As part of the Hawaiʻi Global Education Foundation’s support for the sister-school partnership between Honouliuli Middle School (Hawaiʻi State Department of Education) and Takehara Municipal Junior High School (Takehara City Board of Education), the Foundation organized and coordinated a Japan Study Tour for 14 students and 4 teachers from Honouliuli Middle School.
Honouliuli Middle School is located in Kapolei on the island of Oʻahu. Kapolei is one of the fastest-growing areas in Hawaiʻi, and due to rapid population increase, Honouliuli Middle School was newly established in 2020. As of 2025, the school has approximately 800 students.
The school maintains an active sister-school relationship with Takehara Municipal Junior High School, whose students visit Hawaiʻi annually.
The group departed Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Hawaiian Airlines and arrived at Fukuoka Airport on June 11 (Wed).
The students traveled to Hiroshima by Shinkansen and visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. They offered flowers in honor of the victims of the atomic bombing and prayed for peace.
Afterward, the group traveled by bus to Takehara City, where they paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Imae and Superintendent Takata.
City Hall staff welcomed the students with warm applause, and although some students were shy, they were deeply touched by the hospitality.
The group visited Takehara Municipal Junior High School, where students were warmly greeted with personalized placards bearing their names. Many joyful reunions took place with students who had previously visited Honouliuli Middle School during the Takehara Hawaiʻi Study Program.
After the school exchange, the group traveled to Takehara Port and visited Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) with students from Takehara Municipal Tadokoro Gakuen. They enjoyed interacting with the rabbits, playing games, and deepening their cross-cultural friendships.
With their host buddies, students explored the Takehara Historical Preservation District, famous for its bamboo and salt production. All students experienced bamboo craft making and created their own windmills.
Following the excursion, students departed for their homestay.
Despite the language barrier, host families welcomed the students with great warmth, taking them to local ramen shops and shopping centers. Students were overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity and hospitality they received.
Students returned from their homestay and traveled to Hiroshima City, where they participated in an okonomiyaki cooking activity.
Hiroshima is famous for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and for many students, it was their first time tasting it.
They loved the experience and expressed excitement about trying to make it again back in Hawaiʻi.
The group visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. With guidance from a local expert, students learned about the shrine’s deep history and cultural significance.
They also experienced hands-on learning through:
・Momiji manju making
・Wooden rice paddle (shamoji) crafting
Students then took the ropeway to the mountain summit and enjoyed the breathtaking view of Miyajima.
The group returned to Fukuoka by Shinkansen and explored the city’s cultural heritage, including Kushida Shrine, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, and Nakasu-Kawabata Shopping Arcade.
Students also participated in a Hakata ningyō (traditional doll) workshop, gaining deeper appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship.
Later, the group paid a courtesy visit to the Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation, where they received a warm welcome.
On the final day, the group visited Canal City Hakata, enjoyed Hakata ramen, and did some last-minute shopping before departing from Fukuoka Airport for Hawaiʻi.
This study tour proved to be a highly meaningful and enriching experience for all participating students.
Although Hawaiʻi is a small island community, many students—particularly those of Japanese ancestry—possess a strong interest in Japanese history and culture. In recent years, anime and Japanese pop culture have further increased students’ curiosity and motivation to experience Japan firsthand.
