Hi there! It’s us, Luca & Nico, back with another family adventure to share! This time, we went to Miyakojima without Grama. We missed her, but don’t worry—our trip was full of surprises, chilly swims, and even a top-secret coral guardian mission. Let us tell you everything, from plane rides to pirate treasures to an underwater castle!
Discovering Miyakojima: A Family Adventure
Miyakojima (Miyako Island) is a magical family destination, perfect for kids to explore its fairy-tale beaches and coral reefs! It’s in Okinawa, and it has super clear blue water, soft white beaches, and the coolest coral reefs ever. Everywhere you look, there’s something amazing. The whole island feels calm but also full of secret adventures, which makes it the best place for families like ours to explore and have fun!
Flying High with ANA
First, we got to ride on TWO planes! ANA made the flight so much fun! They gave us special airplane toys on each flight—one on our way to Naha and another on the flight to Miyakojima. I, Luca, kept mine safe in my bag to show Grama later, but Nico zoomed his around like he was piloting our plane. “Captain Nico reporting for duty!” he announced to the cabin crew. They laughed and said, “We’re in good hands!”
During our layover in Naha, we had some time to grab snacks. Nico found a colorful Okinawan soda and called it his “pirate drink.” I just stuck with water—I had a mission to focus on!
Hilton Miyakojima Adventures: A Suite Surprise
When we arrived at the Hilton, we couldn’t wait to explore. The room was comfy, and Nico immediately declared the closet his “treasure chest.” But things got even more exciting on the second day when our heater stopped working. The hotel moved us to a HUGE suite! Papa said we got an upgrade because of the heater issue, but we think it’s because they knew we were on an important coral guardian mission (more on that later!).
The suite had tons of space for us to run around, but when we asked for sheets for the sofabed, the hotel staff said we’d have to pay to use it since our original room didn’t have one! We didn’t get it—how can you pay for something that’s already there? Nico joked, “Maybe it’s magical and costs extra!”
Pools, Penguins, and Patagonia
It was super cold, but that didn’t stop us from diving into the indoor AND outdoor pools. Nico called our swim the “Penguin Plunge,” and I imagined we were Arctic explorers braving icy waters. The outdoor pool was freezing, but we felt like heroes conquering the cold.
Nico also made a new friend: the pool supervisor. He wore this super cool Patagonia wetsuit, just like all Papa’s clothes, and Nico couldn’t stop asking questions about it. “Do you think I’d look awesome in one of those?” he asked, striking a superhero pose. The supervisor laughed and said, “Of Course!” Now Nico says he needs a wetsuit for every pool we visit.
Best Family-Friendly Places in Miyakojima
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (東平安名崎)
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape is a must-visit spot for families in Miyakojima, with sunning cliffs and fun lighthouse adventures for kids. Nico decided the lighthouse was actually a pirate lookout tower. “Look out! Pirate ship!” he shouted, pointing at a boat far away. I pretended to send signals to our coral guardian base, using my hands as imaginary flags.
Yonaha Maehama Beach (与那覇前浜ビーチ)
The beach was stunning, with soft sand and clear water. We searched for shells, each one a piece of treasure from our guardian mission. I found a spiral shell, which I declared was the “key” to our coral castle. Nico found a broken but colorful piece he called “rainbow treasure,” saying it had magical powers to trap sea monsters.
Adventure Club’s Secret Mission: The Coral Guardians’
Here’s the best part: our mission as coral guardians! Mama and Papa taught us that Miyakojima is famous for its coral reefs, which protect the island and its underwater ecosystem. That gave us the idea for our adventure.
We imagined that long ago, brave coral guardians protected an underwater castle made entirely of coral. Nico and I were the last of the guardians, tasked with stopping sneaky sea monsters that wanted to steal the magic of the reefs. I, Luca, was the leader with a coral spear to defend the castle. Nico was the trickster guardian, using his “rainbow treasure” to set traps.
We planned our moves at the beach, digging in the sand to map out the castle. Then, at the pool, we practiced swimming like the guardians, dodging imaginary sea monster tentacles. By the end of our mission, the monsters were defeated, and the coral castle was safe!
Utopia Farm Miyakojima: A Hidden Gem for Families
Did you know Miyakojima has a secret spot where you can experience a tropical paradise? We visited Utopia Farm Miyakojima, a lesser-known gem where you can walk among rows of colorful tropical flowers and taste delicious local fruits.
The farm was like stepping into another world—bright hibiscus flowers and vibrant bougainvillea stretched as far as we could see. They even had fresh mango and pineapple juice, which Nico called “magic potions” for coral guardians. While Papa and Mama enjoyed the relaxing scenery, Nico and I turned the flower fields into our training ground, practicing our coral guardian moves between the rows of plants.
Until Next Time…
As our trip came to an end, I packed my ANA airplane toy and my spiral shell safely in my bag. Nico waved dramatically to the pool supervisor, yelling, “I’ll be back with my own Patagonia wetsuit!” Miyakojima gave us so many memories—chilly swims, hidden treasures, and the epic tale of the coral guardians. Even though we missed Grama, we can’t wait to tell her all about our adventures.
Ready to create your own adventure? Check out our Family-Friendly Miyako Island Itinerary for four unforgettable days of beaches, coral reefs, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a relaxed getaway or a treasure-filled adventure, we’ve got you covered!
Ready to become a Coral Guardian and explore Miyakojima’s secret treasures? Our Adventure Club Pack is filled with fun challenges, secret mission, and activities to make your trip even more exciting! Mission here!
Do you know any other hidden gems in Miyakojima? Share them with us—we’d love to explore them!
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ Luca & Nico ~
