped by the booth!
