Okuma Beach ()
On Okinawa there are many beaches perfect for a fun day, but Okuma Beach managed by Kadena FSS is one you won’t want to miss.
You’ll find this piece of paradise on the northern part of the island a bit further up from Nago City. From Camp Foster, this beach resort is about a two-hour drive away.
I recently took my first visit to the area. Fortunately, my coworker Saori joined me and helped me make the drive.
As soon as we reached Okuma Beach, my heart soared. The area’s resort vibe reminded me of Miami Beach, but without the fancy shops and bars lining the coast.
At the gate, I was asked to show my ID. If this were at Kadena Marina, another beach area that Kadena FSS manages, you would be able to go through the gate without being stopped. Okuma, however, is more of a private beach in a secluded spot where access is controlled. Although the two locations offer some similar recreation programs, Okuma Beach looked to me a perfect place for a vacation while Kadena Marina feels better suited for a short break.
Turtle’s Nest. Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS
We drove past the gate and onto Okuma Boulevard toward the parking lot on the south beach side.
This large recreational space has multiple beaches, including one in the north and another in the west. This beach on the southern coast looked to be the most popular.
From the parking lot, I could see paddleboarders and jet-skiers enjoying the last stretch of the spring break season.
Since this was our first visit to Okuma Beach, Katsuyo Taira, a Kadena FSS employee, took us on a tour of the facilities via golfcart. We got a look at the Okuma Beach’s golf courses, beach houses, and campgrounds. As we rode past, I imagined myself having fun on the links, spending the night with my family in a cozy cabin or grilling some steaks on a camping trip in this lovely spot.
Hillside Campground
Beyond the lodging, camping and golfing, Okuma Beach is known for amazing water activities perfect for a family getaway. Try your hand at jet-skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. As for me, I did some snorkeling.
To look at the creatures below the surface, we hopped on a boat for a quick five-minute ride out and soon I was in the water ready to explore. I visited in mid-April, so the water was a bit chilly, but the colorful tropical fish made me forget about the temperature. The expansive water and high waves were relaxing, and the schools of fish were undeterred by an unfamiliar face.
Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS
For lunch, we headed back to shore and rode the golfcart to the Surfside Grill & Bar, which serves up a vast menu of hamburgers, sandwiches and pizzas. I tried the Supreme Pizza ($18.95), a brick-oven pie with plenty of cheese, sausage, mushrooms, olives and more.
Surfside Grill & Bar
After our enjoyable meal, Taira took us to “Observation Hill,” a spot on the northwest end of Okuma for great ocean views. Then, to close out our visit, we went to the Golf Shack for some putt-putt golf.
We didn’t have time to play a full set at Habu Links Golf Course, so the mini-golf course would have to do. Despite the smaller course, the Golf Shack’s holes had various obstacles and intricate designs which were challenging and fun. I also had a great time chatting with other players on the course.
Putt-Putt Golf
Our day ended in the afternoon a few hours before sunset. There were still many vacationers enjoying the beach when I made my reluctant exit. Okuma has much to offer and now I know that one day might not be enough to enjoy it all. As I drove off, I knew I’d be coming back soon.
Plan your visit to this beautiful beach area soon. You and your family are sure to enjoy it as much as I did!
Okuma Beach
GPS Coordinates: N 26.737533, E 128.159075
Coral Connection Snorkel Excursion costs $27 per person (minimum $65 departs at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) Miniature Golf costs $7 (ages 13 and over), $5 (ages 5 and 12), free for ages 4 and under. Jet ski rental costs $35 per 20 minutes (16 years and up) Banana boat sled costs $15 per person (6 years and up/20 minutes/$45 minimum) Camp spot costs $11 per tent. Turtles’ Nest Beach House costs $210 per night.
For more info, check out the website.
