Malibu Beach sits in Onna Village, on the northern half of Okinawa’s main island, and also goes by the name Kurawa Coast.
Beautiful sand and blue water are what define it.
At low tide the water pulls back and you can walk out a long way toward the open sea.
The Blue Cave is close by as well, so there are tour operators here.
It is a small beach, and it suits anyone who wants to let the time pass slowly.
Ratings for Malibu Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Key facts about Malibu Beach
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None in particular |
| Swimming fee | Free |
| Jellyfish net | None |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | Yes |
| Lockers | None |
| Swim gear rental | None |
| Rentals | None |
| Activities | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Official website | None |
There are operators at Malibu Beach running guided tours, the Blue Cave among them.
Restrooms and showers are here too, though they are for tour customers only.
The Highlights
Clear blue water
The water is exceptionally clear and genuinely beautiful.
Beautiful sand
The white sand runs for about 500 meters, and it is lovely.
The hotel visible at the back right of the image above is the Renaissance Okinawa Resort.
Snorkeling and SUP
You can snorkel and paddle a SUP board at Malibu Beach.
There is diving and snorkeling to be had all around Onna Village, so it is worth a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
The Malibu Hills sign
On the hillside across from Malibu Beach, the words “MALIBU HILLS” are set into the slope.
You can see it just driving past, and it is worth a look in person.
Tours and activities
There are operators running guided tours right by Malibu Beach.
The choice is wide,
- A sea kayak trip out to the Blue Cave with snorkeling
- A trial diving tour
and a good deal more besides.
What sets Sea Trust Okinawa apart is that every tour is a private charter.
The staff know what they are doing, and they will build the trip around you.
ARU GUIDE has a full range of tours.
- Sea kayaking and Blue Cave snorkeling
- Blue Cave snorkeling
- SUP experience
- There are other tours as well.
Diving, snorkeling, SUP, and more can all be booked on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Access and parking
| Access | About 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Parking | Yes (free) For visitors using the facilities on site only |
| Restroom | Yes (Sea Trust Okinawa and ARU GUIDE customers only) |
There are restrooms, but they are for Sea Trust Okinawa and ARU GUIDE customers only.
The parking area is private land belonging to a restaurant called Malibu House, so it is for people using the facilities on site.
There were warning signs like the one in the image above, so take care if you park.
Around Malibu Beach
Things to do in Onna Village
Onna Village has a great deal to do on the water.
You can book diving, snorkeling, SUP, and more.
If diving or snorkeling appeals, it is worth seeing what is on offer in Onna Village.
Malibu House
Malibu House is a handsome restaurant on the water.
The walls inside are covered in film posters, and the whole place has a retro feel.
Outside, a sign describes it as a restaurant where you can enjoy movie posters.
Renaissance Okinawa Resort
The Renaissance Okinawa Resort is built around the idea of a “nature library”, where you come face to face with the plants and creatures of the island.
Every room has a balcony and an ocean view.
It suits anyone who wants to slow down and relax in Okinawa.
Rental cars in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.
The places worth seeing are scattered across the island, from Shuri Castle in Naha to the beautiful beaches of the north and American Village in Chatan, and with a car you can take them at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and do not always run on time, so having a car or not makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
In summary
This article looked at Malibu Beach, also known as the Kurawa Coast.
Malibu Beach does not draw many tourists, so it suits anyone who wants a slow day by the water, or who is here for the activities.
If you are heading to Onna Village, make time for Malibu Beach.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Comments