CONTRIBUTED BY ANNA WISHERD
Since moving on island this past August, we have been in search of a pizza joint that serves delicious food and made fresh to order. A neighbor suggested this pizza place she had wanted to try that is located on the way to and from the airport. After picking up my hubby from the airport, we decided...
Years ago, when Okinawa Hai had just a few readers and was getting its footing, we took an introspective look at the things we love about this tiny island, especially the details that might go unnoticed - or unappreciated - by many.
We'd like to remind ourselves about that which we have always loved about our island paradise... even the things which may, at first glance,...
CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF
Are you looking for something to make you feel a little sassy in the bedroom, or even just style up your workout gear? Check out Vanilla Rose Lingerie shop in American Village. They are the only place on Okinawa that I know of that carries Victoria’s Secret Lingerie, and definitely the only place I’ve heard an...
Editor’s Note: This is one of several hotels Marie visited in Vietnam and Cambodia. Click here to read her full itinerary.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
Navutu Dreams Resort and Spa is a 4-star hotel and wellness retreat in Siem Reap, and it was my husband’s absolute favorite hotel of the entire trip. I am torn, because each of the places we...
CONTRIBUTED BY JULIE WOOLERY
Bingata is a form of painting on fabric that uses stencil patterns and multiple colors of paint. It has been part of Ryukyu history for 500 years. Once you know what bingata looks like, you’ll realize you’ve seen it everywhere on Okinawa … t-shirts, bags, kimonos, etc. While it’s a very unique gift to buy for...
CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE CAMINA
The Mēgā Gama Cave and Remains Tour differs from the Mēgā Gama Cave Tour in the sense that the former does not require you to dress in a hardhat and jumpsuit to view the part of the cave reserved for this particular tour. It also offers more insight into the overall history of the town of...
The 2015 calendar was available for purchase in November and December of 2014. This was February's page.
Civic Park
Photo credit: Candace Castor
Candace Castor Photography
"A gentle maiko
Dancing in pink kimono
At a spring banquet" --Aleksandr Krasnitskiy
Southeast Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Shannon Kroemer
Kitnakagusuku Sunflower Festival
Photo credit: Jamie Snider
Jamie Snider Photography
Years ago, when Okinawa Hai had just a few readers and was getting its footing, we took an introspective look at the things we love about this tiny island, especially the details that might go unnoticed - or unappreciated - by many.
We'd like to remind ourselves about that which we have always loved about our island paradise... even the things which may, at first glance,...
CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF
Several weeks ago, I went to Kokusai Street in Naha with some friends. We stumbled upon an art exhibition featuring a Japanese calligraphy artist by the name of Soyamax, or Naoyuki Soyama. First we were moved by his beautiful art, and then by the story of his life.
Soyamax often uses bright colors and Kanji symbols to...
Editor’s Note: This is one of several hotels/lodges Marie visited in Vietnam and Cambodia. Click here to read her full itinerary.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
Tree Lodge was our base from which to explore Cambodia’s “wild east” and trek with elephants in support of The Mondulkiri Project. It’s an organization run by a local Cambodian family that provides an income to...
CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE O'DRISCOLL
A few weeks ago, I participated in the NIOSC Amazing Race with my husband, Mark, and our friends, John and Alisha. One of the destinations was 2 Jerks, a Caribbean restaurant that took me back to my days spent in Priory, Jamaica with the old Rend Lake College crew!
We were skillful (or lucky, you decide) enough to...
CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA
Ground zero during cherry blossom season, this majestic 71.1 hectare park sits high above the urban skyline on Mt. Nago. Once the residence of the great Nago Aji, the remains of the castle (chiefly experienced in the tall staircase and sacred Haka) are but one of the many attractions at this site. In late January the...
CONTRIBUTED BY KYLE
Burrito lovers rejoice! If you are anything like me, one of the main food items you miss from the States is good burritos, or more specifically Qdoba and/or Chipotle. A large helping of meat and rice with fresh veggies piled on top and all wrapped up in a layer of goodness that is the flour tortilla. So...
CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE CAMINA
When we think of caves on Okinawa, most of us are familiar with the Gyokusendo Cave of Okinawa World in Nanjō-shi, situated along the island’s southeastern tip. However, it may surprise many of you to learn that there is just as an impressive cave system within Matsuda, Ginoza-son (between Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab) that will...
Editor’s Note: This is one of several hotels Marie visited in Vietnam and Cambodia. Click here to read her full itinerary.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
The Villa Paradiso is a boutique hotel where we stayed during the Phnom Penh leg of our journey. After a long boat ride through the Mekong Delta into Cambodia, we were welcomed with delicious drinks and...
CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF
Okinawa Hai has long had a write-up on Café Natura near Camp Foster Legion Gate, but there is another Café Natura worth a visit much nearer to Torii Station. This Café Natura is under different ownership, and thus the feel of the café is very different.
When you walk in the door, there is a gate that...
CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE O'DRISCOLL
A few weekends ago, I was finally able to indulge in some delicious breakfast food at C&C Breakfast. It was my sister-in-law's birthday and we wanted to go explore. Best place to start? How about some french toast with fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream, and strawberry syrup?!
I had first heard about this place from a blogger...
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA SNELL
I’ve never had so many pancakes as I have here in Okinawa. I’m used to the ones at Coffee Casa, small perfect sized pancakes that don’t leave you super full. The experience at the Hawaiian pancake house was much different.
First, I recommend going early. The first time I went and tried to order the most popular...
Editor's Note: This is one of several hotels/lodges Marie visited in Vietnam and Cambodia. Click here to read her full itinerary.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
After leaving the Rex Hotel in Saigon, we took a bus to Chau Doc, Vietnam, a town close to the border with Cambodia. We checked into the Victoria Nui Sam Lodge for just one night. Our plan was to...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Sueyoshi Koen is a large park along the southern edge of Urasoe and the northern edge of Naha. It provides a large space for different types of activities, but ultimately, provides a serious break from the nearby congestion.
This park was on my Okinawa bucket list for some time. I actually missed the opportunity to visit there...
CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF
If you find yourself on Hamahiga for a day of kayaking, kite surfing, or other adventures, I recommend that you splurge and spend 500 yen on Okinawa soba from this local restaurant. They don’t have an English menu or an English speaking staff, but the food was phenomenal.
My husband and I ordered two bowls of Okinawa...
The 2015 calendar was available for purchase in November and December of 2014.
This was January's page:
Murasaki Mura
Photo credit: Haylee Rogers
Haylee Rogers Photography Facebook Page
"Shisas please guard me
One mouth open while I sleep
One closed like my eyes" -- Bill Enyart
Murasaki Mura
Photo credit: Haylee Rogers
Haylee Rogers Photography Facebook Page
Ryukyu Mura
Photo credit: Meredith Novario
Meredith Novario Photography Facebook Page
CONTRIBUTED BY MINDY MORRIS
This adorable little village is comprised of a series of small houses, kilns and shops that sprawl over a small hill in Yomitan, just north of Kadena Air Base. Upon arriving, you park in a well-marked lot, and then meander by foot along the single paved path that connects all of the shops and studios.
There are...
Editor's Note: This is one of several hotels/lodges Marie visited in Vietnam and Cambodia. Click here to read her full itinerary.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
We stayed at the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for the first leg of our journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. I was drawn to the Rex because of its historical significance. It was the site of the infamous Five...
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA SNELL
You may have seen the shirts and sweatshirts around town; the Run Oki logo is so distinct and eye-catching. I remember seeing one and trying to figure out what it was (I thought it was an actual running club at first). Finally, I found the store in American Village and asked. Run Oki is a clothing...
And then, 2015. Bam.
It's cliche, I know, but where in the world did 2014 go? How is it possible that we're already in the year Marty McFly traveled forward to in Doc Brown's DeLorean? (Have I just dated myself with that reference? Blame my husband's obsession with the entire Back To The Future franchise for that one. And I'm still waiting...
CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF
Are you a fisherman? A camper? A white sand sun-bathing fanatic? Uken Beach near Camp Courtney is a paradise for all of the above people. Some time ago, Uken beach had a reputation for being trashy. By trashy, I mean full of trash. Literally. Trash used to be dumped in the Pacific Ocean near there and...
CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE O'DRISCOLL
Oriental Place, located on highway 23, is a Chinese antique furniture store that you must visit while living in Okinawa! Yuki, the owner, goes on the buying trips herself, taking the back country roads of China, to find the best pieces to display in her store.
You’ll find anything from elaborate wedding cabinets, bright hutches, beautiful porcelain,...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
With only a few months left in Okinawa, my husband and I did not want to leave without visiting Vietnam and Cambodia. I spent hours upon hours scouring Trip Advisor and also found Kassie's articles about traveling in Vietnam and Cambodia to be a tremendous help! I even met with Kassie over lunch to talk to...
CONTRIBUTED BY MINDY MORRIS
Trekking is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. Here is a play-by-play of one of the best (and most difficult) treks that we went on in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We booked our three day/two night “elephant trek” through Family Travel, but of the eleven people on our trek, everyone had booked through a...