Pohnpei

Pohnpei is the main island of Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia and hosts the national capital Palikir as well as the coastal town of Kolonia. The island is notable for the nearby ancient site of Nan Madol, a ruined ceremonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dense tropical rainforest, waterfalls and a rugged interior sit behind a fringing coral reef and barrier reef system; coastal villages, river valleys and coral gardens are the island’s primary visitor attractions. The archaeological complex of Nan Madol covers roughly 92 artificial islets set in a lagoon and is a principal draw, alongside snorkeling, diving and short rainforest hikes.

Nan Madol is linked with the pre-colonial Saudeleur rulers of Pohnpei and was used as a ceremonial and political centre. In the modern era the island passed through Spanish, German and Japanese administrations before becoming part of the United States Trust Territory after World War II; the Federated States of Micronesia became independent in 1986 with Palikir on Pohnpei as its capital.

Pohnpei sits in the central Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. The island occupies a central position within Pohnpei State and is surrounded by smaller coral islets; Kolonia and Palikir are the main settlements providing access to the island’s interior and coastal sites.

• Nan Madol: Comprises about 92 artificial islets made from basaltand coral; the site is best reached by a short boat trip from Kolonia.
• Palikir: Palikir is the national capital of the Federated States of Micronesia and is located on Pohnpei.

What to See#

• Kolonia: The small administrative center and port town on Pohnpei’s north coast that serves as the island’s main arrival point by sea and road; local services, shops and boat operators for nearby sites are based here.
• Palikir: Seat of government for the Federated States of Micronesia located on Pohnpei; government offices and diplomatic residences are concentrated here.
• Nan Madol: A ruined ceremonial city built on roughly 92 man-made islets of basalt and coral; accessible by boat from Kolonia and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Pohnpei island is served by Pohnpei International Airport (PNI), which receives regional flights from other Micronesian destinations (check current schedules). From the airport a short taxi or shuttle ride brings you to Kolonia, the main town and ferry/transport hub on the island; local taxis and minibuses are the usual way to get around the island once ashore.

• Schedule Pohnpei visits for the drier months (roughly December-April) when conditions are more settled for outdoor activities and boat trips to outlying sites.
• Base yourself in Kolonia to access ferries, local guides and the island's main services-most excursions (to waterfalls, Nan Madol ruins, village visits) are arranged from there.
• Hire a local guide for visits to Nan Madol and interior waterfalls: guides provide access, navigation on muddy tracks, and cultural context that many independent visitors miss.