Editor's Note: We have been informed that this restaurant has moved from the location listed in this post to the Camp Foster Hospital. In its old location is E & C Turkish Kababs. We would love an updated post if anyone wants to write one for us!
CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL MINGIN
There are many healthy alternatives when searching for a place to eat in...
For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something to aid in your search. Parents of children who attend various preschools on island have filled out a series of questions about the schools for the benefit of the rest of us. We welcome more than one voice on each...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH PHILLIPS
My husband had heard rumors that there would be a Burger King in the Aeon Shopping Center to replace the McDonalds in the food court. We went there to go shopping and decided to see if the rumors were true. They are true and it’s already open!
For most of you this may not be too exciting,...
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
On a recent rainy weekend we decided to go for a drive to the southern portion of the island. We went to the usual places; Cape Kyan, Ryukyu Glass Factory, etc., but then we noticed another silly photo-op of those plywood character cut-outs you can look like a geek in. Me, being a lover of almost...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HOFFMAN
Tired of turkey leftovers, my friends and I had the opportunity to do some sightseeing on our little lovely island. We ventured out to the neighboring islands of Ikei, Henza & Miyagi, all accessible by bridge (no ferry required) in search of the famous Okinawian sea salt factory.
After a few wrong turns, we finally made it...
CONTRIBUTED BY KATRINA RAYMOND
In the past year there have been numerous airlines that have embraced Okinawa with its presence. In 2011 the cost of airfare to Mainland Japan could be anywhere from $200-400 each just to go to Tokyo. The times are changing and new airlines are springing up often offering deals for that getaway to Asia. Currently there...
CONTRIBUTED BY KAYLIE GROENHOUT
On the ground floor of an unassuming typical concrete building lies a simple restaurant with a flavorful menu and a unique view. Located across the street from House of 66 Cents, Hanakinah is the self-proclaimed Okinawa Soba House.
There are three seating styles available: tatami, bar stools, or standard tables and chairs. The tatami area has a...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH PHILLIPS
At my husband’s almost-every-other-day stop to our local fruit stand he picked up something new that we’ve never tried before: rainbow kiwi.
A search online of rainbow kiwi didn’t bring up much but I did find them under the name “red kiwi fruit”. From what I’ve read, many kiwi fruit are exported from China or New Zealand...
CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER MARTIN
The Kafuu Resort located in Onna is like a precious jewel, amazing from every angle. The Green Spa, located on the second floor of the resort, boasts every amenity one would expect to find in a high-end spa.
The quality of the spa at the Kafuu Resort absolutely rivals the priciest hotels in Manhattan, London, or Paris,...
CONTRIBUTED BY ELISA SANGRIU
We’ve all been there; you’ve found the cutest little outfit at the Exchange, only to walk outside and see two other people wearing the exact same thing. Luckily, you do have some choice in where to shop off base if you make a little time to explore.
One of my favorite places to shop for ladies/juniors clothing...
CONTRIBUTED BY REGINA DESAMOURS
I recently enlisted the help of Okinawa Party Characters for my sons 5th birthday. It was his very first party and I wanted something extra special to mark the occasion. I booked three characters, (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and SpongeBob), and they were so much fun!
The characters danced to music they provided, took countless pictures and...
CONTRIBUTED BY NOEL LOPEZ
If you're like me and want to explore Okinawa but don’t know where to start I have found the perfect way to go out, explore many of the places listed on Okinawa Hai and meet new people who share the same mind set of exploring and seeing what this great island has to offer.
There is a group...
The 2012 calendar was only available for a couple short months at the end of 2011 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was December's page {Click on photos to enlarge}:
Fukushen Garden
Photo credit: Tara Medina, www.bluebamboophoto.com
"I was far away from Okinawa,...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Planning The Trip
Before I make the firm decision on a trip, I do research on it to make sure that (1), I can afford it, (2) it’s easily accessible in the allotted amount of time and (3) it will be worth it. Once those three conditions are satisfied, I begin making the basic arrangements.
Unfortunately, given that...
CONTRIBUTED BY KATHRYN STRONG
Being vegetarian in the US is fantastic; even in my hometown of Dallas, it was hard to find a place that wasn’t only able to provide vegetarian food, but was enthusiastic about making a delicious meat-free option. Here in Okinawa, however, that is not the case. My explanations that I don’t eat meat, and by meat...
