The longest-running exchange program in the country

Since 1961, students from the YMCA of Honolulu and Hiroshima YMCA have participated in a summer exchange program. Each year, the two YMCAs alternate sending student delegates to tour historical and cultural sites, visit dignitaries, and participate in homestays. This empowers youth to learn each other’s culture firsthand. The purpose of the teen program remains steady since its inception—to provide experiences for youth to build strong friendships that create lasting peace.

  • Ages: Completed grades 9-11
  • Dates & Exchange: 
    • Summer 2024: YMCA of Honolulu will welcome and host Hiroshima YMCA students and delegates: exact dates are pending.
    • Summer 2025: Hiroshima YMCA will welcome and host YMCA of Honolulu students and delegate: exact dates are pending.
  • Cost:
    • Summer 2024: There is no cost for teens and their families willing to provide homestay accommodations to host Hiroshima students and delegates.
    • Summer 2025: YMCA of Honolulu students and delegates will be hosted in homestays with Hiroshima teens and their families. Approximately $1,800 per student. Fundraising opportunities and financial aid is available.
  • Application process: Applications are by invitation only to teens who have participated in Y leadership programs or community service. For details, please contact your Y Teen Director or Executive Y Branch Director.
Program Objectives
  • Build an illusion-free understanding of our countries.
  • Understand the philosophy, objectives, and programs of the YMCA in our country.
  • Enable youth to learn, understand and appreciate themselves, and others.
  • Gain a better understanding of our country by visiting and learning about another country.
  • Cultivate ways in which youth can develop friendship and lead the way for world peace.
  • Learn and understand the attitudes and feelings of others about our country.
  • Have fun while making new friends.
  • Recognize and take advantage of the opportunity that Hawaii presents to all to be a living bridge between the people of the Pacific area.
Program History

It was January 1960 when Neal Blaisdell, Mayor of Honolulu, and Shinzo Hamai, Mayor of Hiroshima, met to strengthen international understanding and friendship. What came forth from this meeting was a vow to work for peace, an opportunity for a lasting relationship as “Sister Cities,” and one of the strongest bonds of friendship.

Built on the foundation that had been laid, the Hiroshima YMCA proposed a student exchange program and the YMCA of Honolulu gladly accepted. In the summer of 1961, the first group of teens from Hiroshima came to Honolulu. After many years, the friendship of the two YMCAs, and the “Let’s Get Together!” Program, blossomed into what it is today.

“Let’s Get Together!” allows students of different backgrounds to experience diversity in cultures, social practices, environments, economies and lifestyles. Students are to work towards achieving the objectives honestly and openly.