Kolonia Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich city of Kolonia, with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and where to go next from Kolonia.


Welcome to Kolonia, a culturally and naturally rich city located in Federated States of Micronesia. This island nation is one of the world’s best-kept secrets and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Kolonia, the capital of Pohnpei, has a unique blend of cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, and beautiful scenery that draws tourists from around the world. In this comprehensive tour guide, we provide you with everything you need to know to plan your next trip to Kolonia.

Introduction to Kolonia

Kolonia is located on the eastern coast of the island of Pohnpei, in the northern part of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is a small city that is home to roughly 6,000 residents. The city is the economic and cultural hub of Pohnpei, and its history dates back to the colonial era.

List of Places to Visit in Kolonia

Kolonia has plenty to offer visitors, from culturally important sites to natural attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kolonia Town: A small town that reflects the city’s unique blend of cultures, from traditional Micronesian houses to colonial-style buildings.
  • Sakau Making: Visit a traditional sakau-making house, where locals brew the national drink from pepper plant roots.
  • Kolonia Public Market: A great place to buy local produce and engage with locals, the market reflects the traditional culture of Micronesia.

Natural Attractions of Kolonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sokehs Rock: An iconic spot offering magnificent views, it is one of the most popular destinations in Kolonia.
  • Nan Madol: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most intriguing historical sites in Micronesia, Nan Madol is a man-made island built by ancient Pohnpeians.
  • Pwunso Botanical Garden: One of the best botanical gardens in Micronesia, Pwunso showcases Micronesian plants and a small museum.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kolonia

Kolonia has a variety of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. The following are the best routes:

  • Pohnpei Loop: A 30+ mile hike that offers adventurous travelers with spectacular views and a unique opportunity to explore the island.
  • Kepirohi Waterfall: This short trail offers visitors a beautiful view of the waterfall, and you can also take a swim in the pool.

Best Things to Do in Kolonia: Activities and Tours

Kolonia has no shortage of activities and tours that visitors can partake in. From exploring the culture and history of the city to enjoying the natural beauty of the island, here are some of the best things to do:

  • Snorkeling and Diving: With crystal-clear waters and a lot of marine life, Pohnpei is a world-class diving destination.
  • Surfing: Pohnpei has some of the best surfing spots in the world, and experienced surfers will find more than enough waves to ride.
  • Cultural Tours: Learn about the local culture and ancient civilization with a local guide, who can take you to historical sites and explain the traditions and customs of the people of Pohnpei.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kolonia

For visitors to make the most of their trip, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Kolonia’s landmarks, such as Kolonia Town, Pohnpei Island Park, and Sokehs Rock.

Day 2: Go on a cultural tour to learn about the local traditions and customs of the islanders.

Day 3: Spend the day snorkeling or diving in the beautiful waters of Pohnpei.

Day 4: Hike the Pohnpei Loop and take in the breathtaking views of the island.

Day 5: Take a short trip to Kepirohi Waterfall to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 6: Learn about the ancient civilization with a visit to Nan Madol, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Day 7: Go surfing at one of the island’s famous surf spots, such as Palikir Pass or P-Pass.

Food and Drinks in Kolonia

Kosrae has some superb foods and drinks to sample. Do not miss out on trying the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pwama: A traditional Micronesian dish made of breadfruit and canned corned beef.
  • Koumala: A sweet and savory breadfruit dish with coconut milk.

Local Beverages

  • Sakau: An essential drink in Micronesia, Sakau is made by grinding pepper plant roots, mixed with water, and then strained.

Where to Stay in Kolonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kolonia offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best options:

  • **The Village: A modern hotel located in the heart of Kolonia, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Joy Hotel: A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and a convenient location, just a few minutes from the airport.

What to Buy in Kolonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kolonia is home to many unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts for friends and family. Some of the best options include:

  • Micronesian Handicrafts: From handwoven baskets to carved wood and shell jewelry, there is a vast selection of local handicrafts to buy in Kolonia.
  • Black Pearls: These are produced in Kolonia, and there is a range of jewelry options to choose from.

Local Culture and Customs of Kolonia

The people of Kolonia and Pohnpei Island are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. Dress modestly, behave respectfully, and learn about their cultural traditions and customs, which will be much appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Kolonia

The best time to visit Kolonia is between December and May when the weather is dry and warm, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kolonia

Do:

  • Respect sacred sites and cultural traditions.
  • Dress modestly.
  • Take part in traditional celebrations and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash or litter in public places.
  • Touch or disturb wildlife.
  • Bring prohibited items into the country.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kolonia

As with any destination, visitors should take necessary precautions to be safe while in Kolonia. Travelers should be cautious about their belongings when visiting crowded places.

Health in Kolonia

Visitors should always be careful when drinking and eating food in Kolonia. Drinking bottled water or boiled water, and eating in reputable restaurants and food stalls is recommended. Public hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies are available for medical needs.

Getting to Kolonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kolonia is easily accessible by air, with regular flights from Guam, Honolulu, and other major cities.

Airports Near Kolonia

The only airport in Pohnpei is Pohnpei International Airport, which is located in the state capital, Kolonia.

Other Options

Visitors can also access Pohnpei by sea, with regular ferry services to nearby islands.

How to Get Around in Kolonia

Kolonia is relatively small, and visitors can easily get around on foot, by bike or hire a car or motorcycle. Taxis and buses services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Kolonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kolonia is the perfect base for exploring nearby destinations.

  • Ant Atoll: A remote coral atoll popular for its shallow lagoons and abundant marine life.
  • Nukuoro Atoll: Another remote atoll that can be accessed by a flight from Pohnpei.

Conclusion

Kolonia has everything that a traveler would want in a destination- rich natural beauty, a unique cultural heritage, and a friendly local population. It is ready to be discovered by the brave traveler, and we hope our comprehensive tour guide will help make your trip to Kolonia memorable.