Cape Maeda

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Cape Maeda

cape

Cape Maeda is a rocky promontory on the west coast of Okinawa Island, near the village of Onna, popular with snorkelers and scuba divers for its clear water and the Blue Cave. Travelers come for underwater sights, cliffside views and easy-access shore dives.

Cape Maeda NahaGinowan, OkinawaUrumaUrasoe, OkinawaCape Maeda

Cape Maeda essentials

Address: Maeda, Onna, Okinawa Island, Japan

Cape Maeda is a low, rocky cape on the west coast of Okinawa Island that drops into coral-rich water and offers several small cliff viewpoints over the East China Sea. The shoreline is a mix of limestone ledges and reef just offshore, which creates sheltered dive and snorkel sites that are busy in good weather. The spot is best known among divers and snorkelers for a nearby sea cave with vivid blue light effects when the sun hits the water at the right angle. On land you will find limited tourist infrastructure - a small parking area, a few dive shops and basic cafés in the immediate vicinity - and visitors typically go down to the water with a dive operator or on a self-guided snorkel. Sea and weather conditions change quickly; access to the cave and some shore spots can be restricted on windy or rough days, so operators and local signage are the best source for current conditions.

  • Blue Cave (Ao no Dokutsu): A sea cave reached from the water where sunlight reflecting off the seabed produces an intense blue glow, commonly visited by organised snorkel and dive trips.
  • Cliff viewpoints: Low cliffs and ledges give panoramic views over the coral-strewn sea and are popular at sunset and for watching dive boats.
  • Snorkel and dive reefs: Shallow reefs close to the cape hold hard and soft corals and attract a variety of reef fish, suitable for both snorkelers and certified divers.
  • Tidepools and rocky shore: The exposed rocky shoreline has small pools and intertidal life to observe from the rocks when the sea is calm.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cape Maeda#

Okinawa has a subtropical climate with warm summers and a rainy/typhoon season; choose season based on sea conditions and your water-activity plans.

Winter (calmer seas)
November - February · 14°C - 24°C (57°F - 75°F)
These months tend to be drier and less humid than summer, with fewer storms and often calmer seas, making it a good time for clear-visibility dives and quieter viewpoints. Water will be cooler, so plan suitable exposure protection for snorkeling or diving.
Spring - Early summer (warm, good visibility)
March - May · 16°C - 26°C (61°F - 79°F)
Sea temperatures rise and visibility is generally good for diving and snorkeling, though rain increases toward late spring; this period offers pleasant conditions before the peak rainy and typhoon months.
Typhoon season (exercise caution)
June - September · 24°C - 31°C (75°F - 88°F)
June to September includes the hottest months and the highest chance of heavy rain and typhoons, when operators frequently suspend cave entries and shore activities; check forecasts and local advisories.

Weather & Climate near Cape Maeda#

Climate

Cape Maeda's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2062 mm/year), wettest in May.

Air Quality: AQI 52 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberOctoberAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 14° - 19° 16° 121 mm overcast 75% 4.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.6h
February Acceptable 14° - 19° 16° 125 mm overcast 77% 4.7 m/s 1.0 high 11.1h
March Acceptable 16° - 21° 18° 168 mm overcast 77% 4.7 m/s 1.3 high 11.9h
April Good 19° - 23° 21° 188 mm overcast 80% 4.6 m/s 1.5 very high 12.7h
May Good 22° - 26° 24° 238 mm overcast 84% 4.3 m/s 1.8 very high 13.3h
June Good 24° - 29° 27° 227 mm overcast 89% 4.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.6h
July Good 26° - 31° 34° 166 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.5h
August Very Good 26° - 31° 33° 233 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.9h
September Very Good 25° - 30° 31° 192 mm partly cloudy 80% 5.1 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 23° - 27° 25° 165 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.4h
November Very Good 20° - 24° 22° 132 mm overcast 76% 5.2 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.7h
December Good 16° - 21° 18° 107 mm overcast 75% 4.7 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cape Maeda#

The cape is on the west coast of Okinawa Island near the village of Onna; the nearest major city and transport hub is Naha. Naha Airport is the island’s main airport.

There is no island-wide rail network on Okinawa, so most visitors reach Cape Maeda by rental car, taxi or a local bus to Onna and then the final short road to the cape; dive operators commonly include the last stretch from nearby pick-up points. If relying on public transport, check local bus timetables and expect a short walk from the nearest stop.

Tips for Visiting Cape Maeda#

  • Check sea and weather conditions locally before planning a cave entry or shore dive, as operators cancel trips when the sea is rough.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral; the reefs are easily damaged and marine rules are enforced in many areas.
  • If you plan to dive or snorkel the Blue Cave, consider booking with a local dive shop that knows tidal access and safety procedures.
  • Arrive early in high season to find parking and avoid the busiest snorkel groups; cliff edges can be slippery after rain so wear sturdy shoes.