The FSM requires proof of citizenship and presentation of a completed FSM Immigration Arrival and Departure Record for entry. A passport valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry into the FSM satisfies the first requirement.
Passports & Visas
Countries with No Visa Required or Visa-on-Arrival
For U.S. citizens and residents of U.S. possessions, an entry permit is issued on arrival, and there are no limitations on the length of stay as a result of the Compact of Free Association between the two countries. For nationals from some other countries an automatic visa is issued upon arrival (duration varies from country to country, but typically is for 30 days).
Marine Protected Areas (MPA), Sanctuaries, and Forest Reserves
Pohnpei Island currently has thirteen marine protected areas, including three mangrove forest reserves and two stingray sanctuaries. Additionally, Pakin Atoll has five of its own MPAs and all of Ahnd Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
If you wish to visit a MPA it is best to work with a tour operators as they have the necessary permits that allow entry into these MPAs and biosphere reserves.
Current MPAs
Sapwtik MPA
Sapwtik Marine Protected Area is a 0.83 km2 (0.32 mi2) area encompassing Sapwtik (island), portions of its fringing reef, and sections of the lagoon southwest and northeast of the island.
Dekehos (Mwahnd) MPA
Dekehos Marine Protected Area is a 4.60 km2 (1.78 mi2) area encompassing Mwahnd Passage (Kepidauen Mwahnd) and portions of the barrier reef north of the pass and to the south as far as the fringing reef of Mwahnd Peidak (island).
Dehpehk MPA
Dehpehk Marine Protected Area is a 2.12 km2 (0.82 mi2) area encompassing the eastern and northern coasts of Dehpehk (island) and adjacent fringing reefs.
Nanwap MPA
Nanwap Marine Protected Area is a 3.05 km2 (1.18 mi2) section of the barrier reef and adjacent lagoon areas north of the Madolenihmw Bay passage (Kepidauen Deleur).
Senipehn Mangrove Forest Reserve
Senipehn Mangrove Forest Reserve is a 1.30 km2 (0.5 mi2) area of mangrove forest surrounding Dauen Sapwalap in Madolenihmw.
Namwen Na Stingray Sanctuary
Namwen Na Stingray Sanctuary is a 0.71 km2 (0.27 mi2) area encompassing both shallow reef and deep water areas located north of Na (island) and south of Nahpali (island).
Namwen Nahnningi Stingray Sanctuary
Namwen Nahnningi Stingray Sanctuary is a 0.34 km2 (0.13 mi2) area encompassing four large reef pools and the adjacent reefs northwest of Nahnningi (island).
Nahtik MPA
Nahtik Marine Protected Area is a 0.75 km2 (0.29 mi2) area encompassing Nahtik (island) and all fringing reefs.
Enipein Mangrove Reserve
Enipein Mangrove Reserve is a 9.55 km2 (3.69 mi2) area of mangrove forest located in Enipein, Kitti.
Kehpara MPA
Kehpara Marine Protected Area is a 1.89 km2 (0.73 mi2) area encompassing the three Namwmwour barrier reef islands (including Kehpara) and large sections of the barrier reef both north, south, and east of the islands. This area is completely closed to diving and snorkeling from January 1 to June 30 every year.
Pwudoi Mangrove Sanctuary
Pwudoi Mangrove Sanctuary is a 1.39 km2 (0.52 mi2) area encompassing large sections of mangrove forest in Pwudoi, Kitti, as well as adjacent fringing reefs and portions of the lagoon.
Wahulap MPA
Wahulap Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Nikahlap Island and all surrounding reefs.
Painpwel MPA
Painpwel Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Painpwel Island, a number of tiny islands off the north coast where sea turtles nest, and all surrounding reefs.
Palikir MPA
Palikir Marine Protected Area is one of Pohnpei’s largest inner-lagoon sanctuaries. It stretches from the shore of Palikir all the way to Palikir Pass. It is also one of Pohnpei’s most successful MPA’s and in 2020 efforts were made expand the MPA’s borders.
Sapangin MPA
Sapangin Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Sapangin Island, several tiny islets to the north where sea turtles nest, and all surrounding reefs.
Kehrot MPA
Kehrot Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Kehrot Island, many tiny islets to the northeast where sea turtles nest, and all surrounding reefs.
Mwahnid MPA
Mwahnid Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Mwahnid Island and all surrounding reefs.
