Have you ever wanted to visit Pohnpei in Micronesia? Pohnpei is a small tropical island that is the perfect vacation spot for those who want to spend a few days in paradise. There are a variety of fun outdoor activities you can do in Pohnpei.
The most popular are scuba diving, surfing, touring historical sites, visiting waterfalls and hiking nature trails, and more. Pohnpei, although a small island, has a lot to offer. We’re excited to share our travel guide on the best things to do, where to stay, the best time to visit, and more in Pohnpei, Micronesia! So, let’s dive in!
About Pohnpei
Being the predominant island out of 607 in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Pohnpei is a wonderful destination that only a few travelers can experience in their lifetime. Pohnpei spans 129 square miles, which is half of the FSM.
This hidden paradise is located 7 degrees north of the equator and 5,214 kilometers southwest of Honolulu in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The island’s most important attraction is Nan Madol, relics of the ancient city built in the sea in AD 500. To this day, a mystery so deep that many archaeologists continue to read what remains of the old town.
Pohnpei is filled with lush greenery and beautiful scenery, offering plenty of things to do for nature lovers. When you arrive from the east, you are greeted by an imposing Mount Nanlaud. While only a crumb compared to islands like Hawaii, Pohnpei is sure to exhaust you like no other in Micronesia. Most visitors spend 2-3 days traveling the peninsula, making it the perfect mini-vacation destination.
Things to do in Pohnpei
Small in size and gigantic in personality, Pohnpei is the perfect vacation destination for those looking for a Caribbean vibe with a touch of seclusion. There are a number of fun things you can do in Pohnpei while you’re visiting! As:
Dive
There are countless places to dive in Pohnpei. The diving peaks are from May to September, when the waves are not too high. Since a barrier reef surrounds the island, openings to the sea promote biodiversity.
Dive locations vary from seamounts to walls, with plenty of notches to explore. Visitors to Pohnpei can explore various crevices that are a habitat for sharks and manta rays, which is often the highlight of visiting the sea. There are many places to dive, some local favorites are Manta Road and Nan Madol.
Surf
Surfing is predominantly the main activity on the island, with visitors flocking to the island from October through April. The island is on the wish list of all surfers around the world. Famed as the best right in the world, P-Pass offers an impressive barrel ride, but you also can’t miss the occasional giant tide at Palikir Pass. Whichever itinerary you choose, great memories await you on the island.
Nan Madol Tour
There are over 100 historically significant sites in Pohnpei and you’re sure to spend at least a day visiting them, but you’ll probably love every second of it.
The artificial city, Nan Madol, known to be a construct of real civilization, remains a mystery to many archaeologists who are unable to identify the race behind the ingenuity. Visitors can reach the island by boat or by car from Kolonia.
Check out the waterfalls on the island
Further along the Nanpil River are the majestic twin waterfalls of Liduduhniap, where you can enjoy a picnic. This destination is also a good place to take a nature walk while enjoying the pristine environment of Pohnpei.
You must also visit the Kepirohi Waterfall which has grown in prominence because it is a hidden gem and such a large and beautiful waterfall to visit.
Visit the Spanish Wall
Having been built in 1889 as a boundary for Alfonso XII’s fortress, the Spanish Wall is an eventful itinerary rich in history. But first, you have to check out the Catholic Mission Bell Tower, the only remains of the German Church destroyed by the Japanese during World War II.
Other water activities
The island bustles with water activities in different destinations. Fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking are great ways to relax on your island trip.
How to Get to Pohnpei
You can travel to Pohnpei via United Airlines, Air Niugini, and Nauru Airlines via Guam and Hawaii. First, you’ll fly 5 hours from Honolulu until you reach the beautiful island of Majuro, a welcome sight hundreds of feet in the sky. Most flights arrive between 1 and 2 PM, giving you plenty of time to work off jet lag before enjoying an evening stroll around the island.
Where to stay in Pohnpei
Given its minimal annual traffic, the large number of hotels paints a picture of the capabilities of the island’s tourism industry. There are several hotels to choose from based on budget and amenities such as;
7 Star Inn
The Penny Hotel, 7 Stars Inn initially opened its doors in 2012 and has quickly gained prominence on the island thanks to its exquisite service and amenities. The facilities were carefully renovated according to world hotel standards with three types of rooms available; simple (2 twins), Double (Queen and twins) and Deluxe (1 king).
Cliff
Although it may be hard to tell, given some facility modifications, the Cliff is one of the longest-serving hotels on the island. The rooms are furnished with lower to mid-range accommodations and are a firm favorite for Peace Corps workers, which resonates with their affordability. In addition, the Cliff has amenities such as a conference room, restaurant and bar, and car rental service.
Hotel Alegria
Joy Hotel is one of the oldest on the island, but has recently been given a facelift to today’s concierge standards to better serve its clientele. It is located on Ohmine Street in the northern part of Kolonia. The hotel has two rooms to choose from; single (1 queen) and double (2 twins).
Palmas Island Hotel
Located in the central part of the city along Elenieng Street, right across from Kolonia Elementary School, Island Palms is committed to a memorable stay in Pohnpei. The hotel has two rooms for guests to choose from; deluxe singles (1 king) and doubles (2 twins), with rooms on the north side having a balcony with a panoramic view.
The best time of year to visit Pohnpei
Pohnpei is most visited in July, followed by December and March. Given the demand on the island, hotel prices are likely to skyrocket, but booking a hotel months in advance will help keep the price down.
Alternatively, you can visit during October when traffic to the island is relatively low. Regarding the weather, January to March are the dry months, while October is the wettest month.
Ending
Pohnpei is a small tropical island with a lot to offer. It is a great island to spend a few days and you will surely have a lot to do. If you are looking for a vacation with lots of outdoor activities and adventures, Pohnpei is a great destination for you.
The island offers a variety of diving spots, great surfing, historical sites and landmarks, beautiful waterfalls, and other natural places to hike or explore. Overall it’s a beautiful island to visit with lots to do. We hope you have enjoyed our travel guide to visiting Pohnpei Micronesia, happy traveling!
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