Pohnpei Eco-Adventure Guide

Dream Inside, Step Outside

Tag: mangrove forest

Paddling Lenger & Sapwtik

SwimmingSnorkelingKayaking / CanoeingMarine Reserve

As the closest lagoon islands to Kolonia and with the highest concentration of WWII historical sites anywhere around Pohnpei, Lenger and nearby Sapwtik make fantastic destinations for paddling enthusiasts. In addition to the attractions on each of the two islands, there are mangrove forests and some interesting reef environments to explore.

Around Lenger

Pahnaiau Getaway (Barbosa’s Wharf) to the Seaplane Ramp

This portion of the route is characterized by Lenger’s shallow fringe reef, a sandy, silty expanse dominated by small-scale coral growth, brilliant blue starfish, cowries, sea cucumbers of various types, and scattered beds of seagrass, which Pohnpeian’s call oaloahd. Keep an eye out for the main attraction: stingrays. They generally rest on the bottom in the sand and will shoot off when you approach. Not far beyond the wharf is the Jaluit Cistern, one of the oldest historical sites in Pohnpei State. The cistern was probably constructed in the late 1880s by German traders operating on the coast. A stone wharf originally connected it with the coast, but a few scattered stones are all that are left. Bullet holes in the masonry were caused by Allied strafing during WWII.

If you decide to make a wider arc around the island, you’ll pass over areas where the reef shelf ends and the deep part of the lagoon begins. Small sea turtles are seen on rare occasions near the reef wall. The majority of the reef fish will also be found at this natural boundary. Note, however, that the reef stretches all the way to Sapwtik in the northwest and there is no way around Lenger’s northern end without crossing it. The depth over the shelf varies from a few centimeters to a meter, depending on the time of day and the precise location. Because fragile corals and other organisms are harmed by feet or dragging keels, the northern passage should be attempted at high tide only.

The Seaplane Ramp to the Mangrove Passage

The reef on the eastern side of the island tends to be deeper than in the northwest and has denser beds of seagrass. Larger fish are found in this area, and sometimes juvenile black-tip reef sharks can be seen swishing their way around.

The Mangrove Passage to Barbosa’s Wharf

The tunnel-like mangrove passage winds about a third of a kilometer through a dense section of forest that mostly comprises members of the Rhizophora genus, identified by the arching prop roots that extend out of the water toward the tree trunks. It’s a nice, scenic paddle and a good place to spot shorebirds like the Pacific Reef Heron and Micronesian Kingfisher. Once out of the forest, you can follow the coastline past the ruins of the Japanese-era Kohatsu Wharf and back to Barbosa’s Wharf.

Around Sapwtik

A relatively well-preserved Japanese wharf extends southwest from Sapwtik’s coast all the way to the edge of the reef. This is a wonderful place for a picnic and swim or snorkel. There’s one large tree on the wharf, offering shade. To the west is a maze of mangrove clumps that are fun to paddle through (though they are not as extensive as Lenger’s) before reaching the western terminus of the island. North of the point is an exposed rocky place that’s a perfect pull-out spot for a snack. A little beyond that is the site of the coastal battery and nearby munitions magazine. Conditions north of Sapwtik’s coastline are very similar to Lenger’s northern sector — shallow and characterized by seagrass beds and silt. You shouldn’t try to kayak here except at mid to high tides. All along the coast, you’ll find evidence of Japanese occupation, low walls, foxholes, rifle pits, etc.

Starting   Ending Distance (km) Distance (mi)
St. Peter’s Church, Sokehs —- Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger 7.93 km 4.93 mi
Misko Beach, Dekehtik Island —- Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger 4.52 km 2.8 mi
Ice Dock, Kolonia Town —- Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger 3.53 km 2.2 mi
Nett Point, Nett —- Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger 1.97 km 1.22 mi
St. Peter’s Church, Sokehs —- Japanese Wharf, Sapwtik 7.75 km 4.81 mi
Misko Beach, Dekehtik Island —- Japanese Wharf, Sapwtik 4.34 km 2.7 mi
Ice Dock, Kolonia Town —- Japanese Wharf, Sapwtik 4.23 km 2.63 mi
Nett Point, Nett —- Japanese Wharf, Sapwtik 2.95 km 1.83 mi
Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger —- Japanese Seaplane Ramp, Lenger* 1.52 km 0.95 mi
Japanese Seaplane Ramp, Lenger —- Mangrove Passage Northern Entrance, Lenger 0.58 km 0.36 mi
Mangrove Passage Northern Entrance, Lenger —- Kohatsu Wharf, Lenger 0.42 km 0.26 mi
Kohatsu Wharf, Lenger —- Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger 0.51 km 0.32 mi
Pahnaiau Getaway, Lenger —- Japanese Wharf, Sapwtik 1.29 km 0.8 mi
Japanese Wharf, Sapwtik —- Gun Battery, Sapwtik 0.74 km 0.46 mi

*Shallow reef shelf. This segment is only passable at middle to high tides.

