Travelling okinawa in may 2026

Hi, I'll be travelling in Okinawa in may (prob 6 nights right now) and need advice.

I was planning on landing at Naha, then catching the yui monorail into the main part of city and then hiring a car and driving straight up to the central or northern areas and doing accomodation up there for 3 nights, then return back to Naha for accomodation for 3 nights around Naha city sort of near the airport with access to the monorail (don't really want to drive in the city – only wanted to drive around central and northern part). The southern part I want to see the ww2 sites etc., I read you need a car.

Anyone else have experience travelling okinawa and have had similar experiences or could share possible ideas. Basically I need a rental car, but want to avoid Naha city for driving – but need to see the stuff in south as a history buff and want to drive around the more relaxed central and northern areas

Thanks.

by holla8888