Kumejima was formerly known as "Kumi no Shima," meaning "the most beautiful island in the Ryukyu Islands."
If you visit Kumejima, one place you absolutely must go is Hatenohama Beach.
Even at high tide, it never completely sinks, resembling a desert floating on the sea.

The sky, the sea, and the white sandy beaches. Okinawa has many uninhabited islands, but everyone will surely be overwhelmed by the beauty and size of Hatena Beach.

This time, I'll introduce the charm of Hatena Beach, how to get there, and how to choose a tour.

<Table of Contents>
1. The beautiful scenery of Hatena Beach
2. Let's go to Hatena Beach
2-1. Schedule
2-2. Points to consider when choosing a tour
3. Things to know about Hatena Beach
3-1. Access to Tomari Fisherina
3-2. Toilet and shower facilities
3-3. Take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke.
4. Conclusion

1. The beautiful scenery of Hatena Beach

Let's go to Hatenohama, a paradise on Kumejima Island.

Hatenohama is the collective name for three islands located northeast of Kumejima.
The beaches are called Maenohama (Meenuhama), Nakanohama, and Hatenohama, starting from the side closest to Kumejima Island, and the island's size also increases from the nearshore to the far shore (Hatenohama is the largest).
*Although it may be a little confusing, for the purposes of this discussion, we will refer to the three islands collectively as "Hatenohama" and the innermost island as "Hatenohama" (with a different kanji character).

As far as the eye can see, it's sand and sea. It has an incredible sense of being truly unique! (Hatenohama Beach)

Most people at Hatena Beach enjoy swimming and snorkeling. The emerald green sea is home to many tropical fish and sea turtles.

Nothing there, yet so dramatic! It feels like an adventure is about to begin (Hatenohama)

While it's easy to be captivated by the beautiful ocean, take a look at the shoreline as well. If you look closely, you'll find lots of tiny, colorful juvenile shells.

The photo that received the most likes on Okinawa Lab's Instagram was taken at Hatenohama Beach.

The sea is nice, but there's something really captivating about the vast sky.
Swimming, strolling, napping—time flies by so quickly at Hatena Beach.

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2. Let's go to Hatena Beach

The sea around Kumejima is a vibrant green. The boats create so much spray it's almost comical.

When taking a tour to Hatena Beach, you'll often visit "Nakano Beach." During peak season, Nakano Beach has portable toilets and shops, and can be considered the heart of Hatena Beach.
Tours typically cost around ¥4,000-¥5,000 for swimming (simple round trip to Hatenohama), ¥6,000 and up for snorkeling, and ¥13,000 and up for diving.

2-1. Hatena Beach Tour Schedule

My first ever SUP experience at Hatenohama Beach. What a luxury! By the way, this was in January.

During the season when you can enjoy playing in the sea, most tours include a stay of about 3 hours at Hatena Beach, and the total duration is about 5 hours.

<Hatenohama Tour Schedule>
Pickup or meeting time around 9:00 AM
9:30 AM Departure from the port (Tomari Fisherina)
Arrived at Hatenohama (Nakanohama) at 9:50 AM.
Departure from Hatenohama around 1:00 PM
13:20 Arrived at the port (Tomari Fisherina).
Dismissal or transportation around 14 PM

While most Hatena Beach tours are half-day plans starting in the morning, some tours allow you to freely choose your return departure time, making it possible to enjoy a stay at Hatena Beach for up to 6 hours.

2-2. Points to consider when choosing a tour

The weather was fine, but the wind was so strong I could only stand for about 10 seconds.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing a tour.

1) Local optional activities available at Hatena Beach (parasols, banana boats, snorkeling equipment, etc.)
2) Pick-up/drop-off or meet-up at the port?
3) Which beach should we go to, Nakanohama or Hatenohama?
4) Tour fee

Even if I fall in, it's okay since the sea is this beautiful.

If you're looking to visit the large Hatenohama beach at the very edge of the island and fully experience the feeling of being at the edge of the world, you should confirm which island you'll be going to (whether it's Hatenohama beach at the very back) when you book your tour.
This isn't something that can be decided by simply "if they're free on the day."

If you want to go to "Hatenohama," be sure to carefully check the tour details.

Also, be sure to check the meeting place if you are meeting at the port. The showers and changing rooms at Tomari Fisherina are quite basic.
If transportation is provided, you can take a warm shower at your accommodation and change clothes at your leisure.

During the off-season, we landed on Hatenohama beach (Nakanohama) by glass-bottom boat in the light rain.

There are also off-season tours to Hatena Beach!
While swimming in the sea will not be possible, you can still snorkel if you wear a wetsuit, and there are also tours that mainly involve glass-bottom boat rides and landing on Hatena Beach.

Be aware of seasickness on glass-bottom boats.

The impression of the underwater world changes dramatically depending on whether the water is shallow or deep, and the glass-bottom boat tour was really enjoyable.

3. Things to know about Hatena Beach

3-1. Access to Tomari Fisherina

Tomari Fisherina, from which boats depart for Hatenohama, is about a 5-minute drive from Eef Beach, the center of Kumejima Island. There aren't any particularly tall landmark buildings nearby, so be sure not to miss the sign in front of the entrance.
*If you are coming from the direction of Eef Beach and reach the bridge connecting to Oujima Island, you have gone too far.

3-2. Toilet and shower facilities

Tomari Fisherina has public toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Nakanohama has toilets during peak season, but they are very basic structures made of plywood. It's best to use the toilet before the boat departs.

3-3. Sunburn and heatstroke

If you're going swimming at Hatenohama Beach, make sure you take full precautions against sunburn. Naturally, there's hardly any shade. There are no shops at Tomari Fisherina, and the shop at Nakanohama Beach is small, so be sure to bring your own drinks and sunscreen.
*There is a FamilyMart at Eef Beach.

4. Conclusion

While classic Okinawa resorts are great, I also recommend a slightly more off-the-beaten-path tropical vacation at Hatena Beach.
Please consider Hatenohama Beach as a destination for your next trip!

★If you're going to Hatena Beach, head to Kumejima first!★