Okinawa Island

Travel Guide

Cape Manza which includes general coastal views
Okinawa featuring caving, interior views and caves
Okinawa which includes island views
Busena Marine Park which includes a sandy beach
Nago showing food
Recharge on stunning white beaches, walk around historic castles and visit one of the world’s largest aquariums on this tropical island in the south of Japan.

Okinawa is a rare tropical paradise that mixes a beach-going culture with a preservation of the past. Try exciting watersport, tan on white-sand beaches, watch whale sharks gliding in an aquarium or visit a castle that once protected the archipelago’s rulers. 

Okinawa is the main island of the Okinawa Prefecture, an archipelago of 160 islands south of mainland Japan. Its main access point is Naha, a busy urban sprawl that also serves as the region’s capital. Find shopping, food and crowds along Kokusai-Dori, Naha’s main street. While here, taste Okinawan soba, a soup-noodle dish famous to the area. 

Not far from town, the hilltop Shuri Castle reminds visitors of the island’s ancient history. Take a short drive south from Naha to the Peace Memorial Park, where monuments pay tribute to the quarter of a million American and Japanese civilians and soldiers who died here in World War II. It was one of the Pacific’s most fierce battles.  

To the north, the Ocean Expo Park gives visitors the chance to learn about the archipelago’s marine life. See whale sharks cruising alongside tropical fish at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to one of the world’s biggest fish tanks. Nearby attractions such as a re-creation of a 17th-century Okinawan village and a botanical garden boasting more than 2,000 orchids make northern Okinawa a satisfying daytrip destination. 

The island features miles of popular and less-crowded beaches that are a great to visit throughout summer. The best swimming months are between April and October. Scuba dive amongst rock formations at Mission Beach or enjoy views from the lighthouse at Cape Zanpa.

Not far from the coast, walk to the Hiji Waterfall or traverse stunning pineapple fields in Nago Pineapple Park. Follow subterranean streams of photograph stalactites at Gyokusendo Cave.

Fly into Reach Okinawa’s Naha Airport from Japan or China. Get around the city by bus. Alternatively, rent a car (or moped) to travel further afield. Tours can be booked through Naha’s travel agencies. 

Where to stay in Okinawa Island

Okinawa showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Miebashi Station or Kenchomae Station to get around the larger area.

Naha City Centre
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Biimata

Travelers like the shopping in Biimata, and Nago Pineapple Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Biimata
Tsuboya Pottery Museum showing street scenes and a small town or village

Makishi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Makishi is a destination travelers like for its shopping, and you might hop aboard the metro at Makishi Station or Miebashi Station to explore sights like Kokusai-dori Shopping Street.

Makishi
Mihama American Village featuring shopping

Mihama

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mihama, American Village and Sunset Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mihama
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Tomari

Tomari is well-liked for its waterfront and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Tomari
Okinawa ocean is always bright and clear. Locals say you can see 5 different shades of blue in the ocean on the best days!
#LifeAtExpedia #beach

Kumoji

Kumoji is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Palette Kumoji, and you can get around town on the metro at Kenchomae Station.

Kumoji
Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay

4 out of 5
1496 Tancha, Kunigami, Onna, Okinawa-ken
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥10,945 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
¥10,945
¥13,618 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
Halekulani Okinawa

Halekulani Okinawa

5 out of 5
1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Okinawa Prefecture
The price is ¥75,900 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥75,900
¥83,490 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,540 reviews)
"Excellent resort! The staff were amazing and very attentive to your needs! We forgot sunscreen lotion and they had some available for our use. The room was beautiful and very, very spacious with an ocean view! No negative comments to share everything was absolutely fantastic!"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Halekulani Okinawa
Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort

Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort

4.5 out of 5
1550-1 Fuchaku, Onna, Okinawa-ken
The price is ¥41,388 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
¥41,388
¥53,722 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great experience overall. Staff are very helpful and welcoming. Hotel was extremely clean and interiors modern. However, the waiting time of 120-134minutes to get into the breakfast buffet with 2 young children is extreme and needs a solution found. Considering the price we paid for 4 days it was ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts

3.5 out of 5
1860-4 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Aqua Palace Chatan by Coldio Premium

Aqua Palace Chatan by Coldio Premium

3 out of 5
Ihei 260-9, Chatan, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Chatan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions American Village and Araha Beach are located ...
Aqua Palace Chatan by Coldio Premium
YUMIHA OKINAWA

YUMIHA OKINAWA

3.5 out of 5
2455-1 Yamada, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Blue Cave and Cape Zanpa are located ...
YUMIHA OKINAWA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Okinawa Island