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Is this the Hawaii of Japan?

Japan

Is this the Hawaii of Japan?

A complete guide to the best things to do in Okinawa before settling into the coolest Okinawa accommodation.

They call it the Hawaii of Japan — but Okinawa is more like Hawaii’s cooler, quieter cousin who ditched the crowds for coral reefs and taco rice. A string of sun-soaked islands drifting in the East China Sea, this subtropical gem delivers sugar-white beaches, turquoise water, and laid-back island vibes with a side of Japanese quirk.

Think samurai castles, WWII ruins, and vending machines that sell everything from beer to fresh eggs. It’s where you can snorkel with sea turtles in the morning, stuff your face with beni-imo ice cream by lunch, and belt out karaoke in a beach shack by sunset. Aloha? Nah, it’s haisai here — and Okinawa’s calling with open arms and a chilled Orion beer.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OKINAWA

TRY OKINAWA SCUBA DIVING

Okinawa's waters are a diver's dream, boasting around 200 of the world's 800 coral species, so it’s little wonder why diving is one of the most popular things to do in the region. And there’s no better diving company to take you on your exploration of Okinawa’s underwater world than Prime Scuba Ishigaki.

Based on Ishigaki Island, these legends offer full-day dive cruises aboard their 60-foot cruiser, the Blue Swan, exploring Ishigaki and the surrounding Yaeyama islands.

Expect to rub fins with manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles, all while navigating through coral gardens that look like they were designed by an overzealous artist with a thing for neon.

And even if you're a newbie, Prime Scuba Ishigaki’s experienced instructors will have you blowing bubbles like you’ve been diving for years. Pro tip: come prepared with an underwater camera. You’re gonna want proof you did this.

primescuba-ishigaki.com/

HAVE A GO AT POTTERY-MAKING

Tucked away in Okinawa’s sun-kissed Ishigaki Island, Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio is where everyday items are made with a glow-up in mind. This place is all about forging a non-traditional path since, well, they’ve developed a new pottery style. Yep, no earthy tones or island vibes here.

Successfully fusing clear glass and ceramics with the Yuteki-Tenmoku glaze, this studio is breaking the barrier and showcasing Okinawa’s marine beauty through its stunning blue pieces.

Want to try making your own? You can’t, at least, not in the way the masters of the studio do. But you can craft your own clay masterpiece in a pottery experience that’ll see you put your artistic skills to the test.

Said masterpiece might end up looking more like a mutant seashell, but hey, that’s the fun of it (wabi-sabi, are we right?). Either way, you’ll leave with something uniquely Ishigaki… and possibly clay under your nails forever.

ishigaki-blue.com/

HIKE TO HIJI WATEFALL

If you’re up for a jungle adventure that won’t leave you gasping for air (too much), the hike to Hiji Waterfall is calling your name.

This 1.5-kilometre trek through Okinawa’s lush Yambaru Forest takes around 40 minutes one way, just enough to break a sweat but not enough to regret your life choices. You’ll be met with suspension bridges, stone steps, and the occasional curious critter along the way.

But the payoff is more than worth it; a stunning 26-metre waterfall that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. Bring water, wear decent shoes, and get ready to soak up Okinawa’s wet and wild side.

HAVE A DRINK AT EL LEQUIO

Ever wondered what happens when Okinawa's rich Ryukyu heritage takes a salsa-infused detour through Latin America? Enter El Lequio, the cocktail bar where these two vibrant cultures collide in the most delightful way.

Named after the moniker Spanish and Portuguese explorers gave the Ryukyu Kingdom during the Age of Discovery, El Lequio is a testament to Okinawa's unique cultural fusion.

