The Naha Haarii is the first Haarii race of the season and the largest. The three-day festival is also the first large festival of the year, with more than 200,000 visitors annually. 

The big Haryusen are used, crewed by 32 oarsmen, two helmsmen, two bell ringers, and others. Haryusen are more colorful and elaborate than regular sabani, featuring a dragon head on the bow and tail on the stern. 

Besides boat races, the event features live entertainment, including music performances. Fireworks round up each day. 

The main haarii takes place on the third day, while visitors can enjoy free rides on the boats on the second day.

Date: May 3-5 (Sat-Mon), 2025
Time: 9:30-21:00
Place: Naha Shinko Wharf No.1 (Naha New Port)
No parking available

Schedule:

May 3: Naha junior high schools’ girls’ and boys’ teams, and PTA and local community team races.

May 4: Haarii boat ride free experience

This popular program offers a hands-on experience aboard a 32-passenger Haarii boat. Participants must be at least 100 cm tall. The rides take about 20 minutes, and registration is only on the event day. The rides take place from 10:45 to 12:00 and 12:45 to 15:30. The cost is ¥100 per person.

May 5: Hon-haarii (main haarii) and ugan baarii (prayer haarii)

Participants will compete with pride, including local youth associations, companies, all-female groups, and US military teams from around Okinawa.