The entire prefecture of Okinawa is famous for its warm climate and beaches. While Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Honto) is not considered to have the prefecture's very best beaches (these are found on smaller islands such as Miyako), it, nevertheless, has some attractive beaches where visitors can enjoy the sun, sand and sea. See the list below for some of the island's best beaches and snorkeling spots.

The best time to go swimming at the beach in Okinawa Honto is between May and October. From December to March the air temperatures can drop to levels below 20 degrees Celsius which many people will consider too cool for swimming. Water temperatures around Okinawa Honto never drop below 20 degrees and reach about 30 degrees during the summer months.

When using the beaches, beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, which are most prevalent from June to October. Signs at the beaches inform about the dangers, while some beaches have netted off swimming areas. Although stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles, and seek medical help as it may become life threatening.

  • Manza Beach
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 19:00 in Jul and Aug; until 18:00 in Sep)
    Admission: Free (visitors pay 500 yen for facilities during main season)
  • Moon Beach
    Admission: 3000 yen
    Parking: 1000 yen (free from November to March)
  • Okuma Beach
    Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 November to February)
    Admission: 1500 yen
  • Emerald Beach (Ocean Expo Park)
    Swimming season: April to October
    Hours: 8:30 to 19:00 (closes earlier in Apr, Sep and Oct)
    Admission and parking: Free
  • Mibaru Beach
    Swimming season: late April to September
    Admission: Free (use of facilities 500 yen from Jul to Sep)
    Parking: 500 yen
  • Zampa Beach
    Swimming season: April to October
    Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
    Admission and parking: Free (200 yen to use showers)
  • Sunset Beach
    Swimming season: mid April to November
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (until 18:00 in July/August, 17:00 in October/November)
    Admission and parking: Free

Snorkeling

The sea life along the shores of Okinawa Honto is not quite as colorful as around some of Okinawa's smaller islands. Nevertheless, there are a few nice snorkeling spots.

  • Cape Maeda
    Hours: 7:00 to 19:00
    Admission: Free
    Parking: 100 yen per hour
  • Odo Kaigan
    Admission and parking: Free

Getting there and around

Manza Beach

Manza Beach is connected directly with Naha by bus number 120 (110 minutes, 1600 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 120 minutes, 1710 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour) and airport limousine bus (80 minutes, 1700 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 90 minutes, 1800 yen from Naha Airport; every 1-2 hours). Get off at Manza Beach-mae (r[`O). By car, it takes about 50 minutes (more during rush hours) from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Yaka IC (700 yen one way).

Moon Beach

Moon Beach is connected directly with Naha by bus number 120 (100 minutes, 1370 yen from Naha Bus Terminal, or 110 minutes, 1490 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour) and airport limousine bus (50 minutes, 1600 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 60 minutes, 1700 yen from Naha Airport; every 1-2 hours). Get off at Moon Beach-mae ([r[`O). By car, it takes about 50 minutes (more during rush hours) from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Ishikawa IC (650 yen one way).

Okuma Beach

Take highway bus number 111 or 117 or the Yanbaru Express from Naha to Nago Bus Terminal (80 minutes, 1650-2420 yen from Naha Bus Center; 95 minutes, 1650-2310 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour) and transfer to bus number 67 to Okuma Beach Iriguchi (ԃr[`, 60 minutes, 1160 yen, hourly). Note that between Naha and Nago the Yanbaru Express is cheaper than the other buses and that it stops at the Kencho Kitaguchi bus stop instead of the Naha Bus Center. By car, it takes about two hours from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Nago (1040 yen one way).

Emerald Beach

Please see the Ocean Expo Park page for access details.

Mibaru Beach

Take bus number 50 or 51 from Naha Bus Terminal to Hyakuna Bus Terminal (SoX^[~i, 65 minutes, 900 yen, 1-2 buses/hour), from where the beach can be reached in a 15 minute walk. By car, it takes about 40 minutes from central Naha.

Zampa Beach

Take an airport limousine bus from Naha to Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort next to the beach (OhL[cg; 65 minutes, 1600 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 75 minutes, 1700 yen from Naha Airport; every 2 hours). Alternatively, take bus number 28 from Naha Bus Terminal to Yomitan Bus Terminal (ǒJoX^[~i, 80 minutes, 1240 yen, 3-4 buses/hour) from where it is a 45 minute walk to the beach. By car it takes about 70 minutes from central Naha.

Sunset Beach

Please see the Mihama American Village page for access details.

