Beaches on Okinawa Main Island

Mibaru Beach in the southeast of the island

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.

Some beaches are great snorkeling destinations

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)
    Manza Beach is an attractive beach with soft sand. It is part of the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort whose large building overlooks the entire 300 meter long beach. A wide range of facilities and activities are offered to staying guests and daytime visitors.
  • Moon Beach•
    Admission: 3000 yen
    Parking: 1000 yen (free from November to March)
    Moon Beach is an attractive sand beach located within the grounds of Hotel Moon Beach. The beach extends 150 meters and is often quite densely covered with bathers. There is a designated swimming area, spots for parasols and volleyball nets. The hotel offers many facilities and water activities to staying guests and daytime visitors.
  • Okuma Beach•
    Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 November to February)
    Admission: 1500 yen
    Okuma Beach is an attractive beach that belongs to the Okuma Private Beach & Resort. Located in Okinawa Honto's less densely populated north, the resort area is more spread out and the beach stretches over a kilometer along the coast. Many facilities and water activities are offered to staying guests and daytime visitors.
  • 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
    Emerald Beach is one of many attractions spread out the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula. The beach is divided into three areas: one for playing, one for resting and one for viewing. Each of the three areas is about 150 meters long. A number of facilities and water activities are available to visitors.
  • Mibaru Beach
    Swimming season: late April to September
    Admission: Free (use of facilities 500 yen from Jul to Sep)
    Parking: 500 yen
    Located on the southeastern shore of Okinawa Honto, Mibaru Beach stretches well over a kilometer along the shoreline, although some sections of the beach are rather rough. Accommodation and various facilities are available at the beach, but are much simpler than those found at the above listed beaches.
  • Zampa Beach
    Swimming season: April to October
    Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
    Admission and parking: Free (200 yen to use showers)
    Zampa Beach is an attractive beach in central Okinawa Honto that stretches about 200 meters along the western coast. The beach consists of a designated swimming area, spots for parasols and volleyball nets. There are a number of facilities and water activities available to visitors.
  • 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
    Sunset Beach is located just next to the Mihama American Village, a shopping and entertainment complex in central Okinawa Honto. The beach has about 250 meters of shoreline and is located in a small artificial bay on the western shore, making it a good spot to see the sunset. There are many facilities and spots for holding barbecues.

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
    Cape Maeda is located in central Okinawa Honto and is the most popular spot for snorkeling and diving on the island, often busy with groups of snorkelers and divers. Maeda's popularity is well founded, as there is a wide variety of marine life in the area, as well as a cave that you can swim into. Good facilities are located at the site.
  • Odo Kaigan•
    Admission and parking: Free
    Odo Kaigan Coast (also known as John Man Beach) near the southern tip of Okinawa Honto offers interesting snorkeling with smaller crowds. While the marine life is not quite as dense as at Cape Maeda, a wide variety of creatures and plants can be found. Odo Kaigan is mostly rough and rocky, and facilities are limited.

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

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Hotels around Okinawa Island

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      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.

      Modern Amenities

      The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, and outdoor seating area. Additional facilities include a washing machine, dishwasher, and bicycle parking.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A variety of breakfast options are available, including continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian. Local specialities, warm dishes, pancakes, and fruits are served.

      Prime Location

      Located 2.2 km from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport, the B&B is highly rated for its friendly host, excellent breakfast, and convenient location.
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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 bath and shower, washing machine, and free toiletries.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests benefit from a lift, full-day security, and a work desk. Additional amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, electric kettle, TV, and hairdryer.

      Prime Location

      Located in the city centre, the aparthotel is a 15-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Reception staff speak English and Japanese.

      Guest Favorites

      Guests highly rate the laundry, kitchen, and convenient location, making it a preferred choice for travellers.
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      Yukureba Maejima Hotel
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Yukureba Maejima Hotel in Naha offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Guests enjoy free WiFi, streaming services, and modern amenities including a washing machine, kitchen, and work desk.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel provides private check-in and check-out, a lounge, lift, concierge service, family rooms, and bike hire. Additional features include a balcony, outdoor dining area, and interconnected rooms.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a 16-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine.

      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 Location

      Hotel Collective in Naha offers a central position with Naminoue Beach 1.8 km away and Naha Airport 5 km from the property. Guests enjoy easy access to local attractions and convenient transportation options.

      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, fitness room, and electric vehicle charging station.

      Comfortable Accommodations

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

      Dining Options

      A family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, sushi, international, European, barbecue grill, and Cantonese cuisines. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktails in a traditional, modern, or romantic ambience.
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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.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include a 24-hour front desk and executive lounge access.

      Convenient 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 Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine.
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      Okinawa EXES Naha
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      Elegant Accommodation

      Okinawa EXES Naha in Naha offers spacious rooms with comfortable furnishings. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private balconies. Each room includes a private bathroom with modern amenities.

      Exceptional Facilities

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

      Dining Experience

      The restaurant serves Chinese and local cuisines in a traditional and modern ambience. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner in the dining area or opt for room service.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a 14-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Convention Centre.
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      Hotel GrandConsort Naha
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      Hotel GrandConsort Naha in Naha offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, free toiletries, and soundproofing for a restful stay.

      Essential 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.

      Dining Experience

      A buffet breakfast with fruits is served daily. The hotel also provides paid on-site private parking and executive lounge access.

      Prime Location

      Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine.
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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, 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.

      Prime Location

      Located 3 km from Naminoue Beach and 7 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its 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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      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 sofa, wardrobe, and modern amenities.

      Exceptional Facilities

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

      Dining Experience

      The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. A buffet breakfast is available daily.

      Prime Location

      Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine.
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Experiences around Okinawa Island

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