Nahnningi is known by most as “Joy Island”. There used to be a popular camping operation there in the 1990s, but for many years the island was not open to tourists. Recently it has become available again, but even more developed and open for both locals and tourists. The island is now called Para Nuii and is home to one of Pohnpei’s best picnic spots. The appeal of the island has to do with the shallow sandy areas around it, which are great for swimming and stingray-watching (beaches form at low tide) as well as housing situation. Para Nuii has fully furnished bungalows that stretch our from the northern end of the island. It is definitely “higher class” than most housing situations on the other islands, however because of this it does come with a steeper price tag than the other lagoon islands. There’s good snorkeling and SCUBA diving to the northeast along the outer reef and at a small channel near Mall. The Namwen Nahnningi Stingray Sanctuary is also within a close distance of the island.
Most archaeologists agree that Nahnningi is man-made and was constructed during the Nan Madol Period (it’s square and has low columnar basalt walls around much of its coastline). Purchase the Temwen Vicinity Eco-Adventure Map Guide for detailed maps and additional info.
To book a reservation for Para Nuii contact One World Plaza’s office located on the 1st floor of One World Plaza building or via their website listed below.
7 Stars Inn opened in 2012 at the site of the former Penny Hotel (opposite the Pohnpei Botanical Garden) and has quickly ascended to the top spot in terms of classiness. The property was carefully renovated and all rooms are beautifully furnished and decorated. Everything is kept spotless, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Three types of rooms are available: Single (2 twins), Double (queen + twin), and Deluxe (1 king). The hotel has its own car rental service, a restaurant (Riverside), and a sports bar (Lefty’s) downstairs. Reservation requests can be made through the excellent web site or by email.
Cliff is another of Pohnpei’s long-standing hotels, though it has been renovated and had a nice new wing added to it in recent years. The rooms are simply furnished and typical of low to mid-range accommodations. It’s a favorite among Peace Corps workers in town for R ‘n’ R — which probably speaks to its affordability and level of comfort. Cliff also has its own car rental service, conference room facilities for rent, and a restaurant and bar. Reservation requests can be made by email.
Joy Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on Pohnpei. Recent renovations have dramatically improved some of the rooms. Over all, Joy is a nice little hotel, centrally-located on Ohmine Street at the north end of Kolonia. Its biggest claim to fame is certainly its restaurantdownstairs, open three meals a day. Two types of rooms are available: Single (1 queen) and Double (2 twins). The renovated rooms are certainly the best, but non-smokers will be turned off by the pervasive smell of cigarette smoke. The hotel doesn’t do its own tours or car rental, but they can certainly refer you to someone who can. Staff speak English, Pohnpeian, and Japanese. All major credit cards are accepted. Repeat customers get a 10% discount. Reservation requests can be made by email.
Located on the southern end of Pohnrakied, Hideaway Hotel is situated on the hillside facing the southern end of Sokehs harbor. Unlike traditional hotels Hideaway has cottages rather than rooms. If you enjoy privacy and not having to worry about the people in the room next door, this is the place for you. There are two types of rooms available: single and double. The hotel has its own restaurant (Hideaway Bar & Grill), located at the bottom of the hill.
Located right in the center of town on Elenieng street across from Kolonia Elementary School. It’s only a short 1-5 minute walk from Ellen’s Market, 4TY Food Truck, Ace Office Supply, Ace Hardware, Ace Commercial, and Pohnpei Cinemas. They have single deluxe (1 king)and double (2 twins) rooms available for guests to stay in. Rooms on the northern side of the hotel have a small balcony where one can enjoy the outside air, whereas rooms on the southern side do not have a balcony. The hotel also has its own car rental service for guests only. Island Palms Restaurant, located on the first floor, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests and the general public.
Mangrove Bay, located on a man-made spit of land at the head of the bay between Sokehs Island and Kolonia, and the host of the Pohnpei Surf Club (PSC). Owned and operated by Kumer Panuelo and family, the establishment looks like it may have set a new standard on the island. The place is small, but rooms are comfortable and beautifully furnished with wonderful views of the nearby Yacht Harbor and free WIFI. Mangrove Bay has a Marina, boat gas station, and the Pohnpei Dive and Surf Club located right by the hotel. Mangrove Bay also has a nice open-air bar / restaurant. Reservation requests can be made through the hotel’s Facebook page. Pohnpei Surf and Dive Club offers the most extensive range of tour options on the island: surfing, jetski, land and ocean tours (Nan Madol ruins, waterfalls, island hikes, Ahnd Atoll), stand-up paddle boarding, and SCUBA diving. PSC has gear on hand for all of its tours. Reservation requests can be made by email.
