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3 of the best island-hopping destinations in Okinawa

Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
White-sand beaches, UNESCO-listed history and wellness as a way of life: it’s time to explore Japan’s tropical dreamscape.

Mention Japan and your mind paints a vivid scene. Tendrils of steam floating above an onsen, red torii gates, cherry blossoms, and futuristic streetscapes. But set your sights a short flight south of Tokyo, and you’ll discover Okinawa: a tropical patchwork of 160 postcard-ready islands. As one of the world’s five ‘Blue Zones’ (where people live measurably longer and healthier lives than the global average), Okinawa is a destination defined not just by its scenery, but by wellbeing.

The best way to experience Okinawa’s laid-back, tropical atmosphere is by hopping between its islands. To start, here are three islands to dip your toes into Okinawa’s blue waters.

Wherever you land across the archipelago, you’ll find a Hilton in Okinawa waiting. And at each Hilton, discover a unique reading program, Reading Voyage. Find a diverse and distinctive collection of books reflecting the character of each destination.

Okinawa Island

Ryukyu dance Chatan (Zakimi castle)
Explore history and culture on Okinawa Island.

Okinawa Island is the largest in the archipelago. Dramatic karst landscapes jut from thick forests in the north’s Yambaru National Park. In the south, Ryukyu Kingdom-era castles tell the story of an island sitting in the historic cross-currents of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influence.

In the island’s centre, you’ll find bustling oceanfront entertainment complexes, like Mihama American Village, an Americana wonderland complete with American diners, boutiques and a cinema.

Where to stay: Central Okinawa Island

The facade of Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort opens onto a tropical oasis of pools, palm trees and sea views.
Relax poolside with Okinawa’s stunning coastline as your backdrop.

Mere footsteps from the Mihama American Village, you’ll find two Hilton properties – the perfect base to explore Okinawa’s largest island.

Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort is the ultimate island getaway with sweeping views across the East China Sea, an indulgent spa and easy beach access. Plus, multiple pool experiences, including a waterslide.

Next door you’ll find DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort. Walk down to the beach for snorkelling, kayaking, jet skiing or a range of other water sports. Or take a short drive to the beautiful, limestone Cave Okinawa. End a day of exploring with sunset yoga or make the most of your proximity to the local nightlife.

Where to stay: Southern Okinawa Island

The pool of DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle.
Discover Okinawa’s heritage from a unique vantage point.

Naha (Okinawa’s capital) feels like a futuristic Japanese city set against a tropical backdrop. It’s also where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Shuri Castle—the former royal palace of the Ryukyu kingdom. Sample local Okinawan doughnuts (sata andagi) at artisan bakeries, browse textile houses hand-weaving traditional silk and banana fibre shuri fabrics, or catch live sanshin music at one of Sakaemachi arcade’s cosy izakayas.

Experience the island’s history, complete with a panoramic rooftop views of the castle, at DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle. While DoubleTree by Hilton Naha puts you closer to Kokusai-dori shopping street and local museums. One of the hotel’s best perks is the breakfast buffet built. Here, the local dialect word for food (kusuimun) literally translates as medicine. Start each day with shabu shabu (hot pot) cooked with the region’s famous Agu pork.

Sesoko Island

woman sitting on beach on seseko island
Cross the bridge to Sesoko Island.

Sesoko Island is a tiny, eight-kilometre-round paradise. It’s a superb option for those who want to have the feel of a remote island getaway while still technically being connected to the Okinawan mainland via a bridge.

Snorkel off the coast above vibrant coral reefs rich with marine life. If you’re up for an adventure, dive the island’s labyrinth of underwater caves. Stargaze each night in totally clear skies.

Where to stay: Sesoko Island

Aerial view of Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, one of the destinations when you visit 3 of the best island-hopping destinations in Okinawa.
Wake up to the stunning hues of Sesoko Blue.

Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort will be your island home. You’ll be within close reach of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium—one of the largest aquariums in the world—and the UNESCO-listed Nakijin Castle remains.

This is the perfect place to discover why Okinawa was named a Blue Zone through a dedicated workshop. Start living your new Blue Zone lifestyle with an excursion to a local craft workshop, snorkelling, and learning programs.

From your balcony, you’ll discover a shade of blue locals call ‘Sesoko blue’ in the waters lapping the island. Wrap each day with the sand between your toes and a dusting of bright, sparkling stars overhead. Fall asleep to the gentle thrum of waves meeting the shore.

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Miyako Island

Green Sea Turtle in reef around Miyako Island
Explore Miyako Island’s reefs. (Credit: Getty/ 7maru)

Miyako Island found a way to bring every tropical island cliché to life: endless white-sand beaches, unmatched hues of blue water, rugged coastlines, and punchy coral reefs. You’ll find it a short flight from Naha.

Miyako Island is connected via a series of bridges to the surrounding islands, including the Irabu Bridge. An engineering feat that stretches over three kilometres across turquoise waters to create one of Okinawa’s most famous vistas.

Where to stay:

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort next to Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort
Spend your days chasing turquoise waters and coastal adventures.

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort is a relaxed, family-friendly home base with five pools to enjoy. Next door, Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort takes cues from the local neighbourhood and Okinawan design, resulting in a trendy stay for experienced travellers looking to explore Okinawa’s local culture, food and wellness. Both are beachfront, with Miyako’s reefs and beloved Sunset Beach just steps away.

Or wander the newly opened shopping mall in between. Explore one of Japan’s most famous beaches, Yonaha Maehama. Spend a day exploring Higashi-Hennazaki Cape where the striking blues of the reefs meet the coastline.

After a day spent snorkelling and beach hopping, catch the sunset from Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort’s rooftop bar. Gaze out over the sprawling Irabu Bridge, one of Miyako’s most recognisable landmarks. Head down to Yard Miyakojima, an ultra-trendy spot where locals and visitors can connect over good food and cool music.

Start planning your Hilton island-hopping escape to Japan at hilton.com/en.

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Rachel Lay
Rachel Lay is a writer with over a decade of experience in Australia's media and travel industries. You'll never find her at home on the weekend. She'll be out hiking, eating something new, or arriving in a new country. She has one life motto: Always. Have. A. Trip. Booked. Whether it's trekking through the Sumatran jungle with wild orang-utans, rafting through a canyon in Bosnia, or eating from a teensy plastic chair somewhere in South East Asia, Rachel has a story waiting to be told.
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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
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    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.