Map Guides >> Lenger & Sapwtik Islands >> Paddling Around Lenger & Sapwtik

By pni-surfclubPosted on Posted in birding, hiking & trekking, historical sites, islands, lenger & sapwtik islands, paddling, snorkeling, swimming & picnicking, world war sitesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

An Introduction to Pohnpei

Pohnpei, the Ultimate Adventurer’s Paradise

title=Imagine an island that still retains its wildness — a place of rugged, breathtaking beauty, vibrant traditional culture, unpaved remoteness, and mystery. Imagine a landscape so green that it threatens to burn a hole in your retina. Picture being the only snorkeler on a pristine reef, surfing one of the world’s most celebrated waves, diving in a place most divers have never dreamed of, climbing misting mountain peaks, exploring a prehistoric megalithic city, or trekking through lush rainforests. This, in a nutshell, is Pohnpei.

But, Where the Heck is It?

The short answer? 4,828 kilometers (3,000 miles) southwest of Hawaii and 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles) northeast of Australia. Pohnpei is the largest and highest island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), a far-flung oceanic nation with some 600 islands spread across a vast section of the western Pacific between Hawaii and the U.S. Territory of Guam. The FSM is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the Pacific with more than twenty distinct groups and as many unique languages. The country is divided into four states (from east to west) — Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap. The capital of the FSM is located at Palikir on the west side of Pohnpei Island. In addition to the main island, Pohnpei State also includes four inhabited Micronesian atolls, two distant Polynesian outliers, two uninhabited atolls, and a submerged atoll.

They Don’t Call It the Garden Isle for Nothing

Roughly 22.5 kilometers (14 miles) in diameter, Pohnpei Island is the peak of a 5 million-year-old extinct shield volcano that has subsided over its lifetime. Some say it bears a resemblance to Bora Bora minus the unchecked development. Others liken it to something out of a Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Both would be correct. The place is rugged and brilliant green with a dense rainforested interior and mountains as high as 780 meters (2,600 feet). With 825 centimeters (325 inches) of rain a year in the interior, Pohnpei ranks as the seventh rainiest location on Earth. All that water adds up to more than 40 watercourses, scores of scenic waterfalls, and some of the largest areas of intact upland rainforest in the Pacific.

Pohnpei offers divers and snorkelers a mostly unexplored marine wonderland

A Marine Wonderland

Pohnpei’s coasts are entirely encircled by shadowy mangrove forests that are more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide in places and provide a maze of narrow, tunnel-like channels for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) enthusiasts. This environment is a serene domain of birds and other creatures. A half to one and a half kilometers further out, a barrier reef curves around 70% of the island, forming a large, placid lagoon with passages going out into the open ocean — prime spots for surfing, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. Small volcanic islands are scattered about within the lagoon and coralline islands with sandy beaches perch along the reef itself, calling to campers and beach-bums.

In short, there’s a little bit here for everyone . . .

By pni-surfclubPosted on Posted in basicsTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Paddling Around Western Kitti

Pwudoi Mangrove Sanctuary

This small reserve covers an area of 1.39 km2 and includes the pristine mangrove forests around Pwudoi (north of Dolen Uh) and some of the adjacent lagoon and fringing reef. There are two major mangrove channels that run through the sanctuary. One goes 0.69 km (0.43 mi) up to Pilen Seleur — the same watercourse where the eel pools are located. The other channel is 0.61 km (0.38 mi) long. Both are excellent, scenic paddles with plenty of seabirds to scope out. The launch at Seinwar is a good point of access for this area.

  • Entering the MPA requires a permit. Visit our MPA page for details.

Mangrove Channels & Coastline

Western Kitti doesn’t have an abundance of long mangrove channels to paddle through, but it does have lots of smaller ones. The best of these are in the north. One interesting loop cuts around a chunk of mangrove forest, combining the 0.68 km (0.42 mi) of Dauen Tomwara with another 0.7 km (0.44 mi) segment. Another loop encircles Kiparalap Island with a 0.48 km (0.3 mi) segment through the mangroves. If you put in near the Sakartik Stream bridge (Pilen Sakartik), you can also experience this 0.89 km (0.55 mi) channel leading to the lagoon. Dauen Nansakar offers another 0.83 km (0.52 mi) of channel to explore.

