This article introduces four of the best beaches on Hamahiga Island.
Hamahiga Island is a small island in Uruma City, in the central part of Okinawa Prefecture.
It is an island, but a bridge connects it to Okinawa’s main island, so you can simply drive there.
Hamahiga Island has several beaches and they all have something going for them; these are the ones we found most appealing after visiting in person.
What is Hamahiga Island?
Hamahiga Island is a very small island, 6.69 km around, with a population of 531 according to Wikipedia.
It is one of several islands in Okinawa known as an “island of the gods”, and legend has it that Amamikiyo (Amamichu) and Shinerikiyo (Shirumichu), the deities said to have created Ryukyu, once lived here.
Plenty of people come to take in the atmosphere at places such as the Shirumichu shrine and the tomb of Amamichu.
The beaches are not widely known, but there are many lovely ones.
Source: Wikipedia
Muruku Beach
Muruku Beach is known for beautifully clear water and white sand.
Large slabs of Ryukyu limestone lie across the sand and shallows, which gives the place a distinctly Okinawan feel.
There is a good range of marine activities, from snorkeling to jet skis.
Muruku Beach is never especially busy, so it works whether you want to get out on the water or simply sit on the sand.
| Access | About 75 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 202 Katsuren Higa, Uruma City |
| Parking | Yes (paid: 500 yen) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Hamahiga Beach
Hamahiga Beach is a beach on Hamahiga Island.
It is man-made, but it is known for blue water and lovely sand.
A few people were swimming on the beach, and others were having a BBQ.
It is never especially busy, so it suits anyone who wants a slow afternoon by the sea.
| Access | About 75 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 80-4 Katsuren Hama, Uruma City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Shirumichu Beach
Shirumichu Beach is a natural beach known for beautifully clear water and white sand.
It is a small beach, but the view of Kuba Island from the shore is superb.
At low tide you can walk out close to Kuba Island, so do give it a try.
| Access | About 75 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Katsuren Higa, Uruma City |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Kaneku Beach
Kaneku Beach is known for beautifully clear water and white sand, and it is a place to take in Okinawa at its wildest, almost entirely untouched.
A few people were swimming when we visited, but there are no swimming facilities, so please take real care of your own safety in the water.
| Access | About 75 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Katsuren Higa, Uruma City |
| Parking | None |
| Restroom | None |
More about Hamahiga Island and what’s nearby
Activities in Uruma City
Uruma City offers all kinds of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, SUP and more.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not see what is available on Viator or GetYourGuide?
The Shirumichu shrine
The Shirumichu shrine is said to be where Amamichu (Amamikiyo) and Shirumichu (Shinerikiyo), the ancestral deities of the Ryukyuan creation myth, once lived.
Because legend holds that the two deities lived here and had children,
it is now a well-known power spot, and many people come to pray for children or for a safe birth.
The tomb of Amamichu
The tomb of Amamichu is said to be the resting place of Amamichu (Amamikiyo), the ancestral deity of the Ryukyuan creation myth.
There is a small island called Amanji, and the tomb is built around a cave on it.
Hotel Hamahigashima Resort
Hotel Hamahigashima Resort is a lovely place to stay with ocean views.
Muruku Beach is within walking distance, and there is an outdoor pool looking out to sea.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches up north, American Village in Chatan and the rest are scattered all over the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and rarely run to time, so whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.
In summary
This article covered the lesser-known beaches of Hamahiga Island and what else is nearby.
As mentioned at the start, Hamahiga Island is known as an “island of the gods”, and that quietly mysterious air is a large part of its appeal.
If you are coming to Okinawa, why not put Hamahiga Island on the list?
Thank you for reading to the end.
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