The goal of this page is to help kiteboarders safely enjoy the beautiful spots to kite in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa offers an amazing combination of sandy beaches, coral reefs, and waves for any kite discipline. This information is based on hundreds of sessions and thousands of kilometers of kiting on this beautiful island. I hope that this information can translate our experience to a great opportunity for you.
Wind in Okinawa can come from any direction on any day of the year. The fall and winter tend to favor north winds that are stronger and happen more often. The spring and summer tend to favor lighter winds from the south. Offshore typhoons can bring strong winds from surprising directions. Except for a couple spots, it is important to pay attention to tide levels when kiting in Okinawa, as many locations are over shallow coral reefs, and you cannot kite at low tide.
It is possible to kiteboard at any spot with adequate water and a suitable location to launch the kite. However, Okinawa kiteboarders tend to gather at locations with a combination of easy launching, relative safety, and great riding conditions. Below, I have compiled the locations that we have kited on Okinawa. In general, the ones at the top are more popular and the locations further down less so. This page contains an overview of many locations, and most have an additional page with more tips and information on parking, launching, and hazards. Please check out that information before you go.
New to kiteboarding? Scroll to bottom of the page.
Kaichu Doro is the most popular kiteboarding area in Okinawa. This is the safest location for beginners and where most kite lessons take place. Depending on the winds and tides, there can be amazing flat water, foiling, and even waves. There is a small grass launch area. At tide levels below 1.4m, a large sandy beach is exposed. The tides always allow kiting at Kaichu Doro. More information on kiting at Kaichu Doro
Wind direction: WNW to E
Tides: Any
Launch conditions: Easy.
Miibaru is a narrow beach below jungle cliffs on the south part of the island and is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa. There is a wide coral lagoon with an outer reef about 1-2 km offshore. Depending on the tides, Miibaru can offer amazing foiling, flat water, or breaking waves on the outer reef. More information on kiting at Miibaru Beach
Wind direction: ENE to SW
Tides: 0.8m+
Launch conditions: Easy
Igei Beach is a popular kite location on the east side of the island suitable for winds from the south. There are restrooms and water available at both the west and east ends of the beach. This is also a good location if you are with people who are not kiting. There are a few concrete jetties that stick out into the ocean, often used for fishing or watching the scene. There are a lot more beach users at this spot than other kiting locations in Okinawa, so be considerate of other people winging, SUPing, and swimming. More information on kiting at Igei Beach
Wind direction: ESE to SW
Tides: Any
Launch conditions: Easy
Momenbaru is a great beach on the west side of the island suitable for winds from the south and west. The reef extends 80-100m out from the beach. Depending on the tide there can be fantastic flat water or waves. With southwest wind, you can explore several kilometers of shoreline north and south. More information on kiting at Momenbaru Beach
Wind direction: S to NW
Tides: 1.1m+ to start from beach. Any tide if willing to walk 80m over coral.
Launch conditions: Intermediate skill
This kiting spot is located on beautiful Miyuki Beach on the gold coast of Onna village. The sand is soft and there is a colorful coral reef over which to kite. There can also be great waves with swell from the northwest. More information on kiting at Miyuki Beach
Wind direction: WNW to NE
Tides: 0.9m+ (0.7m+ if care taken to avoid shallow spots)
Launch conditions: Intermediate skill.
Torii station beach provides a couple options to launch and access a wide lagoon that never gets very deep. This launch area is inside the US Army base. You need base access, but you can kite the same water by going to the Momenbaru. More information on kiting at Torii Beach
Wind direction: S to NW
Tides: 1.1m+
Launch condition: Easy
Situated at the north end of Yomitan Village, this is location near a popular lighthouse and park. There is a large deep lagoon inside the reef and good surfing on the reef. More information on kiting at Cape Zanpa and Uza Beach
Wind: SW to N
Tides: 1.3m+ for launch
Launch conditions: Advanced skill
So you want to learn to kite and are here in Okinawa? Or maybe you have limited experience kiting somewhere else?
To learn in Okinawa, there are a couple great options. Francesco from Tropical Surf House Okinawa teaches lessons in English and has some gear for sale. Tomaru-san from Kite Club Okinawa gives kite lessons in Japanese and has gear. Both have taught many people how to safely kiteboard.
Kiting is an amazing way to experience Okinawa. With kiteboarding, even more so that other sports, it can be easy to get yourself in trouble. It is important to know your limits and take precautions. One of the most important things is kite with other people. Also, there can be spots of sharp coral at almost every beach in Okinawa, so if you are a beginner you should consider wearing something on your feet. If you are a beginner or are venturing into deep water, you should wear an impact vest or life preserver. If you are going to kite in shallow water or are a beginner, a helmet is a good idea. Finally, launching and landing are some of the most hazardous parts of kiting. Please watch out for others and don't assume that other beach goers understand the sport and its dangers.