Nearby Islands

Two single islands in the north — Kiparalap and Pohn Lahpar — and two island chains make great destinations for paddlers. You can get to the coast of Kiparalap from the south side and Pohn Lahpar from the east side. Otherwise, both islands are surrounded by mangrove forests. A string of small islands and mangrove clumps on the barrier reef south of Dauahk Passage (Kepidauen Dauahk) are roughly 5.5 km (3.42 mi) west of the community launch in Dien. It’s a fairly long paddle, but the islands make a nice spot for a rest and some lunch. The snorkeling on the inner reef walls in the area is sublime. Finally, the beautiful islands of Kehpara and “Black Coral” lie 6.58 km (4.1 mi) southwest of the Seinwar launch. There are primitive shelters on both islands for camping and incredible snorkeling in the pass that runs between. Kehpara has a beautiful white sand beach at one end.

  • Visit the Islands page for more information about Kehpara and Black Coral islands and how to book huts for overnight stays in either location.
  • Entering Kehpara MPA requires a permit. Visit our MPA page for details.

Paddling Distances Around Western Kitti

Starting Ending Distance (km) Distance (mi)
Dien Launch —- Pohn Lahpar Island East Coast 1.9 km 1.18 mi
Dien Launch —- Kiparalap Island South Coast 2.4 km 1.5 mi
Kiparalap Loop —- 2 km 1.24 mi
Dien Launch —- Dauen Tomwara (Channel) 1 km 0.62 mi
Dien Launch —- Kepidauen Dauahk (Passage) 7.2 km 4.47 mi
Dien Launch —- Dauen Soundau (Channel) Launch 5.8 km 3.6 mi
Dauen Tomwara (Channel) Loop —- 2.9 km 1.8 mi
Kiparalap Channel East End —- Kiparalap Channel West End 0.48 km 0.3 mi
Dien Launch —- Kepidauen Pehleng (Passage) 6.67 km 4.1 mi
Dien Launch —- Dauahk Islands 5.5 km 3.4 mi
Sakartik Bridge Launch* —- Lagoon 0.89 km 0.55 mi
Sakartik Bridge Launch* —- Dauen Nansakar (Channel) East End* 1.27 km 0.79 mi
Sakartik Bridge Launch* —- Pwel Weita Launch* 4.8 km 3 mi
Pwel Weita Launch* —- Pilen Seleur East End* 3.97 km 2.5 mi
Pwel Weita Launch* —- Unnamed Island North Coast 2 km 1.24 mi
Seinwar Launch —- Pilen Seleur East End* 1.97 km 1.22 mi
Pwel Weita Launch* —- Seinwar Launch 4.53 km 2.8 mi
Seinwar Launch —- Sekeren Iap Launch 4.9 km 3 mi
Seinwar Launch —- Kehpara / Black Coral islands 6.58 km 4.1 mi

*This segment may be difficult or impossible to traverse at low tide.

Map Guides >> Western Kitti >> Paddling Around Western Kitti

By pni-surfclubPosted on Posted in birding, islands, paddling, snorkeling, swimming & picnicking, western kittiTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Temwen Vicinity Paddling

Hiking / TrekkingWorld War II FortificationsArchaeology Site / RuinBird-WatchingCampingSwimmingSnorkelingKayaking / CanoingPicnickingBeachesMarine Reserve

Dauen Moahk, Temwen Island, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

If Nan Madol is your primary destination, the southern route around Temwen is the shortest, following the tranquil passage of Dauen Moahk (a meditative way to begin or end the day). Note, however, that east-bound passage under the two bridges at Temwen Causeway is extremely difficult or impossible when the tide is coming in. The current flowing into the bay can be as powerful as a river.

Temwen Island Circumnavigation

For people that want an upper-body workout, the 8.9 km (5.3 mi) paddle around Temwen is an interesting journey with a variety of different sights along the way. Be informed on the tides before starting as the reefs on the northeast and northwest sides are only inches deep at low tide.

