Pohnpei is a tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific. Far away from the tourist crowds, this mountainous volcanic island rises up to 791 meters out of the ocean. Pohnpei is surrounded by a coral reef.

Palikir, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is located on Pohnpei. With an area of 334 km², Pohnpei is also the largest island in FSM.

Map of the Highlights

How to get to Pohnpei

Pohnpei has an international airport with the code PNI. The island is only served by United Airlines (Island Hopper) and Nauru Airlines.

United Airlines currently flies the Island Hopper five times per week to Guam and five times per week to Hawaii.

If you want to learn more about United’s Island Hopper, check this out: 7 Islands in one Flight: United Island Hopper

Nauru Airlines flies once per week to Palau and once per week to Majuro.

Do you need a visa?

No, you do not need a visa for FSM. You only need a valid passport. In addition, you must present a valid onward or return ticket when entering the country.

You can find all information about FSM’s visa regulations here.

Weather in Pohnpei

Pohnpei is one of the rainiest places in the world, with average rainfall of almost 5,000 mm per year. Temperatures are tropical and reach close to 30°C almost every day. At the same time, humidity is usually around 80 to 85%.

Since neither temperatures nor rainfall change dramatically throughout the year, Pohnpei is a great destination year round.

Where to Stay?

The number of hotels in Pohnpei is limited. You can find a list of all available hotels, including email addresses, on the Visit Pohnpei website. You can find the link here.

How to get from A to B?

There is no public transport in Pohnpei.

Taxi

There are taxis in Kolonia. They can take you to many parts of the island, but outside of Kolonia you will hardly find any. If you do not arrange with the driver to wait for you, it can be difficult to get back.

Rental car

The easiest way to explore Pohnpei is by rental car. Rental cars are available through local rental companies and through hotels.

If you want to learn more about driving in Pohnpei, check this out: Driving in Pohnpei

What can you do?

You can find our best photos and the top photo spots here: Fotospots in Pohnpei

Nan Madol

One of the highlights on Pohnpei is Nan Madol. The ruined city was built around the 12th century by the Saudeleur Dynasty. The complex stretches across almost 100 small artificial islets connected by canals. Nan Madol was not used as a residential area, but served political and ritual purposes.

Nan Madol has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, but it is considered endangered. Rising sea levels and the resulting coastal erosion are threatening the site.

The way to Nan Madol is not well signposted. There is a visitor center, but from there you do not reach the actual ruins directly. From the visitor center, drive back about 400 meters and then take the first left. Follow this road for about 500 meters and then turn left again. The access road is only a few hundred meters long, but very steep and unpaved. About four to five cars can park here.

From there you continue on foot. You first pass a small house, more precisely through the garden, and behind it the trail begins. The path leads through the mangroves, and after about 10 to 15 minutes you reach the ruins.

Kepirohi Waterfall

Kepirohi is the most famous waterfall on Pohnpei and is located near Nan Madol. The waterfall is almost 20 meters high and 30 meters wide. What makes it special is that the water cascades over sharp basalt blocks. A pool has formed below the waterfall where swimming is allowed.

From the parking lot, a short path leads through the rainforest to the waterfall. The trail is about 200 meters long.

Liduduhniap Waterfall

Liduduhniap Waterfall, also known as Twin Waterfall, is another one of the best known waterfalls on Pohnpei. Liduduhniap consists of two waterfalls, a smaller upper one and the main lower waterfall. There is also a small picnic area.

The waterfall is about 7 kilometers from Kolonia and easy to reach via a small road. A short trail of a few hundred meters leads through the rainforest to the waterfall.

Snorkeling and diving

Pohnpei is surrounded by a ring shaped reef and is a true paradise for diving and snorkeling. We booked a half day snorkeling tour with the Pohnpei Surf Club.

A popular spot is Manta Road, home to manta rays. But the other reefs are also teeming with fish. With a bit of luck, you might even see a few sharks.



Ant Atoll

A day trip to Ant Atoll to the west is one of the main attractions on Pohnpei. The atoll is almost 11 kilometers long and uninhabited. Tours usually only take place when a larger group of at least 8 people comes together.

WWII ruins

Pohnpei was only a minor theater in World War II, but the island was still part of the Japanese defense network. Even today, you can find war remnants all over the island.

Japanese gun

On Sokehs Mountain there are two Japanese anti aircraft guns as well as a bunker complex. A small parking area is located about 500 meters from the guns, and the parking spot is marked on the map.

Tank graveyard

In Kolonia there is a tank graveyard with about a dozen old Japanese tanks.

Are drones allowed?

Yes, drones are allowed in FSM. FSM is one of the few countries with hardly any clear drone rules, and in general you can fly in many places. Still, common sense applies so it stays that way.

Respect people’s privacy.

The airport is off limits.

Public facilities such as police stations, hospitals, and schools are off limits.

And so on.

How much time should you plan?

You can easily see the main attractions on Pohnpei within two days. In addition, you should plan at least one day for a diving or snorkeling trip. That means you should plan at least three days.

Pohnpei is also a true hiking paradise. There are countless waterfalls and hiking trails through the dense jungle, so you can easily spend a week on Pohnpei.

Is Pohnpei worth visiting?

Pohnpei is an absolute paradise in the middle of the Pacific, a green oasis in a blue ocean. We could drive around the island for days, because the ride through the jungle is breathtaking. On top of that, there are many activities and there is something for almost everyone.

With Nan Madol and the petroglyphs, you have centuries old historical sites. From World War II, you will find bunkers, guns, tanks, and much more. In some places, it feels like an open air museum. Hiking lovers get their money’s worth, whether in the mountains, searching for waterfalls and caves, or exploring the mangroves.

The ring shaped reef around Pohnpei offers a diverse underwater world. Nearby Ant Atoll also has rich marine life with sharks, rays, and many tropical fish. A paradise for diving and snorkeling lovers.

That is why Pohnpei is absolutely worth visiting.

Is Pohnpei clean?

Pohnpei has one visible problem: old car wrecks. They are scattered all over the island. Some are barely recognizable because they are completely overgrown by shrubs and trees. The reason is simple: Micronesia is a relatively poor country with a GDP per capita below 5,000 USD, and disposing of old cars comes with high costs, costs most people cannot afford.

Apart from that, Pohnpei is a very clean island and there is hardly any trash along the roads.

Important notes

Cash

Cash is king, especially in Pohnpei. Almost everything has to be paid in cash, for example:

1. Entrance fees at attractions
2. Taxis
3. Airport departure fee
4. Rental cars

There are hardly any ATMs. According to Google Maps and our hotel, there are only two on Pohnpei. The ATM at Bank of Guam was out of order, and the ATM at the Bank of the FSM was empty. That is why it is very important to bring enough cash with you.