Peleliu IslandAbout Peleliu Island
Peleliu Island is an island-state unit of Palau noted for its role in World War II and for remaining battlefield relics and memorials. The island contains extensive wartime remains across its interior and coastline.
Today the island attracts visitors for battlefield tourism and for marine recreation such as diving and snorkeling on surrounding reefs and wreck sites. Many trails lead to preserved Japanese defensive positions, airfield remnants and memorial sites created after the conflict.
In September to November 1944 Peleliu was the scene of a major amphibious assault and protracted ground fighting between United States forces and Imperial Japan. The intense combat caused heavy casualties on both sides and left defensive works, tunnels and wreckage that still mark the landscape.
Peleliu lies among the islands of the Republic of Palau in the western Pacific. The island is part of Palau’s island-state administrative structure and is reached by boat or limited air connections from larger Palauan islands.
- Battle of Peleliu: Site of a major World War II battle in 1944 between United States forces and Imperial Japanese defenders; battlefield tours focus on remains and memorials.
- Activities: The island is visited for both historical tours and scuba diving on surrounding coral reefs and wrecks.
What to See#
- WWII battlefield areas: Battlefield sites and cave systems dating to World War II, where trenches, gun positions and tunnel entrances remain visible across the island.
- Memorial areas: Island memorials and cemeteries commemorating the 1944 Battle of Peleliu, with onsite markers and preserved wreckage in several locations.
Best Time to Visit Peleliu Island
Best in the dry season for diving, snorkeling, and calmer sea conditions; book transport and accommodation well in advance.
Weather & Climate near Peleliu Island
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3244 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 280 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 179 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 185 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 217 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 267 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 314 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 386 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 329 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 274 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 302 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 246 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 265 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Peleliu Island
Peleliu is reached from Koror (Babeldaob) by small inter-island flights or by occasional ferry services; flights are seasonal and must be booked in advance. From Koror, air travel is about 30-45 minutes; some tour operators include Peleliu in WWII historical dives and island-hopping itineraries.
Tips for Visiting Peleliu Island
- Plan for WWII memorial visits: Peleliu's battlefields and memorials are poignant and require respectful dress and behavior.
- Inter-island flights to Koror are limited; reserve seats well in advance and verify military-clearance rules for Peleliu.
- Ferry schedules are irregular - confirm departure times and bring cash for small port fees and local services.