Pohnpei

A rainforest island in Micronesia, home to Nan Madol, the World Heritage–listed basalt city built on the sea, plus waterfalls, Sokehs Rock and atoll diving.

Pohnpei is the largest and most populous island in the Federated States of Micronesia, located in the eastern Caroline Islands of the western Pacific. Roughly circular and just over 20 km across, it has rainforest-clad volcanic mountains at its centre, surrounded by mangroves and a barrier reef. Both the national capital, Palikir, and the state capital, Kolonia, are in the island's northwest, and visitors' accommodation, restaurants and dive shops are concentrated in Kolonia. The island's highlight is Nan Madol in Madolenihmw in the southeast — the ceremonial and political centre of the Saudeleur dynasty from the 12th to 17th centuries, built from stacked basalt columns on nearly a hundred artificial islets. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2016 (and placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger at the same time), and is known as the “Venice of the Pacific”. In the north, Sokehs Rock is Kolonia's iconic basalt cliff and can be hiked to the top. Rainfall inland is extremely high, so waterfalls such as Kepirohi and Liduduhniap flow abundantly all year. Out at sea, boats run to Ant and Pakin atolls for snorkelling and to see sharks and dolphins, while Palikir Pass off the northwest coast is a world-class right-hand surf break. Climate: hot, humid and rainy year-round, with the inland mountains among the wettest places on Earth; January to April is relatively drier, and surf season is November to March. Getting there: United Airlines' “Island Hopper” route links Guam, Chuuk and Hawaii, stopping at Pohnpei International Airport (about 10 minutes from Kolonia). There is no public transport on the island; getting around is by rental car, taxi or chartered vehicle, and the round-island road is about 80 km. Plan to stay 4–5 days. Note: most sights are on private or clan land, and a small entry fee is payable to the landowner. Nan Madol is best visited by boat at high tide. You can also experience a traditional sakau ceremony with the local drink. The currency is the US dollar.

Top sights

• Nan Madol – A UNESCO World Heritage Site: a ceremonial center built on nearly a hundred basalt-column artificial islands, often called the “Venice of t…
• Kepirohi Waterfall – A broad waterfall that spills down basalt steps. The deep pool below is good for swimming, and it is often visited on the same day as Nan M…
• Ant Atoll – A UNESCO biosphere reserve with clear lagoon waters. Snorkeling here can reveal blacktip reef sharks, stingrays and dolphins, and seabirds…
• Sokehs Rock (Paipalap) – A basalt cliff across from Kolonia that is a landmark of Pohnpei. A hike to the top offers views over Kolonia and the barrier reef.
• Sokehs Ridge WWII Japanese Sites – Japanese WWII fortifications on the Sokehs Island ridge, with gun emplacements, tunnels, and tank wrecks, and a rainforest trail overlookin…
• Liduduhniap Twin Waterfalls – Twin waterfalls side by side in the rainforest of Nett municipality, the closest falls to Kolonia, about a 20-minute walk, with a pool for…
• Spanish Wall & Catholic Belltower – Colonial-era relics in Kolonia: the remnant wall of a Spanish fort built in 1887 and the belltower of a German-era Catholic church from 190…
• Pohnpei Lidorkini Museum – A small state museum in Kolonia displaying artifacts from Nan Madol, traditional tools, sakau equipment, and colonial history.
• Pohnpaip Petroglyphs – Giant basalt petroglyphs in the rainforest of Madolenihmw, carved with footprints, handprints, and geometric symbols, among the oldest reli…
• Pakin Atoll – A remote small atoll northwest of Pohnpei, known for coral-wall diving and spinner dolphins, with very few residents.
• Black Coral Island – A small sandy island offshore from Kitti municipality, with coral gardens good for snorkeling, often a lunch stop on day trips.
• Lenger Island – A small island in the lagoon north of Kolonia, with remains of a Japanese seaplane base from World War II and shallow reefs for snorkeling.
• Sahwartik Falls – Deep in the gorge at Sarapwuk in Kitti municipality, a roughly 20-meter waterfall, one of Pohnpei's tallest, with a deep pool for swimming.
• Palikir Pass (P-Pass) – A world-class right-hand tube wave through a gap in the northwest reef of Pohnpei, a pilgrimage site for expert surfers and a spot for shar…

Where to eat

• Joy Hotel Restaurant – A long-standing Kolonia restaurant that opened in the 1970s, known for its Joy bento with fresh sliced tuna sashimi and…
• Arnold's Restaurant – A reliable American-style home-cooking spot in Kolonia, known for early breakfasts and generous portions, with pizza an…
• Town's Diner – A consistently good all-day diner in Kolonia, famous for its Town's Combo platter and coffee and desserts, and the only…

Itineraries

• Micronesia Island Hopper Crossing – Follow the United Airlines Island Hopper route east from Guam, passing through Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae to Majuro.