Seabreeze, located on the waterfront road at the north end of Kolonia, is the first hotel one passes when leaving the airport, but it sometimes gets overlooked anyway. It’s a no-frills joint to be sure, but the rooms are nice and kept very clean and the staff is friendly and informative. The best rooms are in the new wing, but some of the singles are down-right Lilliputian. Sea Breeze has its own car and kayak rental services. They can also arrange snorkeling, SCUBA diving, sport-fishing, surfing, hiking, and Nan Madol excursions through Paradise Tour Service. The on-site restaurant (Red Snapper) serves an expansive lunch buffet on Wednesdays. Reservation requests can be made by email.
Oceanview Plaza Hotel is one of the better located hotels on the island. The hotel sits on the mountain overlooking Mangrove Bay and the Sokehs harbor. They have single and double rooms as well cottages. The best rooms to book are the ocean-side rooms (as opposed to a mountain-side rooms), that way you can enjoy Pohnpei’s amazing sunsets and the view of the harbor. The hotel also has its own car rental service for guests staying at the hotel. Orchid restaurant is on the first floor of the hotel.
Para Nuii Island resort is Pohnpei’s most remote hotel among the hotels. Situated on the other side of the island, it’s about an 1 hour to an 1hr-30min drive from town to the dock depending on traffic and other factors. Afterwards it’s a short boat ride over reef to a beautiful island. The actual name of the island is Nahnningi Island which was built during the construction of Nan Madol and is located on the southern end of the reef flat on which Nan Madol is built. The island has fully furnished bungalows which guests can book for multiple nights. The sunrises there are amazing; the water is full of marine life thanks to a marine sanctuary located nearby as well. The only caveat is that guests will have to bring their own food and drinks with since there is no place that serves food on the island and the nearest restaurant is a 5 minute boat ride and a 1-2 hour drive away, and that’s if the tide is high enough to allow the boat back to the main island (this information is as of summer 2021, however plans may be in place to build a restuarant/ area where guests can dine in the near future). However despite that, it is a great place for weekend getaways and we highly recommend you visit the place at least once during your stay on Pohnpei.
Yvonne’s Hotel bills itself as a “mid-sized hotel with the atmosphere of a family guesthouse.” That’s a good description. Things are basic, but always spotlessly clean. Unfortunately, (and through no fault of its owners), it just happens to be located between Telecom, which runs its noisy generator off and on at all hours, and a cinderblock plant with loud machinery. Yvonne’s is popular with business travelers, but gets fewer tourists. Single (1 queen), Double (1 queen + 1 twin), and Studio (3 twins + kitchen) are offered. Studios are available at a monthly rate. The hotel has its own car rental service and cafe-style restaurant (Kia’s). Reservation requests can be made by email.
Ros is another beautiful uninhabited reef island in the south. The long, skinny island seems to be slowly disappearing as it erodes, but there are huge areas of wonderful sand on the west side to lounge about on and a narrow belt of trees. It’s mostly notable as a destination for paddlers, taking a break from exploring mangrove forests nearby, or SCUBA enthusiasts, resting between dives (Kepidauen Ros is one of two locations on Pohnpei famous for manta rays). There is good swimming and snorkeling a few kicks from the island.
For permission to visit or camp on the island, call +691.320.5896 or the Kitti Municipal Government Office at +691.320.5038, 320.5808, 320.5049, or 320.3257.
Nahlap, owned by former FSM congressman John David, has become one of the most popular lagoon island get-aways in Pohnpei State largely because it’s easy to get to, affordable, and has lots of huts for visitors. There are two docks, several stilt huts out over the water for lounging around and taking in the scenery, a volleyball court, and a variety of picnic spots. The island also has a small chapel on it located further in from the picnic area. They also have wifi on the island but only in a certain area and not across the whole island. The island is large, shady, and quite pleasant. Though the surrounding ocean is dominated by mangroves and seagrass, there are places on the far side and around the docks with good snorkeling. The southeast coast has some shady beaches at low tide (the best is in front of the tiny chapel) and rope swings for the kids. The turn-off for the launch at Sekeren Iap is about 21 km west and south of Kolonia. Continue past the Henry Nanpei memorial and the Rohnkitti Church all the way to the end of the road.
To make reservations or arrange for a boat taxi from Sekeren Iap in Rohnkitti, call +691.320.2776. Or call the Kitti Municipal Government Office at +691.320.5038, 320.5808, 320.5049, or 320.3257 and ask for assistance.
