COS is committed to supporting the research and teaching of Okinawa-related subjects by its faculty/staff and students, as well as providing outreach to the general community in the forms of workshops, lectures, seminars, and conferences. It strives to enhance the study and understanding of the history, culture, environment, and societies of the Okinawan/Ryukyuan peoples, including the diaspora. It is involved with developing courses for Okinawan Studies, promoting publications by its members, fundraising for the various projects, and coordinating exchanges between UHM and the University of the Ryukyus.