Planning a trip to Kume Island? This English guide covers the beaches, the village, flights and ferries from Naha, and what to reconfirm before you go.
Operational details such as opening hours, admission fees, and train times can change. Prefer official pages and reconfirm before you travel (sources checked on 21 October 2026).
Why visit
- Kume is a small island west of the main Okinawa island, with a village, a few long beaches, and not much nightlife.
- It suits two quiet nights more than a checklist. The sights are the coast and, when boats run, a sandbar offshore.
- Public buses exist. A rental car or bicycle makes the beaches easier if you confirm what is open that month.
Top places and highlights
Eef and the village beaches
The main swimming beaches are signed from the village. Flags and jellyfish notices change—follow them.
The Kumejima Tourism Association page for Eef Beach places the beach in Higa, Kumejima Town.
Hate-no-hama
The offshore sandbar is reached by a short boat, not on foot. Trips cancel in wind. Reconfirm the operator before you build a day around it.
The association page for Hate-no-hama describes the sandbar as about 5 km off the east coast, about 20 to 30 minutes by boat. Departures depend on the sea. Reconfirm the operator.
The island road
One road links the village, the airport, and the capes. Fill up and buy water in the village.
Food and drink
- A handful of restaurants and guesthouse meals cover the island.
- Kitchens close early. Ask your inn if you will be out at the beach until late afternoon.
Getting there and around
- Flights from Naha are the usual way in. Ferry crossings take much longer and stop in bad weather—reconfirm which one you actually hold a ticket for.
- The airport is a short ride from the village. Confirm the last bus or a prebooked transfer if you land late.
- Rental cars and bicycles are arranged in the village. License rules should be checked with the shop.
Where to stay
- Two nights is enough for the beaches and one boat, if the boat is running.
- A day trip from Naha only works on the first and last flights, and it leaves no room for a cancelled boat.
Best time to visit
- Late spring through autumn is the swimming season, with strong sun and typhoon risk.
- Winter is for walks and the onsen some hotels offer, not for a long swim.
Practical tips
- The sandbar boat is optional. The island beaches still fill a stay if it cancels.
- Bring cash. Card terminals are not on every beach stall.
- For a larger beach island with its own airport, see the Miyako travel guide.
- Another island reached by boat from Naha is the Zamami travel guide.
Suggested day-trip outline
- Fly or ferry in and settle the car or bicycle.
- One village beach, plus the sandbar only if the morning boat is confirmed.
- Keep the departure day light.
Before you go
Timetables, fares, admission fees, and seasonal access rules can change. Check the official tourism and transport sites linked below for the latest information before you travel.
Sources
- Kumejima Town (checked 2026-10-21)
- Kumejima tourism (checked 2026-10-21)
- Okinawa Prefecture (checked 2026-10-21)
- Eef Beach (checked 2026-10-22)
- Hate-no-hama (checked 2026-10-22)
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