Dekehtik, which means “small island”, also called Sand Island is an uninhabited coral islet west of Na, of which it was once a part (not be confused with the island of the same name on which the airport is located). The north coast is most suitable for camping with some sandy beaches at low tide and stunningly clear water for swimming and ogling the many stingrays in the area. There are huts on the island for people to stay in while on the island. The island is currently owned by the Adams family (the proprietors of Ace Hardware and Ace Office Supply). The best snorkeling is northwest of the island along the edge of the deep, blue hole of Pahn Nahkapw. The island itself is characterized by thickets of shrubby vegetation and coconut palms. Sandy beaches form on the north coast at low tide.
To make reservations for day visits or night stays and to arrange boat transport call ACE at +691.320.8279 / 5637.
Dekehtik in the foreground, Na Island in the background (PC: Lee Arkhie Perez)
Deketihk Island with Nahkapw Island in the background. (PC: Lee Arkhie Perez)
Though not as developed as Black Coral the small thatched huts are adequate for camping trips, the island is equally as shady and much larger than Black Coral, and it actually offers easier access to the excellent snorkeling around Kehpara Pass. It’s cheaper, too. At low tide, there’s a beautiful sandy beach between the two islands. The island has solar lights set up around the island to provide some light at night however we recommend bringing along a lantern and some flashlights to help illuminate inside the huts since they are not rigged with lights.
To make reservations for day visits or overnight stays and arrange for boat pick-up from the launch behind Seinwar Elementary School, call Nickson Abraham (Oaun Kitti) at +691.925.5340 / +691.920.8081 or the Kitti Municipal Government Office at +691.320.5038, 320.5808, 320.5049, or 320.3257.
Black Coral (top island) and Kehpara (bottom island)
“Black Coral” is the southernmost islet in the Namwmour chain of islands that straddles Kehpara Pass (Dauen Kehpara) on the southwest corner of Pohnpei’s barrier reef. It’s true name is said to be Kehpara, but hardly anyone calls it that. Instead, Kehpara is usually used to refer to the island on the opposite side of the pass (island on lower right side of top image). In the mid-1600s, the conquering hero, Isokelekel, first entered Pohnpei’s barrier reef through Kehpara Pass on his way from Ahnd Atoll to Nan Madol. The sandy and well-shaded coral island, which lies within the Kehpara Marine Protected Area (MPA), is currently owned by the Adams family (the proprietors of Ace Hardware and Ace Office Supply). Black Coral is immaculately maintained with serpentine footpaths running here and there through large sprawling trees and several simple, wooden huts for overnight camping. Good snorkeling is located off the eastern shore and in the pass to the north, where white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and other marine wonders can often be seen. The best SCUBA diving is along the outer edge of the barrier reef north of the pass, a spot called Kehpara Wall. The area is a spawning ground for several varieties of protected grouper. Though some sandy areas appear at low tide along the inner coast, Black Coral doesn’t have any true beaches.
To make reservations for day visits or night stays and to arrange boat transport from the Seinwar Launch behind Seinwar Elementary School call ACE at +691.320.8279 / 5637.
PC: Lee Arkhie Perez
Black Coral from above. (PC: Lee Arkhie Perez)
Black coral on the left, Kehpara on the right. (PC: Lee Arkhie Perez)
Black Coral (top island) and Kehpara (bottom island)
Beyond Pohnpei’s lagoon, the closest land to be found exists on two “satellite atolls” called Ahnd (pronounced änt) and Pakin (pä.keen). An atoll is made up of a number of coralline islets in a ring around a relatively shallow lagoon and is created when a high, volcanic island submerges over millions of years, leaving only the reef that fringed its shores. The islands form as sand, coral rubble, and other detritus collect on the reef and begin to support trees, small plants, and animals. Coral sand accumulates on the lagoon sides of the islands and creates beaches.
Ahnd (“Ant”) Atoll
Ahnd Atoll, popularly but erroneously spelled “Ant,” is 16 km (8 mi) southwest of Rohnkitti and consists of 13 low, luxuriant islands 3-4 meters above sea-level and a lagoon of 70 km2 entered by a single passage in the reef.
When the larger-than-life hero Isokelekel voyaged to Pohnpei, intent on overthrowing the rulers of Nan Madol, he came first to Ahnd and lived there for some time, learning about Pohnpeian customs from its inhabitants. In modern times, the entire atoll became the property of a single Pohnpeian family — the descendents of Henry Nanpei, who lived from 1862 to 1928. Nanpei’s shrewd business sense and knack for manipulating local power politics enabled him to acquire the atoll and amass a great deal of other land.
