[2] The HUOA was founded in 1951 under the name “United Okinawan Association of Hawaii” and was renamed to its current title in 1995.

[3] As a result of World War II, Okinawa was severely damaged, with much of its infrastructure and a third of its population perishing.

[4] To help with Okinawa's post-war recovery, the HUOA sent clothing, livestock and other essentials to the island,[3] including 550 pigs.

[5][6] When the United States military occupied Okinawa, the HUOA was recognized as the official representative of the Hawaii Okinawans.

[3] The HUOA's membership count is 40,000,[7] a similar number to the total amount of Hawaii residents of Okinawan ancestry (45,000-50,000).