Enjoy live hula shows on ‘Hawaii of Setouchi’ near Iwakuni

(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima Tourism Association)

Often called “the Hawaii of Setouchi,” Suo-Oshima (aka Yashima Island) has an Hawaiian vibe to it, including crystal-clear water, white sand beaches with rows of palm trees.

Apparently, the island has had strong ties with the 50th state ever since 4,000 residents left the island for Hawaii 130 years ago. As children and grandchildren returned to Suo-Oshima, they introduced Hawaiian culture and customs that have been there ever since. Suo-Oshima signed a sister island contract with Kauai Island, Hawaii, in 1963, and the two have maintained a friendly relationship setting up student-exchange program, hosting various cultural events among other things.

You will find palm trees planted here and there on the island, along with many shops and restaurants with a Hawaiian-style façade. From late June through the end of August, the island carries out a unique “Aloha Biz” campaign that allows staffers of town hall, banks, post offices and hotels to wear an aloha shirt as official attire.

Plus, they offer “Saturday Hula” - live hula dancing at various restaurants and hotel facilities throughout the island!

This year, the hula events are scheduled from July 13 to Aug. 31 at four sites - Road Station Southern Seto Towa, Ryuzaki Onsen, Greenstay Nagaura and Marissa Resort Sazanseto Suo-Oshima.

(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima Tourism Association)

The Saturday Hula is divided into two stages: Day Stage (1 – 6 p.m.) at Road Station Southern Seto Towa and Ryuzaki Onsen, and Night Stage (5-8 p.m.) at Greenstay Nagaura and Marissa Resort Sazantowa Suo-Oshima. Hundreds of hula dancers from Japan and Hawaii perform (each show is 20 minutes), one after another at each day and night venue. Visitors can enjoy the live hula dancing for free.

No reservation is necessary, and there are food vendors at each facility, so check the performing schedule and plan to visit this fun hula event this summer!

A 3,346-feet long, Oshima Ohashi bridge connects the island to the mainland, so you can reach the island via a short 60-minute drive from MCAS Iwakuni.

SUO-OSHIMA SATURDAY HULA 2024

Event Schedule and Performers

Sites of Day Stage (1 – 6 p.m.)

・Roadside Station Sazan Seto Towa

Location: 1958-77 Nishikata, Suo-Oshima Town, Oshima-gun, Yamaguchi Prefecture

URL

Tel: 0820-78-0033

・Ryuzaki Onsen Spa

Location: 685-2 Higashi-agenosho, Suo-Oshima Town, Oshima-gun, Yamamaguchi Prefecture

URL

Tel: 0820-77-1234

Sites of Night Stage (5 - 8 p.m.)