Pohnpei is an island that is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Pohnpei is the largest of the islands in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is roughly circular and about 60 mi (97 km) 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 in (7,600 mm) of rain per year at the higher elevations and 150 in (3,800 mm) 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.
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.
Sokehs Ridge is a massive rock outcropping near Kolonia. A hiking trail leads to the top for a beautiful panoramic view over the island. There are some World War II-era Japanese guns at the top. A good half-day outing. 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 in Kolonia. Walk around campus. See the traditional boat.
Dive and snorkel Pohnpei has very good diving and snorkeling. The diving here mostly along reefs. There is decent diving and snorkeling from Nahlap Resort. You will need a boat for the best diving spots on the island. Kayak Sea Breeze hotel rents kayaks. The rate is $2 per hour. Coco Marina, across the street, also rents Kayaks. See Mangrove Forests There are no natural beaches. Instead of beaches the island is surrounded by a belt of mangrove swamp. Travelers will find that there is not obvious access to the ocean in Kolonia. There is public access to the water a Nett Point. Nahlap Resort Built on top of a reef in Kitti Municipality, Nahlap features about 10 spartan cabins.
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. Coco Marina. Owned by the Neime Company, it is a restaurant with an extensive menu of local and American standards, and the only place on the island to get a proper Caesar Salad. The Hawaiian-style poke is definitely something to try and the chef, formerly from San Diego, knows how to do a burrito the right way. The menu also features steaks and produce, fresh from Hawaii, and the fish is always fresh. The bar is well-stocked and drinks are potent and inexpensive. It's in Kolonia, across the street from the Australian Embassy and Sea Breeze Hotel.
Club Flamingo - the only nightclub on the island. $3 cover. Open on the weekends, after 10PM, the party can go on until 3 in the morning. Don't get caught on the dance floor after a song ends! Sakau en Pohnpei - many people around Pohnpei enjoy anesthetizing themselves with a goopy concoction known as sakau (a.k.a. kava). Try some and you'll understand why people say "like the feeling, not the taste." There are numerous sakau bars (markets) around town. 'Green Bay' is a popular sakau bar. The atmosphere at the market is very quiet and low key. The price is usually $7 for all you can drink in a shared cup. For about $10 you can get a personal cup.
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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Oct, Pohnpei typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 30 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-10-06. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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