CONTRIBUTED BY KIM RUNKLE
When my husband deployed a year ago and a half ago, I knew I needed something to keep me busy and my mind occupied,. Otherwise, I’d make myself crazy thinking and worrying and thinking about worrying about and for him those 8+ months he was gone. My daughter’s girl scout troop was getting ready to participate...
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
While driving south last weekend to enjoy the lovely weather, in the middle of a busy street in Itoman we came across a beautiful shrine and just had to stop to learn more. We discovered that the people of Itoman believe the God of the Sea (Shirogane-no-oibe) to be enshrined here. They also believe the graves...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH PHILLIPS
Stationary, kitchen supplies, educational toys, purses, seasonal decorations, health & beauty supplies. Tokyu Hands has them all (and more)!
Tokyu Hands is located in one of the newest San-A buildings to open: San A Convention City in Ginowan. It is on the 1st floor and takes up a large portion of that floor. It is split up...
CONTRIBUTED BY MOLLY WIECHMANN
Did you know there are not one, but TWO American Red Cross offices on Okinawa? That’s right! Camp Foster and Kadena both have offices. There are endless opportunities available from administrative to hospital volunteer openings. You can even volunteer to bring your dog to the hospital to visit patients! Whatever your background/interest, there is something you...
CONTRIBUTED BY ANGI BRZYCKI
Last march I was working on a project for Tohoku with a group of friends and we'd meet regularly at Naha High school. After we met for the first time, it was suggested by one of the teachers that we go out for indian curry across the street. There are a lot of curry places in...
For those of you planning a move to Okinawa soon, we hope Marie's descriptions of the process of their travel and first months of settling in can help you with a few of the "unknowns." To read more of their story see links at the bottom of the post.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
It’s been just over a year since...
Follow Sarah's OCONUS to OCONUS journey here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FORTE
In 2008, Staci Hawley wrote a “You Know You Lived in Okinawa When” post for OkinawaHai. I read that post before I even stepped foot on Okinawa for the first time. Part of me couldn’t wait for some of those things to happen, because that...
CONTRIBUTED BY JORDYN PUGH
Do you miss the ambiance of diners in America? Water glasses bigger than a Dixie cup, normal napkins and jukebox music? Let’s admit, you can only eat at the on base establishments so many times before you get sick of them. Or maybe you’re a hospital staff member and are curious what you can eat after...
The 2012 calendar was only available for a couple short months at the end of 2011 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was November's page {Click on photos to enlarge}:
Sunshine Town
Photo credit: Nichel K. James, www.sanjaphoto.com
"On Okinawa, the shisa...
CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTOPHER DONG
Maybe Bakery recently debuted in the Chatan area, and not a moment too soon. The quizzically named shop opens daily at 7 am, displaying a host of glazed, buttered, fruited, sandwiched, and toasted delights, just in time for the morning drive to work. If you’re like me, health and food awareness occupy no less than 97...
CONTRIBUTED BY CRYSTAL SCHOLLARD
As I lay there quietly on the beach listening to the waves of my breath and slowly hear the sounds of Rewa calling me back, I realize I’ve found another slice of heaven here on this gorgeous island! I roll to my right, then slowly sit up and listen to the beautiful offerings of love, acceptance,...
CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE BRAY-COLLINS
Tart? Tarte?
I’ll admit, I’ve been called both in the past…The former, a spunky, stylish gal with a razor-sharp wit. The latter, a lovely sweet treat encased by melt-in-your-mouth pastry perfected by French pastry chefs worldwide. Confession? Frankly, I’d still respond to either one.
But I digress… Who doesn’t love a good tarte!?!
Breathe easy, Oki friends. Yes, we...
CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER SHUE
Jen was our wonderful, fearless Okinawa Hai Society Ning forum leader for several years. She recently PCS'd away from her beloved Okinawa and wanted to share a last post with us!
45
45 more sunrises
45 more days to see the island
45 more mornings of sitting in traffic on 58
45 more lunches with friends
45 more afternoons of warm...
CONTRIBUTED BY KELLY MULDER
When we arrived on the island my husband was beyond eager to purchase a car. I was 34 weeks pregnant and we both wanted to nest as soon as possible. The first car my husband tried to look at was purchased right in front of him. The guy who raced my husband down the steps of...
CONTRIBUTED BY KATHRYN STRONG
In the northern reaches of Okinawa, where there are no Starbucks, cafés where you can spend an afternoon sipping coffee and reading are a rare discovery. Most places are small and busy and I always feel guilty hogging a whole table for hours at a time. Fuu Café, on Sesoko Island is an exception. I have...