Kume Island Travel Tips

Kume Island (久米島), also known as Kumejima, is a lesser-known retreat in the Okinawa Shoto island group, situated roughly 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Honto. The island offers a slower, more intimate pace of life that contrasts with the busier main islands. Compact yet diverse, Kumejima is rich in natural beauty and cultural depth—from traditional Ryukyuan architecture to craft villages and centuries-old ruins. Whether you're wandering through sugarcane fields or tracing the lines of ancient stone walls, the island rewards curiosity with quiet, unexpected moments. Its manageable size makes it ideal for leisurely exploration by car, bicycle, or even on foot, with scenic roads leading to dramatic coastlines and forested hillsides.

Kume Island is especially celebrated for its beaches, with Hatenohama Beach as its crown jewel. This seven-kilometer-long white sandbar lies offshore, surrounded by crystal-clear, shallow waters, and is accessible only via boat on guided tours. Once there, visitors can snorkel among tropical fish, walk barefoot along the powdery sand, or simply bask in the surreal stillness. Beyond Hatenohama, other coastal gems like Eef Beach and Ala Beach offer relaxed settings for swimming and picnicking. Inland, natural wonders such as the Tatami Ishi rock formations — pentagonal stones shaped by ancient lava flows — and the Uegusuku Castle ruins, perched on a scenic hilltop, provide deeper insight into the island’s geological and cultural history. Kumejima’s mix of scenic tranquility and local character makes it a rewarding stop for travelers seeking an authentic Okinawan island experience.