Heading north, there are wonderful views of scenic (but murky) Madolenihmw Bay and nearby Takaiuh and Nahnpahlap hills. Peipas Island, a man-made basalt burial structure that is probably related to Nan Madol, is hidden among the mangroves of Temwen’s western coast. Salong Point, Temwen Island, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)Further on, stony Salong Point juts north almost to the edge of the channel. Unusual eroded rock formations and a complete lack of mangroves make the place visually unique and worth a look. There’s also a small sea-cave and a portal in the topography that frames conical Takaiuh. Depending on tides and recent rain, the sheltered bay east of the point is sometimes a nice place for a dip, though there isn’t enough coral in the area for snorkeling.

The segment between Salong Point and the Japanese Wharf can be a challenging paddle as Kepidauen Deleur is known for its rough water. This is apparently due to two seamounts in the area, called Mwudokendil and Mwudokensepehl. From the Japanese Wharf, it’s another 1.4 km (0.87 mi) to Nan Douwas. Enter the ruins from the north between Temwen and Peniot.

On the southern side of Temwen, you have the choice of several different channels through the mangroves, though all except Dauen Moahk are heavily silted in and impassable at low tide. The two largest islands between Temwen and Pohnpei — Mwudokalap and Mwudoketik — both host prehistoric stone structures related to Nan Madol. The former was the place where Isokelekel first encountered his estranged son, Nahlepenien, who would eventually become the first Nahnken and later the Nahnmwarki of U.

Rainbow over Nahnningi Island, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Nahnningi & Mall Islands

South of Temwen are Nahnningi (believed to be a man-made island from the Nan Madol era) and Mall islands. The latter has a stone tomb at the northern end. The Namwen Nahnningi Stingray Sanctuary lies northwest of the islands.

  • Visit the Islands page for more information about these locations.

Other Islands

Five islands are found northeast of Temwen at the edge of the massive reef shelf called Mad Pahra. Nahpali is littered with Japanese-era historical sites and has a couple of nice sandy beaches. Little Dekehmwahu also has a nice, secluded beach, but to get to it, you’ll have to paddle around Nahpali’s southern side. Na island’s nicest coasts are on the north side. The same is true of Dekehtik. Nahkapw is a little apart from the others with easy access to the best snorkeling in the area.

  • Visit the Islands page for more information about these locations.

Pahn Nahkapw & Kahnimweiso

The deep water between Nan Madol and Nahkapw at first appears to be a wide channel leading to the open ocean, but may in fact be something called a “blue hole.” It has been hypothesized that this trench is actually a collapsed portion of the reef shelf. Pohnpei oral histories speak of another stone city, called Kahnimweiso, that pre-dated Nan Madol and was said to lie where Pahn Nakapw is now. One theory proposes that the weight of the basalt constructions coupled with the undermining of the limestone reef shelf by freshwater run-off, could have caused a collapse and sent Kahnimweiso plummeting 65 meters to the bottom. When you see how the sandy shore at Nahkapw’s north end drops straight off into deep blue or experience the odd currents in the area, it’s not hard to believe that the site is special. To date, the theories have not been properly tested and Pahn Nahkapw has retained its secrets and its eerie feel.

Southeast wall of Peikapw, Nan Madol, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Nan Madol

If coming from the south, enter the ruins through Dauen Moahk, the first mangrove channel encountered (high tide only). The first stops include Pahn Kadira and Kelepwel islets. From there, you can venture northeast up the canal to Peikapw, Idehd, Dorong, and Peneiring. Further north, notable sites include Kerian, Peikapw Sapwawas, Dau, Pahn Douwas, Pohn Douwas, Nan Douwas, and Konderek. On the return trip south, catch Lemenkau and adjacent Namwenkau (pool) and the huge boulder wall of Pahnwi at the southwest corner. The upper portion of Mweiden Kitti is silted in and nearly closed off by encroaching mangrove trees; it’s impassable even at high tide. All of the entrances on Madol Pah‘s southwest perimeter are now dead-ends, but provide nice sandy spots to picnic.

From the north, it’s easiest to enter Nan Madol at Dauen Nankieilmwahu between Temwen and Peniot islet — especially when surge and choppy seas in Pahn Nahkapw make the narrow gap at Nan Mwoluhsei too risky.

