Hanaribira

Ikei Jima (Ikei island) which is located in Uruma city is connected to the main island Okinawa via two other small islands with the road that was built in the shallows of the sea. Before the WW II, people waded across a ford to main island, one local told us. This road in itself is worth visiting if you are interested in sea view and/or history. The small beach in Ikeijima is too commercialized and you would not want to spend a day only to visit this beach if you have already done other untouched beaches. BUT, if you can afford one night away from the commercialized Okinawa to feel how Okinawa must have been 50-60 years ago, visit Ikei Jima and stay at Hanaribira (only option at the moment). This villa is highly recommended in the Japanese equivalent of trip advisor for its uniqueness, hospitality and dinner that they offer. There are only 5 rooms; each room with different feature. There are bedrooms and tatami-mat rooms, I believe. All rooms have large private bath tub on the balcony, where you can enjoy the Southern sky full of starts with your favorite drink. The dinner was delicious and in big portion (My German husband and I could not finish the meal), so do something and get ready for a big feast. Oh by the way, they can do laundry for 500 yen. This saved the rest of our trip.