Cape Maeda

Take bus 120 from Naha to Kuraha (vǔg; 100 minutes, 1250 yen from Naha Bus Terminal, or 120 minutes, 1360 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour), from where Cape Maeda can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk. By car, it takes about 50 minutes (more during rush hours) from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Ishikawa IC (650 yen one way).

Odo Kaigan

Take bus number 89 from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Bus Terminal (oX^[~i, 60 minutes, 670 yen, departures every 10 minutes) and transfer to bus number 82. Get off at Seimei Byōin-mae (a@O, 20 minutes, 440 yen, 1 bus/hour), from where the coast can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk. By car, it takes about 45 minutes from central Naha.

How to get to and around Okinawa Honto

Hotels around Okinawa Island

Top rated on Okinawa Island
Budget:
    • La Passione Boutique B&B
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      La Passione Boutique B&B in Naha offers a terrace and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with city views.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian breakfast is served, featuring local specialities, warm dishes, pancakes, and fruits.

      Convenient Facilities

      The property provides private check-in and check-out, a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, bicycle parking, express services, and luggage storage.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street, attractions such as Naminoue Beach and Tamaudun Mausoleum are nearby. Highly rated for its friendly host and excellent breakfast.
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    • Best ever hotel
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Best ever hotel in Naha offers aparthotel-style accommodations with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each unit includes a private bathroom with a bidet, washing machine, and free toiletries.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests benefit from a lift, full-day security, and free parking. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, microwave, and electric kettle. The aparthotel is highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the aparthotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach and near attractions such as Yachimun Street. Highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location.
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    • Yukureba Maejima Hotel
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Yukureba Maejima Hotel in Naha offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, and a lounge.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel features a lift, concierge service, family rooms, and bike hire. Additional amenities include a washing machine, work desk, and parquet floors.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach (16 minutes) and Yachimun Street (1.7 km). Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum (3.9 km) and Nakagusuku Castle (17 km).

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for room size, comfort, and bathroom amenities, the hotel ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors.
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    • Hotel Collective
      Luxury

      Prime City Centre Location

      Hotel Collective in Naha offers a 5-star experience in the city centre. Guests enjoy easy access to Naminoue Beach, just 1.8 km away, and Yachimun Street, a 9-minute walk. The Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.

      Exceptional Facilities

      The hotel features spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a public bath, steam room, hot tub, and electric vehicle charging station.

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Rooms offer air-conditioning, private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and work desks. Executive lounge access and sofa beds enhance the stay.

      Dining Experience

      The family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, sushi, international, European, barbecue grill, and Cantonese cuisines. Breakfast is a buffet with a variety of options.
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    • The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Naha
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs. Additional comforts include sofa beds and executive lounge access.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, paid off-site private parking, and a buffet breakfast.

      Prime Location

      Located in Naha city centre, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Nearby attractions include Yachimun Street and Tamaudun Mausoleum.
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    • Southwest Grand Hotel
      Luxury

      Elegant Accommodations

      Southwest Grand Hotel in Naha offers 5-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, balconies, and city views. Each room includes a minibar, TV, and free toiletries.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, terrace, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.

      Dining Experience

      The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. Breakfast is available as a buffet, and lunch and dinner are served in a modern and romantic ambience.

      Prime Location

      Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Nakagusuku Castle. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, scenic views, and comfortable rooms.
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    • Hotel GrandConsort Naha
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hotel GrandConsort Naha in Naha offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hot tub, bicycle parking, and luggage storage.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A buffet breakfast with fruits is served daily, providing a perfect start to the day.

      Prime Location

      Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 1.1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Sefa Utaki.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its attentive staff, convenient location, and comfortable rooms.
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    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER in Naha offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.

      Essential Facilities

      Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a washing machine, microwave, and carpeted floors.

      Dining Options

      A buffet breakfast with Italian cuisine and juice is served daily. The hotel also provides a variety of dining options, including a restaurant and bar.

      Prime Location

      Located 7 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Yachimun Street (1.8 km), Naminoue Beach (3 km), and Tamaudun Mausoleum (2.8 km). Guests appreciate the room comfort, convenient location, and nearby shops.
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    • Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa
      Luxury
      Offering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.
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    • Okinawa EXES Naha
      Luxury

      Elegant Accommodation

      Okinawa EXES Naha in Naha offers spacious rooms with comfortable furnishings. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private balconies.

      Exceptional Facilities

      The hotel features a fitness centre, sun terrace, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Chinese and local cuisines. Additional amenities include a bar, outdoor seating area, and a 24-hour front desk.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach and Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Nakagusuku Castle.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for room size, comfort, and attentive staff, Okinawa EXES Naha ensures a memorable stay.
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Experiences around Okinawa Island

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