Paddling Distances Around Temwen Island

Starting Ending Distance (km) Distance (mi)
MERIP —- Temwen Causeway 0.59 km 0.37 mi
Temwen Causeway —- Pahn Kadira islet* 1.7 km 1.0 mi
Dauen Moahk —- Pahnwi islet 0.89 km 0.55 mi
Pahnwi islet —- Lemenkau islet* 0.58 km 0.36 mi
Lemenkau islet —- Dorong islet* 0.62 km 0.39 mi
Lemenkau islet —- Peinering islet* 0.39 km 0.25 mi
Peinering islet —- Kerian islet* 0.42 km 0.26 mi
Peinering islet —- Nan Douwas islet* 0.41 km 0.25 mi
MERIP —- Salong Point 2.2 km 1.37 mi
Salong Point —- Japanese Wharf 1.0 km 0.64 mi
Japanese Wharf —- Nan Douwas islet* 1.4 km 0.87 mi
Japanese Wharf —- Nahpali Island 2.63 km 1.63 mi
Nahpali Island —- Dekehmwahu Island 2.00 km 1.5 mi
Kerian islet —- Nahkapw Island 0.89 km 0.55 mi
Nahkapw Island —- Dekehtik Island 0.52 km 0.32 mi
Dekehtik Island —- Northern Na Island 2.9 km 1.8 mi
Northern Na Island —- Dekehmwahu Island 0.77 km 0.48 mi
Mweiden Kitti —- Nahnningi Island 0.69 km 0.43 mi
Nahnningi Island —- Mall Island 0.42 km 0.26 mi

*Silted-in estuary. This segment may be difficult or impossible to traverse at low tide.

Map Guides >> Temwen Vicinity >> Temwen Vicinity Paddling

By pni-surfclubPosted on Posted in birding, camping, cultural sites, historical sites, islands, paddling, prehistoric ruins, snorkeling, swimming & picnicking, temwen vicinity, world war sitesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Paddling Around Central Madolenihmw

Hiking / TrekkingWorld War II FortificationsArchaeology Site / RuinBird-WatchingCampingSwimmingSnorkelingKayaking / CanoingPicnickingBeachesMarine Reserve

Dauen Sapwalap / Senipehn Mangrove Reserve

Dauen Sapwalap is the largest drainage in Madolenihmw, a wide, meandering channel that cuts through the mangrove forests from Kitamw and eventually empties into Madolenihmw Bay. Although the Lehdau River (Pillapen Lehdau) is probably the largest contributor to this major estuary, the two are not synonymous; the channel is also fed by three other watercourses, including the Kitamw Stream (Pilen Kitamw), Pwadapwad Stream (Pilen Pwadapwad), and River of Sekere Riau (Pillapen Sekere Riau). According to legend, a powerful demi-god named Lapongo — the same character involved in the story of Takaiuh peak — dug out the channel with his penis. The matriarch of the Lasialap Clan — a great eel responsible for the creation of Lipwentiak in Kitti and whose tail formed the great mountain in Nett, Pohnlehr — was also said to have dwelt in this channel for many years, terrorizing the local inhabitants.

During the 1889-1890 wars between the Spanish and Pohnpeians, which began in Ohwa and concluded in Kitamw, two contingents of Spanish troops were dispatched at the mouth of Dauen Sapwalap and attempted to move up both banks of the Pillapen Lehdau (Lehdau River) to reach a small half-finished fort built on a low hill by the Pohnpeian fighters. The first group of soldiers got terribly lost in the tangled forests and happened upon the fort only by mere chance. The second group was forced off-route by a seemingly supernatural flood and also ended up lost, camping overnight at Elieliwi before joining the fray. The assault cost the Spanish 21 men, and in the end the Pohnpeians merely withdrew and yielded a position that had meant little to them from the beginning.

In the last decade, the estuary became part of the Senipehn Mangrove Forest Reserve and afforded some environmental protections; tree-cutting, fishing, and gathering of other natural resources in the area is prohibited in most circumstances. Paddlers can explore the 2.6 km (1.62 mi) primary channel and its side passages by launching near the Lehdau River bridge, at the end of the road near Tahio, at the Madolenihmw “Ice Dock”, or at the MERIP boathouse.

  • Entering the mangrove reserve requires a permit. Visit our MPA page for details.

Takaiuh peak, Madolenihmw, Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Takaiuh Peak

While Sokehs Rock is the stand-out natural feature in the north, in Madolenihmw that title certainly goes to Takaiuh (“standing rock”), a majestic conical hill-island on the north side of the bay. Westerners called this feature “Sugarloaf” after the molded cones of sugar that were popular in Western Europe as early as 1470, but the local name and its story are much more interesting (see Madolenihmw Bay Area page for more).

