Pohnpei is an island that is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Pohnpei is the largest of the islands in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is roughly circular and about around.
Pohnpei is the most developed of the four states in Micronesia.
Pohnpei is also one of the rainiest inhabited place in the world. With about 300 inches of rain per year at the higher elevations and 150 inches at the waterfront, and no dry season, expect it to rain every day, with alternating patches of sun, clouds, and rain. However, since the temperature hovers around 85°F (about 27°C), the rain is never seen as much of a nuisance, and most people walk around without umbrellas or other rain gear. Rain can often be seen as a relief, because it cools the weather down a few degrees and keeps the humidity from feeling oppressive.
The northern end of the island has most of the population, and the city of Kolonia. There are no well-defined boundaries to the city, and the townships are all quite near each other. There is a ring road that circles the island. Most people live on the ring road.
The regional language of Pohnpei is Pohnpeian. However, most people learn English as well. Outside of the capital and the college, most people only have rudimentary English skills, and once you get into the villages, only Pohnpeian is spoken, by and large. The older population has more proficiency in Japanese, the language of the occupation during their childhood.
United Airlines is the only airline with flights to Micronesia. They offer an island-hopper flight, which goes East to West on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and West to East on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The airport is small, and most checking on the islands is done by hand, so expect to have all of your luggage (carry-on or check-in) hand-searched. Because of this, check-in generally happens at least an hour before boarding, even though there are never huge numbers of people at the airport.
Intrepid travelers arrive on their sailboats to visit Pohnpei. There is a very nice lagoon for sailboats.
Street names are not generally used to give directions. There are no addresses. There is only one main road and it is pretty easy to get around. If you are lost, locals know where practically everything is and are happy to give directions.
There are some car rentals available in Pohnpei. The roads are in fair to poor condition, and potholes are common. Cars will drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid potholes. It is acceptable to pass a slow moving car anywhere there is enough space. At night many drivers are intoxicated on Sakau and tend to drive very slowly. They also drive incomprehensibly slowly during the day. There is little in the way of direction signs.
There are also taxis, which are relatively cheap. A taxi ride in Kolonia will cost $1 per person. Prices increase the farther you go outside of Kolonia.
Walking is easy, as there are few distances within the Kolonia area which are more than a couple of miles away. Many people walk around town. Dogs may nip at you if you make too much eye contact with them.
Nan Madol is a must-see. The ruins of a thousand-year-old royal city. The ruins are on artificial islands, and it has been called "the Venice of the Pacific".
The Spanish Wall in the capital, Kolonia, is all that remains of the old Spanish fort.
Pohnpei has 42 rivers and streams fed from Nahnalaud, which is the highest peak in Micronesia giving a stunning different varieties of waterfalls.
College of Micronesia-FSM. Walk around campus. See the traditional boat. Relax under the covered rest/picnic areas. 2023-02-21
Capitol of the Federated States of Micronesia, 6.924435°, 158.160646°. Walk around the government campus 2023-02-21
Pohnpei's surf season generally goes from late October until April but there are occasional good waves other times of year in other spots.
Pohnpei has been featured in many surf magazines from all over the world over, and as a result there are times when heavy crowds swarm the best breaks. Other times, though, it remains a quiet and uncrowded island for surfers.
To get to the best waves in Pohnpei you will need to get a ride from one of the many local fishermen with boats.
You can easily check to see if there are waves from the hotels in town. South Park Hotel sits above Kolonia harbor and faces directly north toward Main Pass, Center Channel and gives a peak of Lighthouse Pass. Ocean View Hotel, aptly named, has clear views to the reef line on the north side of the island which provide a full indicator of what the swell is doing.
A short drive to Nan Pohnmal (5 minutes) west of town where the U.S. Embassy housing complex is located provides a clear view of the entire NW reef including Palikir Pass which is easily seen from the bluff top vista.
The local crew recommends NIHCO Marine Park which is in Sekere along the north western shore of the lagoon at the closest point of land to Palikir Pass. Locally owned, NIHCO has the best accommodations and the newest boats and surf tourist accommodations in Pohnpei.
There are about ten restaurants to eat at on Pohnpei. At most you can expect lunches from about $6.50 or $7, and dinners between $12 and $20.
Handicrafts such as wood carvings, woven baskets, and wall hangings (often incorporating shells and small wood carvings) are made by the local population. As well as purchasing these, you can watch them being made.
Pohnpei Sele pepper sauce from local convenience stores and stands.
7 Stars Inn, 6.957592°, 158.209974°, +691 320-6147, 7starsinn@mail.fm. $78.75 for a single (two twin bed). $94.50 for a double (two queen bed). $99.75 for a deluxe (1 king bed). +$15.75 per extra person 2023-02-21
Mangrove Bay, 6.959153°, 158.201154°. Waterfront property. 1 mile from Kolonia. $100 for a basic room (1 double, 1 queen). $120 for a standard room (includes cable TV) 2023-02-21
The island is remarkably safe. Respect the local culture and you'll be OK. There are some problems with petty crime, particularly thefts from vehicles. Do not leave valuables on display.
The Marshall Islands or Guam are just a short flight away. The other islands of Kosrae and Chuuk are even closer.
Primary administrative division