Step inside, and you're greeted by an 18-seat bar adorned with Latin American flair, complemented by Okinawan bingata textiles. Its cocktail menu is a two-pronged adventure: "Ryukyu-Inspired" concoctions that put a local twist on classics, and "Nikkei-Latino" drinks that blend Latin American roots with Okinawan innovation. It's pretty much a flavour-packed history lesson, served in a glass.

ellequio.com/

LEARN ABOUT THE REGION'S COFFEE

Tucked away in the lush, subtropical forests of the Yambaru region lies Nakayama Coffee Farm, a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic coffee adventure. Just a 20-minute drive from Nago City, this serene plantation offers more than just a caffeine fix; it provides a deep dive into the art of coffee cultivation.

Upon arrival, the rich aroma of coffee blossoms fills the air, mingling with the earthy scents of the surrounding jungle. The farm's "From seed to cup" experience invites visitors to engage in the entire coffee-making process. You'll start by harvesting ripe coffee cherries, then move on to roasting them over an open flame, a process that fills the air with a pleasant popping sound and a tantalizing fragrance. The culmination is brewing and savouring a cup of coffee that you've crafted with your own hands.

For those looking to extend their stay, Nakayama Coffee Farm offers an exclusive camping experience. With only one group accommodated per night, guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the farm, waking up to the gentle sounds of nature and the promise of a fresh brew.

Beyond coffee, the farm is home to the Yui Maru Herb Garden, where visitors can handpick herbs to create personalized herbal teas. This hands-on activity complements the coffee experience, adding another layer to your sensory journey.

Nakayama Coffee Farm isn't just a destination; it's an invitation to slow down and connect with the origins of your favorite brew. It's a place where the journey from bean to cup becomes a personal story, set against the backdrop of Okinawa's breathtaking natural beauty.

nakayama-coffee.com/

WHERE TO STAY IN OKINAWA

TREEFUL TREEHOUSE SUSTAINABLE RESORT

Treeful Treehouse isn’t just a place to stay - it’s a manifesto disguised as a jungle retreat. Hidden in the lush hills of Okinawa, this off-grid haven proves that sustainability doesn’t have to mean roughing it or hugging trees in hemp pants (unless you’re into that).

Everything here runs on solar power, from your morning espresso machine to the lights that softly glow in your treetop pod. The air smells like rainforest and smugness - but the good kind, because every detail is eco-conscious, from the bamboo interiors to the composting toilets that are far more chic than they should be.

You’ll shower under the sky, fall asleep to a symphony of cicadas, and wake up guilt-free knowing your carbon footprint is practically doing yoga. There’s a river to float in, a Skywalk to wander, and not a single plastic bottle in sight. It’s nature done properly—with brains, beauty, and a zero-waste bin.

treeful.com/

HOSHINOYA OKINAWA

Welcome to HOSHINOYA Okinawa, where Japanese precision meets laid-back island living and you’re gently reminded that yes, even paradise can come with turn-down service. Perched above a wild and wave-smashed coastline, this place feels less like a resort and more like a Bond villain’s retirement plan with stone walls, infinity pools, minimalist villas, and all.

You can float in the pool overlooking the South China Sea or snack on Okinawan soba with a side of sea breeze. Meals here are slow, artistic, and probably philosophically nourishing. Morning yoga? Sure. Evening sanshin music? Obviously. And the best part? You can do absolutely nothing and still feel like you're on a spiritual journey.

This isn’t your cliché tropical getaway. It’s subtropical zen, served with a shikuwasa cocktail and a whisper of sea salt in the air.

hoshinoresorts.com/

NANMEI SHINSHITSU

If you've ever wanted to time-travel in Japan without the hassle of quantum physics, a stay at Nanmei Shinshitsu in Okinawa’s lush Yambaru region is your ticket.

But think of this place as less like accommodation and more like a full-blown cultural deep dive; traditional Okinawan wooden houses, earthen floors, and a kamado stove that’ll make you feel like a Ryukyuan chef in training.

Local 'Sherpas' (yes, that’s what they call them) will take you on hands-on experiences, from mastering traditional Okinawan cooking to crafting like a true island artisan. It’s the perfect spot to ditch modern chaos and soak up Okinawa’s old-school charm (and absolutely no time machine required).

yambaru.com/