Paddlers can get right up close to the iconic hill for a view from the water that is better than from anywhere on land. There’s also good fun to be had noodling around in the mangrove forests on the eastern shore (at high tide). A sweet spot to stop for a picnic lunch is the top of an exposed rocky rise 0.36 km (0.22 mi) northwest of the peak (no mangroves skirt this bit of the shore).

Pahn Dieinuh

Pahn Dieinuh, the southern point of the Dolopwail peninsula, is significant historically for the 1836 conflict that began there between the visiting British whaleship Falcon and two rival Pohnpeian chiefs — Luhk en Kesik ( the Nahnmwarki) and the Wasai, the first and second ranking men in the royal line, respectively. Things got ugly when the Nahnmwarki made a move to seize the ship and its cargo. When the ship attempted to flee, it ran up on the reef. The cargo was transferred to Nahpali Island and then stolen a month later by the Nahnmwarki‘s brother, Nahnawa. A battle ensued on Nahpali between Nahnawa‘s party and the whalers, ending in the deaths of the ship’s captain and three other sailors. The Wasai, who had been challenging the Nahnmwarki‘s authority for some time, seized this opportunity to rid the land of his enemy by joining the crews of other whaleships in hunting down both Nahnawa and the Nahnmwarki. Fighting continued for several days until the Nahnmwarki was shot and Nahnawa captured and hanged from the yardarm of the whaleship Lambton. Both bodies were buried at Pahn Dieinuh, and the Wasai assumed the position of the Nahnmwarki. There isn’t much of anything to see at Pahn Dieinuh now, but it’s a good spot for a break mid-route. The closest launch points are MERIP boathouse, the “Ice Dock”, and the Metipw launch.

Mwudokolos Island

In addition to the seven islands (Nahpali, Dekemwahu, Na, Dehketik, Nahkapw, Nahnningi, and Mall) found around Temwen, there are three small islands to the north that shouldn’t be missed. The first of these — Mwudokolos — is found a half-kilometer (0.33 mi) northeast of Metipw and easily accessed from the coral-dredged causeway/dock found there (ask at the nearest house for permission to launch). Archaeologist Arthur Saxe believed that the island was tied to Nan Madol in some way and that it might even be a man-made island, but Japanese archaeologists working on the island in recent years have found no hard evidence to support that idea. They did discover prehistoric stone structures and a house platform that dates to the Nahnmwarki Period of Nan Madol (post-1700). Glass beads, sherds, and clay pipes were also found, suggesting that Mwudokolos was occupied by foreign traders in the late 1800s. The island is privately owned, but unoccupied.

  • To obtain permission for day visits or overnight stays, call Sesuko Hadley at +691.320.2540.

Dahu Reirei Island, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Dahu Reirei Island

From Mwudokolos, paddlers can continue 1.8 km (1.13 mi) further north through the easternmost of two dredged reef channels to reach Dahu Reirei (“long channel”), a narrow, man-made islet with huts for picnickers and campers and lots of pleasant swimming and snorkeling. When we say this island is narrow, we mean narrow (10 meters wide). Unless you like being crammed together elbow-to-elbow, avoid the place on weekends and holidays. It’s also not a place to be on intensely hot days (there are no trees large enough to provide shade) or during bad weather (the island is hardly a meter above sea level at high tide). On partly-cloudy weekdays, however, it can be heavenly. The surrounding water is generally crystal-clear and the reefs, which consist mainly of varieties of staghorn coral, are surprisingly healthy and relatively well-populated with reef fish. Small thatched huts along the length of the strip can be rented for the day or overnight.

  • To make reservations for day visits or overnight stays and to arrange boat transport, call Joseph Helgenberger at +691.320.2229.

Lepin Dau (“Channel Island”)

The final island covered in this sector (it’s just off the edge of the Central Madolenihmw map, but appears on the U & Northern Madolenihmw map) is claimed by the same family as Dahu Reirei and has no official name, but as it lies adjacent to the primary channel every boat in the area uses to go from Areu and Ohwa to Madolenihmw Bay, it’s known as Lepin Dau or “Channel Island.” This island is larger and higher than Dahu Reirei and has some welcoming tree-cover (mostly pandanus). The channel on the west side is a nice spot to snorkel at slack tide, but at other times, the current can be so strong that snorkelers and swimmers run a strong risk of being swept away. A better spot for snorkeling is in the blue holes around the southeast side — well out of the path of the current. Here you can find beautiful coral grottoes, huge schools of needlefish, barracuda, cuttlefish, trumpetfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, an odd seasnake (the latter are venomous, but so passive that they pose little danger to snorkelers), and from time to time even eagle rays and small green turtles. It’s a fantastic picnic destination for paddlers.

