The OGSH was established in 1993 by a group of Okinawan immigrants and now has more than 100 members. Affiliated to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, the society offers free genealogy services, delivers educational lectures to promote the rich Okinawan history and culture.
The Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii emerged from a genealogy workshop conducted by Dr. Bernice Hirai and the Hawaii Hiroshima Heritage Study Group. On March 20, 1993, a month after the workshop, Warren Higa, then HUOA president, called a meeting to inquire about forming a club. Thirty-four individuals signed up to become the first members of the Okinawan Heritage Club. On Oct. 18, 1997, the Club signed by-laws, added a genealogy component and changed its name to the Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii.