FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Joy Viquelia, left, and daughter Lauren Viquelia adorned hanagasa (head pieces) as part of a photo shoot in traditional royal garments at the Hawaii United Okinawa Association's annual Okinawan Festival at Kapiolani Bandstand yesterday. The festival continues today from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cultural bash

The Okinawan Festival draws
crowds to Kapiolani Bandstand

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM The theme of this year's festival is "Ichimadin Kanaganaatu -- Forever Embracing." Chiguko Yashiro, left, and Toshiko Nakamoto enjoyed the festivities yesterday. There were cultural tents featuring experts on genealogy, language, Okinawan tattoos and more.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Max Miyashiro cooked andagi to sell at the Okinawan Festival, which also featured a country store that offered plants, produce and crafts for sale.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM From left, Cynthia Kaneshiro, Jodie Ching and Melissa Uyeunten performed traditional Okinawan dance.