Hamahiga Island
浜比嘉島
A small island at the end of Kaichū Road, linked by bridge, a sacred site of the Ryukyu creation myth with red-tiled fishing villages, quiet beaches and old lanes.
Hamahiga Island lies off the Katsuren Peninsula. You can drive onto it via Kaichū Road, Heianza Island and the Hamahiga Bridge. The island preserves legends of the Ryukyu creation deities Amamikyu and Shinirikyu. The Hermit's Nest cave (Shirumichū) at its east end and the Amamikyu tomb in the southwest are sacred sites that locals worship, so please stay quiet during your visit and do not enter restricted areas. The two small villages of Higa and Hama retain stone walls, fukugi trees and red-tiled houses, which are great for slow strolling and photos. Hamahiga Beach has shallow, clear water and is less crowded than popular beaches on the main island. The island is free to enter, and a loop around it is about 7 km, taking about 30 minutes by car. From Naha it is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. It is often combined with Kaichū Road and Katsuren Castle Ruins as an east-coast half-day trip.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kaichu Road & Seaside Station Ayahashi-kan
- Katsuren Castle Ruins
- Southeast Botanical Gardens
- Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
- Sefa-utaki
- Cape Chinen Park
- Mihama American Village
- Cape Manzamo