Okuma Beach (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
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.
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 (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
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.
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 ($19), a brick-oven pie with plenty of cheese, sausage, mushrooms, olives and more.
Surfside Grill & Bar (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
Surfside Grill & Bar (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
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.
Habu Links Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
Putt-Putt golf (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
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.
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
Fee
Coral Connection Snorkel Excursion: $30 per person. Some restrictions may apply.
Miniature Golf: $8 (ages 13 and over), $6 (ages 5 and 12), free for ages 4 and under.
Jet ski rental: $39 per 20 minutes (16 years and up). Some restrictions may apply.
Banana boat sled: $17 per person. 6 years old and up. 20 minutes. Some restrictions may apply.
Camp spot: $13 per tent / day on hillside and beach front.
Turtles’ Nest Beach House: $230 per night.
For more info, check out the website.
Jet Ski (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
Banana Boat (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
Turtle’s Nest Beach House (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
Turtle’s Nest Beach House (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
Turtle’s Nest Beach House (Photo courtesy of Kadena FSS)
