Tucked along Okinawa’s northern coast, about 50 miles from Kadena Air Base, Okuma Beach is a U.S. military recreation area with a prime beachfront location, endless outdoor activities, and relaxing coastal vibes. Whether you’re stationed in Japan or just visiting, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
Poppin’ Smoke reader and Air Force retiree Darrell Forbes recently stayed at Okuma Beach and shared his experience, along with great photos! He first heard about the resort while on active duty but didn’t make it there until years later. As Darrell put it, “We finally got a chance to visit, and it didn’t disappoint!”
Here’s what you need to know to plan your own Okinawa beach getaway.
Overview of Okuma Beach Recreation Facility
Operated by Kadena Air Base, Okuma Beach is open to eligible members of the U.S. military community. The facility spans 135 acres along the East China Sea and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, lizards, crabs, and nesting loggerhead sea turtles (April through September).
Located on a small peninsula on Okinawa’s northwestern coast, Okuma features two main beaches, North Beach and South Beach, plus several smaller stretches of shoreline, including pet-friendly West Beach.
The vibe is casual and family friendly. It’s generally quiet during the off season (October – March), but no matter when you visit, Okuma is a great spot to slow down and enjoy Okinawa’s natural beauty.
Lodging at Okuma Beach
Okuma offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different group sizes, travel styles, and budgets. The Ai Private Beach Cottage is ideal for a couple’s retreat, while the Dunes Condo sleeps up to 18 guests; perfect for a large family or group getaway.
Options in between include other cottages, stand-alone cabins, and hotel-style rooms in the Cabanas. Okuma also has two campgrounds for tent camping. Accommodations are spread across the property, giving guests space to relax and a bit of privacy.
| Related Reading: Ultimate Guide to Military Beach Cottages & Waterfront Cabins
Select suites in the Cabanas are pet friendly, and the first weekend of the month features “Camping with Pets” at the Hillside Campground.
Darrell and his wife stayed in one of the Palm Grove Cabins, which he said was more than enough space for two. Their unit had a queen bedroom, a living room with a sleeper sofa, a bathroom, a mini-fridge, microwave, and an outdoor grill. They visited during the off-season and scored a promotional rate of only $40 per night—an incredible deal for beachfront access on Okinawa.
Rates vary by unit type and season. Visit the Okuma Beach website to see room layouts, photos, and pricing. Pro tip: follow their Facebook or Instagram pages to catch off-season deals or limited-time promotions.
Eligibility and Reservations
Eligible patrons include active duty members, retirees, and family members as well DoD civilians on orders in Japan. Visit the Okuma website for a full list of eligible guests.
You can make reservations via phone, email, or through the reservation link on their site. The booking window depends on the season and is the same for all eligible patrons:
- Off-season (October 1 – March 31): Up to 11 months in advance.
- On-season (April 1 – September 30): Up to 6 months in advance.
Note that each sponsor can reserve up to two rooms per visit.
Cancellations or changes must be made at least 48 hours before check-in for a full refund, No refunds are given for cancellations within 48 hours. Keep that in mind if you plan to fly Space-A to Japan!
Recreation and Activities
Whether you’re out on the water, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a massage, Okuma has something for everyone. The on-site Outdoor Recreation office offers a wide range of equipment and excursions for both land and sea:
- Jet ski and watercraft rentals
- Glass bottom boat tours
- Snorkeling and dive trips
- Go-kart track
- Golf course (nine greens, 18 holes)
- Mini golf
- Basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts
- Buggy bike and golf cart rentals
- Nature trails
- Spa services, including massages and facials
From June to September, the Outdoor Recreation operation is located on North Beach. The rest of the year, it’s based at South Beach.
On-Site Dining and Facilities
The main dining option at Okuma is the Surfside Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is mostly American-style comfort food, and the restaurant also features a lounge with a bar, slot machines, and karaoke.
Darrell reported that the food was good, and it was nice to have an easy dining option when they didn’t feel like cooking.
For snacks, drinks, and basic supplies, the Coral Reef Inn Beach Mart is similar to a convenience store. There’s also an on-site laundry facility and free WiFi throughout the property.
If you want more dining options, there are several local restaurants within a short drive of the facility. About 5 minutes off-site, you’ll find Lawson and Family Mart convenience stores for Japanese treats and quick bites.
Getting to Okuma
Darrell and his wife flew Space-A from JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam to Kadena AB. If you’re flying commercial, the nearest airport is Naha (OKA), about 90 minutes south of Okuma Beach by car.
Public transportation doesn’t reach Okuma easily, so renting a car is the best way to get there and explore the surrounding area. Okinawa’s low speed limits and coastal roads make for a leisurely drive.
(Check rates and availability for rental cars in Okinawa.)
After landing at Kadena, Darrel and his wife took Panda Taxi to the Avis rental car office at Naha Airport. The ride cost about $50, including tolls, and they were able to pay with a credit card.
Exploring the Area Around Okuma
While you could spend your entire stay relaxing at Okuma Beach, there are several great places to explore nearby. A few top picks within easy driving distance:
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – About 45 minutes south of Okuma, this world-class aquarium is home to massive whale sharks and the iconic Kuroshio Sea tank.
- Cape Hedo – Okinawa’s northernmost point where the East China Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Expect dramatic cliffs and panoramic views.
- Hiji Falls – A scenic hiking trail that leads to a waterfall in the Yambaru forest region, perfect for a half-day adventure.
- American Village – Located near Kadena AB, about 90 minutes from Okuma (via the coastal route). It’s a colorful shopping and dining area with lots of American-style restaurants and souvenir shops.
Read more about what to do and how to get around Okinawa in this article.
Start Planning Your Okinawa Getaway
Whether you’re stationed in Japan or just visiting, don’t miss your chance to experience this military recreation gem for yourself. Okuma Beach’s combination of value, location, and activities is hard to beat!
Make your reservation, get an orientation to Okinawa and read these tips for renting a car in Japan.
After your stay, don’t forget to tell us about it and share a picture with an entry in Poppin’ Smoke’s “Use Your Benefits Challenge!”