Question

What was the significance of the Battle of Okinawa?

Answer 1

It gave the American forces a preview of what could happen on the invasion of the Japanese home islands.

Explanation:

It was a long hard fought battle that took much longer than expected and inflicted high causalities on both sides.
Many civilians were killed or committed suicide.
The Japanese Surrender in August 1945 made an invasion of the Japanese Home Islands unnecessary.
Okinawa is worth visiting. There is a large Memorial on the south of the Island. As well, there is a large Aquarium farther North.
Okinawa has a strategic position being close to China, Korea, and Japan just north east of the South China Sea.

http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-okinawa-operation-iceberg.htm