Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
natural predators, polluion, ishing nets and turtle meat poachers—all sea turtle species are con-
sidered threatened or endangered, several criically so. In paricular, the leatherback, Kemp's ridley
and hawksbill may not survive into the next century. The green, olive ridley, flatback and loggerhead
are endangered, but not yet criically so.
Even more recently built, Ō Island can now claim possession of a luxury spa. Called the
Bade Haus Kumejima (
バーデハウス久米島
; Bāde-hausu Kumé-jima), this European-style
public bath has soaking tubs, a large central pool, an outdoor patio area and a small café.
Men and women mix (with swim attire) in the central pool and segregate in the private and
massage sections. Depending on the spa package you choose, figure on around $30 for the
day.
ŌHAJIMA
(
オーハ島
; Ōha-jima; also called Ōhaji). The sandy beach on the southeastern-
most corner of Ōjima is but 500 feet (150 meters) from the sandy beach on the south-west-
ernmost corner of Ōhajima. The two islets sit side by side of Kume Island's central eastern
coast, Ō a triangle to the west, Ōha a square to the east.
Ōhajima is about 1,640-1,970 feet (500-600 meters) across from north to south or east
to west. It has an area of 0.37 square kilometers and a circumference of slightly more than 1.5
miles (2.5 kilometers). Its highest point is 26 feet (8 meters). Although at first glance Ōha ap-
pears uninhabited, a closer inspection reveals that there is a small private dock on the island's
central west side and that there are three or four dwellings perhaps 325-500 feet (100-150
meters) in from the shore. The population could well be five or ten people.
The island is not connected to Ōjima, Kume or any other place by bridge, so it is necessary
to take a boat (or swim) to get there. Most of the island is ringed by beaches. There are no
roads or vehicles on the island, although there are several paths from house to house and to
the dock. Ōha Island is completely covered in dense subtropical vegetation.
Hatenohama Island, offshore from Ō Island at the end of Kume's east coast is, in reality, a great long sand-
bar rather than an island.
