Hamahiga has a total population of 600 people.[4] There are two villages on the island, Hama (浜) to the north and Higa (比嘉) to the south.[2]
History
During the Sanzan period, Hamahiga and the rest of the Yokatsu Islands were under the control of Chūzan. By the 15th century, Chūzan had united the Okinawa Islands, forming the Ryukyu Kingdom.[5]
Hamahiga Island is notable for its preservation of Okinawan culture.[3] This can be seen in the widespread usage of both traditional cuisine and architecture.[3]
In the Ryukyuan religion, it's believed that the creation goddess, Amamikyu, and her partner, Shinerikyu, lived in a cave in southern Hamahiga after creating the Okinawa Islands.[3][4] Amamikyu's tomb is also said to be in Hamahiga.[7]Utaki dedicated to them are found on the island.[1]
