(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima City)

Often called “the Hawaii of Setouchi,” Suo-Oshima, a.k.a. Yashima Island, has a lot of “Aloha.” On the island, white sand beaches with rows of palm trees and crystal-clear water will definitely make you feel like you’re in Hawaii.

This atmosphere and feel among the nearly 16,000 residents of Suo-Oshima stems from the ties the island has with Hawaii. About 130 years ago, around 4,000 residents migrated to Hawaii. Later as children and grandchildren returned to the Suo-Oshima, they brought the Hawaiian culture and customs they were growing up with back. The island signed a sister island contract with Kauai Island, Hawaii in 1963, and has maintained a close, friendly relationship with the island by exchanging students and hosting various cultural events to this day.

The relationship is evident in the palm trees planted around the island and the Hawaiian-style facades of the local shops and restaurants.

From late June through the end of August, visitors will also notice that many of the local town hall, post office, bank and hotel workers wear aloha shirts as part of the “Aloha Biz” campaign. During the campaign, many restaurants and hotels also offer “Saturday Hula” performances to get everyone into the Aloha mood.

This year, the hula events is scheduled from July 18 to August 29 at four event sites, Road Station Southern Seto Towa, Ryuzaki Onsen, Greenstay Nagaura and Marissa Resort Sazanseto Suo-Oshima.

The Saturday Hula is divided into two stages: Day Stage (1 – 4 p.m.) at Road Station Southern Seto Towa and Ryuzaki Onsen, and Night Stage (5 - 8 p.m.) at Greenstay Nagaura and Marissa Resort Sazanseto Suo-Oshima. Hundreds of hula groups from across Japan come to participate in 15-minute performances around the island. Visitors can enjoy the live hula dancing for free of charge, according to the event provider.

No reservation is necessary and there are food vendors at each facility, so check the performance schedule at the website and plan to visit the unique Hula event to feel Hawaii 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.

(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima City)

(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima City)

(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima City)

(Photo courtesy of Suo-Oshima City)

Event Schedule and Performers: https://suo-oshima-kanko.net/event/saturday-hula

Sites of Day Stage (1 – 4 p.m.)

Roadside Station Sazan Seto Towa

Ryuzaki Onsen Spa

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

Greenstay Nagaura

Marissa Resort Sazanseto Suo-Oshima