  • You don’t really need to get permission to make day visits to “Channel Island,” but overnighters should call Joseph Helgenberger at +691.320.2229.

Nanwap Marine Protected Area

The reefs on the north side of Kepidauen Deleur make up the Nanwap Marine Protected Area (MPA), a marine reserve with excellent snorkeling and diving. The best place to snorkel is about 1.3 km east of Metipw in a protected reef hole, but watch for strong currents.

Paddling Distances Around Central Madolenihmw

Starting Ending Distance (km) Distance (mi)
“Ice Dock” —- Tahio* 3.12 km 1.94 mi
“Ice Dock” —- Sekeren Senipehn 2.5 km 1.6 mi
Sekeren Senipehn —- Dauen Wetiak 1.7 km 1.0 mi
Dauen Wetiak —- Dauen Sapwalap 1.3 km 0.8 mi
Dauen Sapwalap —- Pilen Kitamw (Kitamw Stream) Bridge 2.6 km 1.6 mi
“Ice Dock” —- Takaiuh Shore* 2.45 km 1.5 mi
“Ice Dock” —- Pahn Dieinuh* 2.6 km 1.62 mi
Takaiuh Shore* —- Diadi 3.44 km 2.1 mi
Japanese Wharf, Temwen Is. —- Diadi 0.99 km 0.61 mi
MERIP* —- Pahn Dieinuh 2.48 km 1.54 mi
MERIP* —- Salong Point, Temwen Is. 2.2 km 1.4 mi
Salong Point, Temwen Is. —- Japanese Wharf, Temwen Is. 1.0 km 0.64 mi
Japanese Wharf, Temwen Is. —- Nahpali Island 2.63 km 1.63 mi
Nahpali Island —- Metipw Launch 2.59 km 1.61 mi
Diadi —- Metipw Launch 2.8 km 1.75 mi
Kepidauen Deleur —- Nanwap Marine Protected Area (MPA) 1.24 km 0.77 mi
Metipw Launch —- Mwudokolos Is. Circumnavigation 1.4 km 0.9 mi
Metipw Launch —- Dahu Reirei Is. 1.86 km 1.2 mi
Dahu Reirei Is. —- “Channel Island” (see U Municipality & Northern Madolenihmw guide) 1.53 km 0.95 mi
Metipw Launch —- Pilen Semwei 2.61 km 1.62 mi

*Silted-in reef. This segment may be difficult or impossible to traverse at low tide.

Map Guides >> (Central) Madolenihmw >> Paddling Around Madolenihmw

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Paddling in Nett, U & Northern Madolenihmw

Dausokele Estuary

As paddling goes in the Nett region, Dausokele estuary (“channel of the dwarves”) is the crown jewel, a long, gorgeous inlet that lies between Kolonia and the leaf-shaped Nett Peninsula and serves as the mouth of a number of high-volume rivers and streams. The scenery is stunning, especially on days where rain threatens, with high, sheer cliffs to the east, the heights of Dolen Nett in the north, and the pyramid-like peak of Dolen Eirike in the south. Depending on where you begin, you can go as far as 4.5 km (2.8 miles) inland before having to turn around. Most of the way, mangrove forests skirt the coast, so there’s nowhere to land and get out. The final 0.7 km (0.4 mi) follows meandering, narrow natural channels through the swamp forests, where you’re liable to meet locals and traditional outrigger canoes and young kids having a swim. The route tends to be well-protected from both currents and wind, so it’s a nice, leisurely paddle, allowing plenty of time to soak up the scenery. There are multiple places to launch on the Airport Causeway as well as the “Ice Dock” near the Kolonia Public Market building, and next to the PAMI building.

Nett Point

Another great paddling destination is Nett Point, Kolonia’s best swimming spot and the closest thing to a beach Pohnpei Island has to offer. Lidakika Launch point on the Airport Causeway is the most practical place to begin.

  • Visit the Nett Point page for detailed information about this location.

Dolen Nett Peninsula Circumnavigation

If you want to try something a little longer and more challenging, you can continue past Nett Point, explore the east coast of the peninsula (which includes one of the locations where the mythical builders of Nan Madol were said to have briefly settled), and then cross the beautiful little bay to the quaint picnic and swimming area at Awak Pah Marine Park. Note that strong winds can be a problem along the eastern coastal section. If you’re plan is a there-and-back-again, you’re looking at around 17 km (10.6 mi) round-trip.

