Home 2013
Yearly Archives: 2013
Shisa Dog (Children’s) Park
CONTRIBUTED BY KARA PIERACCINI
One of the main things we associate with Okinawa is the Shisa Dog. They can be seen everywhere, guarding homes and...
T-Bones at the Rocker
CONTRIBUTED BY SHELL BURGER
I have been to T-Bones at the NCO Rocker a couple of times for lunch, but today when I found out...
"Hidden Beach" (on Yonashiro Miyagi-jima Island)
CONTRIBUTED BY RYAN P. BURGER
In my travels around Okinawa shooting landscapes, I’ve tried my best to stick to areas that aren’t oversaturated by other...
Uehara Upland Park
CONTRIBUTED BY KARA PIERACCINI
I like to take my kids to the park. We go to new parks often and are usually pleased with the...
Complex Spa
CONTRIBUTED BY KAY MILLS
Unfortunately, my last two weeks in Okinawa were spent preparing for our move to Misawa; you know, the paper work,...
Volunteering for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
CONTRIBUTED BY KARA PIERACCINI
When I moved to Okinawa, I had grand ideas of getting a job. Seven months, a handful of interviews, and no luck...
Tonkatsu Taro とんかつ太郎
CONTRIBUTED BY SHELL BURGER
Driving past Tonkatsu Taro you would have no idea what they serve, since all the signs are in kanji. Luckily, several...
Toto La Bebe Hamburger
CONTRIBUTED BY LACEE NANSEN
I love burgers. During my last pregnancy I consumed an ridiculous amount of Five Guys, and right in the middle of...
Kupu Kupu Pancake Factory
Editor's Note: This business is back open! It had closed temporarily in January 2014.
CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZABETH BELGARD
I’m not really a big fan of breakfast. I know...
Olive Berry Café
CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE BRAYCOLLINS
Sometimes, friends and acquaintances commend my “ability” for “just getting out there” and “finding” cool things to do or eat or...
Local Farmers Markets
CONTRIBUTED BY SHELL BURGER
When I first arrived on-island, I was skeptical to buy food and produce off base. After seeing the prices for items at...
Kudaka Island
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
Want to see a beautiful island with friendly faces, loads of history, and untouched by tourism? According to folklore, Kudaka Island...
Stripe Ramen
CONTRIBUTED BY TRISH KAPRIELIAN
What do steak lovers, vegetarians and ramen lovers all have in common? They can all eat at Stripe ramen! It’s a new ramen...
Melody Road
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
Get ready to be “wowed,” my friends—or at least impressed a bit. If you haven’t heard of Melody Road yet, you...
Destiny Charters: Diving, Snorkeling, Sunset Cruises, Private Charters
CONTRIBUTED BY SANDRA STAMOS
Looking to spend the day out on or under the water? I highly recommend Destiny Charters.
Based out of the Okinawa Marina...
Buying a Car – Why We Chose BC Motors
CONTRIBUTED BY SHELL BURGER
When we first arrived on-island last June, one of the first things we wanted to do was buy a car. We felt...
Doula Births
CONTRIBUTED BY AMANDA DODSON/PHOTOS BY DANIELLE MATLOCK
Editor’s note: Many expectant mothers have heard the term “doula” but not understood its meaning. Amanda has offered...
Dress Diner Buffet (Located in the Dai Ichi Hotel)
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA SNELL
The Dress Diner is a beautiful, glass-walled restaurant (located on the first floor of the Dai Ichi Hotel) with breathtaking views...
Yohena Ajisai (Hydrangea) Garden
CONTRIBUTED BY CALYN PAQUIN
There is no doubt Okinawa has beautiful and gorgeous flowers. Even if flower is not your thing, there is something about...
2013 Okinawa Hai Calendar – June
The 2013 calendar was only available for a couple of short months at the end of 2012 and the beginning of this year. In...
Vacationing in Bali
CONTRIBUTED BY JAIMIE TELSCHOW
I had my doubts before visiting Bali, wondering if it would be too touristy for my taste. I can’t begin to...
Vita Smoothies
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Just off the noisy, often crowded stretch of Kokusai Street passing by Miebashi Station runs a much quieter but busy road....
Sushi Shuna (Located Inside Dai Ichi Hotel)
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA SNELL
Sushi Shuna is a quaint little restaurant located on the second floor of the Dai Ichi Hotel. The side and front...
Mont Crea: Fusion Patisserie
Editor's Note: We have an updated review on Mont Crea! After the original post below was published, the owner closed briefly. He has since...
Gyoumu Supa – Wholesale Supermarket
CONTRIBUTED BY SHELL BURGER
While walking back from my neighborhood farmer’s market, which unfortunately I did not know is closed on Sundays, I decided to stop...
Okinawa Fruits Land
CONTRIBUTED BY LEAH MAGID
Editor's Note: This is an update to the original article on Okinawa Fruits Land we published in 2010. You can read...
Sheesah Lounge (Located Inside Dai Ichi Hotel)
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA SNELL
Sheesah Lounge is a bar/lounge/restaurant located on the 10th floor of the Dai Ichi Hotel. The menu offers home-style Okinawan dishes....
Transit Cafe
Editor's Note: Transit Cafe was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on March 20, 2007; you can read a PDF copy of that original review...
Muruku Beach: Hidden Paradise on Paradise
CONTRIBUTED BY RYAN P. BURGER
Looking for a beach that isn’t Toguchi or White Beach? How about someplace a little less crowded and a little...
About That Government Furniture, Part III
CONTRIBUTED BY LORI
Lori contributed a write-up about her on-base housing in New Lester last week and agreed to tell us about her experiences using...