Some of my questions may have been covered already, but I am still hoping for info to help plan a trip this summer in July. My mother is originally from Okinawa, though my sibs and I are definitely American. Unfortunately, we don't speak Japanese and my Mom left over 50 years ago, so she doesn't remember how to speak fluently.

We are traveling to visit relatives...particularly my Grandmother...and we need to stick around Naha and not the resorts further north. Some of my family is traveling from Louisiana, some from California, and my immediate family is traveling from Colorado. We are a large group of 9-12 people, depending on who decides to go.

Does anyone have info regarding where to find (1) discount airfare, (2) best hotels in Naha, (3) best island for a short get-away for beach and snorkeling, (4) best sights, (5) English speaking tours or deep sea fishing day trips, and (6) best shopping malls. Yikes! That's a lot, I know, but my plan is to take my two teenage boys and husband, spend time visiting with my American family and also my Okinawian family, and also spend time on short day trips that interest my family and especially the teens. I have been to Okinawa before and already plan to visit Shuri Castle and Kokusai-dori. I guess I am looking for something different than the usual tourist sites - botanic or orchid gardens, shopping for my mother, beaches that are nice but not snobby, places to see traditional Okinawian dance (that isn't ridiculously touristy), restaurants that serve simple, healthy, not-so-expensive food, and places that rent snorkel equipment other than resorts.

I have stayed at the Loisir Hotel previously and thought it was just okay. It is considered a 4 star hotel but I'd say by American standards it's more like a 3 star. Still, though I found it expensive, it was also convenient, clean and nice. (I try to not be a snob but no funky hotels for me, please. It makes me depressed to stay in a yucky place.) If you have insights about Okinawa, I'd appreciate them, or if you can refer me to a travel agent knowledgeable specifically about Okinawa...that'd be great as well.

Thanks!