Hui Okinawa once again will host the Haari (Dragon) Boat Festival on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Wailoa State Park and river. ADVERTISING Hui Okinawa once again will host the Haari (Dragon) Boat Festival on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Wailoa State
Hui Okinawa once again will host the Haari (Dragon) Boat Festival on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Wailoa State Park and river.
This free event is expected to draw thousands of spectators.
The Haari boats were a gift from Nago City, Okinawa in 1990 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Okinawan emigration to Hawaii, and also when Nago City and the County of Hawaii became sister cities.
“The purpose of the festival is to foster cultural understanding and camaraderie through a series of friendly boat racing competitions, food and Okinawan products,” said spokeswoman Patti Taira-Tokuuke. “This year, we have two teams entering from New York.”
Community groups are invited to form teams and sign up for the races at www.haariboatfestival.com.