Lenger & Sapwtik Islands

Two of the most interesting islands on Pohnpei are found directly north of Kolonia and can be reached quite easily via paddle-power. Both islands offer a wealth of Japanese fortifications from WWII and earlier, as well as other historical sites, swimming, and snorkeling.

Parem Island

The largest island in the northern lagoon is Parem, which is large enough to have its own elementary school. Like nearby Lenger and Sapwtik, the Japanese fortified the island prior to WWII. In fact, the coastal gun on Sokehs Mountain may have once been positioned at the top of Dolen Parem before being moved to its present location.

With the exception of a portion of the eastern coast, Parem is completely surrounded by mangrove forests — some of them quite extensive. There are two good channels to explore on the west side where the mangroves are at their widest — one 0.7 km (0.4 mi) long and the other 0.4 km (0.25 mi). Both reach all the way to solid ground at high tide and are beautiful places to scope out the local birds. You can also do a complete circumnavigation of the island, which is 7.9 km (4.9 mi) in total. On the east coast there’s a long stone wharf jutting out from the shore, suitable for a little break, a snack and a dip.

Paddling Distances Around Nett, U & Northern Madolenihmw

Starting Ending Distance (km) Distance (mi)
Lidakika Launch Point —- Causeway Tunnel 1.5 km 0.9 mi
Causeway Tunnel —- Dausokele Bridge 2.4 km 1.5 mi
Dausokele Bridge —- Inlet Terminus 2.24 km 1.4 mi
Causeway Tunnel —- Nett Point 2.3 km 1.4 mi
Nett Point, Nett —- Awak Pah Marine Park (along the coast) 4.75 km 3 mi
Nett Point, Nett —- Awak Pah Marine Park (as the crow flies) 2.8 km 1.7 mi
Lidakika Launch Point —- Awak Pah Marine Park 17 km 10.6 mi
Misko Beach, Dekehtik Island —- Barbosa’s Wharf, Lenger 4.52 km 2.8 mi
Ice Dock, Kolonia Town —- Barbosa’s Wharf, Lenger 3.53 km 2.2 mi
Nett Point, Nett —- Barbosa’s Wharf, Lenger 1.97 km 1.22 mi
Nett Point, Nett —- South Point, Parem 2.5 km 1.6 mi
South Point, Parem —- South Point, Parem (Loop) 7.9 km 4.9 mi

*Silted-in reef. This segment may be difficult or impossible to traverse at low tide.

Map Guides >> Greater Nett & Western U >> Nett & Western U Paddling

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The Doldrums at APSCO Quarry

SwimmingSnorkelingSCUBA divingKayaking / CanoeingPicnicking

“The Doldrums”

Doldrums at APSCO Quarry, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

The hottest days call for the coolest swimming holes, and there’s no better place than the “Doldrums” at APSCO Gravel Quarry, owned by the Akinaga family. The quarry property encompasses all of the land around Dolehtik, a small hill at the northern end of Sokehs Island. Across the street is a high cliff where prismatic basalt columns are stripped off the mountain with heavy equipment and later crushed into various grades of gravel. This same site may also have been one of the quarry locations for the stones of Nan Madol.

A large concrete dock 0.46 km (0.29 mi) northwest of the quarry entrance provides access to a beautiful swath of the lagoon. With no residences or pig pens inside this rather large area, the surrounding water is pristine with a visibility of more than 25 meters (80 ft). The spot got its nickname from a giant barge that, until the summer of 2013, was moored just off-shore and functioned as a jungle gym of sorts for local kids and foreigners alike. The barge is no longer there, but the main attraction is still the water itself, which is deep and gets deeper quick. The “Doldrums” is a great picnic destination and an idyllic place to stop in the middle of a paddling excursion around the island. Please keep this location beautiful by taking all of your trash with you when you leave for the day.

APSCO Quarry, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

The main gate to the quarry is usually open, but visitors must report to the on-site office and ask the security guard to unlock the second gate, leading to the water. The facility is locked down for the night at 6:00 PM every evening. Make sure you’re out in time.

Snorkeling

Though coral development in the area is scarce, there are quite a few reef fish around. If you swim along the coast to the south, you might find some colorful starfish and an urchin or two.

Paddling

Kayaks can be easily launched on either side of the dock where the ground slopes gradually to the water.

Map Guides >> Sokehs Island >> The Doldrums at APSCO

By pni-surfclubPosted on Posted in paddling, snorkeling, sokehs island, swimming & picnickingTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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