ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Okinawans in Hawaii

Okinawans are people who come from a place called Okinawa, which is a group of islands in Japan. A long time ago, some Okinawans decided to move to a place called Hawaii, which is very far away from Japan. Hawaii is also made up of many islands and is a very beautiful place!

When the Okinawans moved to Hawaii, they brought their culture, food, and traditions with them. They worked really hard to make a good life for themselves and their families. They grew crops like sugar cane and pineapple, and they also did other jobs like fishing and working in stores.

Even though they were very far away from their home in Okinawa, the Okinawans in Hawaii tried to keep their traditions alive. They celebrated special holidays and festivals, and they made sure to teach their children about their customs and beliefs.

Today, many people in Hawaii have some Okinawan ancestry because their grandparents or great-grandparents were Okinawan. The Okinawan culture and traditions are still celebrated in Hawaii, and you can see Okinawan influences in the food and music that people enjoy there.

So, even though they are very different places, Okinawa and Hawaii have a special connection because of the Okinawan people who moved there a long time ago.