SIGHTS OF POHNPEI
ohnpei State incorporates Pohnpei Island, a large volcanic island with eight atolls totaling 133 square miles, 25 smaller islands within a barrier reef, and 137 widely-scattered coral atolls. Pohnpei island is the largest in the FSM, and has a road around the island extending 49 miles.
Pohnpei lies 7° north of the equator, 1,050 miles southeast of Guam and 3,240 miles southwest of Honolulu. Its population is estimated at 35,000. Normal daytime temperature is 80° F.
Most of Pohnpei's shoreline is covered by mangrove swamps. However, artificial beaches have been created and the nearby reef islands have beautiful beaches. Rugged mountain terrain covered with luxuriant forest dominates the interior of the island. The island's highest point, Mt. Nahna Laud, is 798 meters high and is thought to be one of the wettest spots in the world with an average annual rainfall in excess of 400 inches. Pohnpei has many freshwater streams, many of which contain spectacular waterfalls with large swimming ponds at their bases.
Pohnpei's main island is divided into the six municipalities of Madolehnimw, U, Kitti, Nett, Sokehs, and the town of Kolonia, which is the island's commercial center and the state capital. The FSM National Government headquarters are located some 5 km from Kolonia in Palikir.
Scuba Diving
Warm, crystal clear waters, untouched reefs teeming with marine life, dazzling corals, manta ray, white and black tipped reef, shark, barracuda, and breathtaking drop-offs beckon enthusiastic divers. Ant, Pakin, and Black Coral are the best known dive locations on Pohnpei.
Outer Island Journeys
Outer island journeys are available via charter plane or government boat (Mwoakilloa, Pingelap, Nukuoro, Sapwuafik , and Kapingamarangi).
Historical Sites
Micronesia's best known archaeological site, Nan Madol-ancient city, the "Venice of the Pacific" is one of more than 100 sites of historical significance from the precontact period till Trust Territory. Other sites include Spanish Wall, Sokehs Mass Grave, German Bell Tower, Botanical Garden, and Japanese tanks and shrines.
Nature Trails
Natural park and recreation areas of Pohnpei include Keprohi, Liduduniap, Sahwartik, Lehnpaipohn, Pahnsile, Pahn Takai, and Nankewi. Each site has a waterfall with a pool for swimming. And one of its boldest landmarks is the Sokehs Rock, a steep cliff face which you can scale with a guide if you are fit enough.
Shopping
Stores supply local handicrafts (canoe, shark, turtle, gecko, manta ray), Pohnpei pepper, tuna, mangrove crab, coconut shampoo, soap, and lotion.
Pohnpei is the largest island in the Eastern Caroline group and the capital of the FSM. Situated in the Western Pacific, it is 2,900 feet high, 13 miles wide and shaped somewhat like a circular tent. It fits the typical South Sea island image with its lush vegetation and abundant rainfall washing into streams, rivers and tumbling waterfalls. Unlike other Micronesian islands it has tropical jungles, mist-covered mountains, mangrove swamps and exotic flora.
The first European to visit the island group was Spaniard, Diego de Rocha, in 1526. The islands were originally called the New Philippines until 1696 when they were renamed the Caroline Islands. Occupied by Spain, Germany, Japan and the USA, Pohnpei experienced 100 years of foreign rule because it proved to be an ideal supply stop for the Pacific expeditions.
Nan Madol is an ancient stone city built on 100 artificial islets off the southeast coast of the island. The ruins consist of immense basalt rock logs brought to the islands by raft (some say by magic) to construct steps, paths and a temple.
Archaeologists and engineers are attempting to discover more about the race which constructed the island city. The stone fortress was built on a reef southwest of Temwen Island, by the rulers of Pohnpei around 500 AD until it was taken over by Isokelekel, the warrior who installed the present traditional system in the 1520s.
Nan Madol is reached by boat from the main town of Kolonia about 45 minutes away. It's a full day boat tour which includes a visit to the spectacular Keprohi Waterfall and snorkeling amid the vivid marine life inside the lagoon.
A 20 minute ride out of Kolonia takes you to the Nanpil River and a large natural pool where the river temporarily slows down. Further along the same river are the spectacular Liduduhniap Twin Waterfalls, complete with thatched huts where you can rest or picnic in a natural jungle setting. A day trip to privately owned Black Coral Island in the lagoon is the perfect way to safely snorkel the reef. For a family day, visit Langer island with its simple cottages where visitors can stay overnight for a small fee.
In Kolonia, you can see the Spanish Wall, built in 1899 as a boundary for Fort Alphonso XII. Nearby is the Catholic Mission Bell Tower, all that remains of the old German Church torn down by the Japanese during World War II. Also take a stroll into the Polynesian village and watch the craftsmen whittle ornaments from the ivory seed which grows locally.
Most tours to Nan Madol ruins, the Keprohi waterfalls, diving and hiking expeditions, operate from Kolonia, and most of the waterfalls and areas of historical and ecological importance can only be reached by guided tour.
Accommodation is both traditional Pohnpeian, which is thatched roofed bungalows with garden showers, and western style hotels, most of which are in Kolonia within 15 minutes of the airport. There is no public transport, only taxis and rental cars, but most hotels will offer shuttle services. Tourist facilities are clean, comfortable, and the service is friendly.
When it comes to relaxing, try a drink of sakau, the numbing local drink used in ceremonies and also sold in bars.
For more photos, please visit the Pohnpei photo gallery page.