Ahnd Atoll Channel
Black tip reef sharks at Ahnd Atoll (PC: Tia Panuelo)
Ahnd Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia (PC: Alex Zuccarelli)
Ahnd Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia (PC: Alex Zuccarelli)
Ahnd Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia (PC: Alex Zuccarelli)
Imwen Sapw Island and channel entrance
Today Ahnd has a few human residents, the biosphere rangers who make sure people do not fish within the protected area. There is also resort run by the Nanpei family located on the island of Pasa (information for booking trips can be found below).
It is home to some of the largest colonies of black noddies, terns, boobies, and frigatebirds in the Pacific as well as a healthy community of gray reef sharks in and around Dauenai (passage).
The most interesting islands to camp on are Pasa, Nikahlap, Dolen Mwuroi, and Nahlos. The former two have long stretches of deserted white-sand beach and excellent swimming. Nan Imwinsapw is closest to Dauenai (passage), where all the best snorkeling and the most accessible diving is found, but it has a big rat problem. Pahn Mwek is near to both excellent snorkeling and some of the rare diving that exists inside the lagoon. For the most part, however, the lagoon is the domain of snorkelers, sandy and punctuated by beautiful coral heads with lots of color and life at low tide.
Dauenai on the south side is where most people go to SCUBA dive. It is known for orange sponges (on the west wall) and large numbers of barracudas, jacks, and sharks throughout. Reef fish populations around the pass, unfortunately, have declined in the last two decades, but hopefully will recover now that the area is protected. Even so, the place still feels busy compared to other locations and you’ll see all the familiar species — unicornfish, triggerfish, wrasses, surgeons, groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish, moorish idols, and more. Moray eels might be spotted on occasion. Spinner dolphins are regularly seen at the mouth of the passage and in the waters around Ahnd. Visibility in the pass, though not as spectacular as outside the reef, can reach 50 meters (164 feet) — certainly nothing to complain about.
In addition to drift-dives on either side of the deep passage, there is stunning (and frequently overlooked) diving on the outer wall of the barrier reef on the northwest side near Olouna (often known as “bird island” for the huge colonies of seabirds that nest there), and north of Pasa. The west wall of the barrier reef plummets to great depths, and because it is more protected from the northeasterly winds and waves, it is marked by an abundance of soft coral, holes, tunnels, and caves — an exciting place for any advanced diver. Giant clams are also common. Visibility on the outside edges can be extraordinary, exceeding 70 meters (230 feet). Currents can be swift both in the pass and around the outer walls.
Visiting Ahnd Atoll / Permission & Protected Areas
Because Ahnd is a privately owned island and UNESCO marine biosphere reserve permission is required from the Nanpei family for visits.
Contact LP Gas at +691.320.5661 / 2675 to make arrangements.
Core area(s) comprise a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
A buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education.
The transition area is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable.
Olouna (“Bird Island”)
Landing on Olouna island is prohibited to prevent disruption of the habitats of the seabirds who nest there. If you’d like to take a look at Olouna, consider making a kayak trip around it. You can arrange to pay your boat extra to transport a small ocean kayak or two.
Pakin Atoll
Pakin Atoll is composed of about 16 low islands, 13.6 km2 of reef, and a lagoon of 11 km2. It lies 38 km (24 mi) northwest of Palikir. In the early 1900s, Sokehs residents of Mortlockese descent were allowed to settle on the atoll, where their descendents (about 80) live to this day. Most of the islands are sparsely inhabited and all have excellent beaches, swimming, and nearby snorkeling.
One complication of visiting, however, is that Pakin has no true passage, making entry into the lagoon impossible for large boats and both difficult and dangerous for small boats. Boats enter at high tide at one of two places in the barrier reef (the usual spot is known as Uhrek), where the coral is slightly deeper than elsewhere — by a matter of a few inches. The crossing is narrow and complicated by strong surge. Except at the highest tides, the crossing must be carefully timed to correspond with the surge. Boats can easily capsize in the surf or be thrown up on the reef; several locals have been killed at the spot while trying to make the crossing in less than ideal conditions. When planning a visit, make sure that you hire an experienced pilot who knows this particular crossing and is committed to the safety of his passengers. Also, it is important to plan arrivals and departures to coincide with the highest tides.
All of the diving and the best snorkeling is on the reef wall outside the lagoon, where water clarity and reef conditions are simply mind-blowing. The wall north of Nikahlap is known for sharks, while the opposite side of the island is home to large schools barracuda. For sea turtle sightings, divers will want to try the walls on the northeast side. Turtles nest on many of the small islets north of Painpwel, Sapangin, Kehrot, and Osetik.
