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Palikir

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At a glance

Country
Micronesia
Region
Pohnpei State
Population
around 5,000
Best time to go
January to April
Main airport
Pohnpei International (PNI)
Coordinates
6.92°N, 158.16°E

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Overview

Palikir is one of the world's quietest capitals: a cluster of government buildings set in green hills on the island of Pohnpei, a short drive from the main town of Kolonia. There is little here in the way of a centre, and most visitors stay in Kolonia.

The draw is the island itself. Pohnpei is mountainous, rain-soaked and covered in forest, with waterfalls, mangroves, world-class surf and the ruined stone city of Nan Madol.

Things to see

  • Capitol complex

    The national government buildings of the Federated States of Micronesia, built in a style inspired by traditional meeting houses.

  • Nan Madol
    Photo: NOAA, Public domain

    Nan Madol

    A ruined city of basalt-log walls built on artificial islets in a lagoon off eastern Pohnpei, best reached with a guide.

    Tickets and tours

  • Sokehs Rock

    A sheer basalt cliff guarding the harbour, its ridge scattered with rusting Japanese guns from the Second World War.

  • Kepirohi Waterfall
    Photo: Uhooep, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kepirohi Waterfall

    A broad curtain of water falling over basalt columns into a pool you can swim in.

Things to do

  • Surf Palikir Pass
    Photo: Gargoylepni at English Wikipedia, Public domain

    Surf Palikir Pass

    A powerful reef break off the north-west coast, for experienced surfers only and reached by boat.

  • Drink sakau
    Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0

    Drink sakau

    Try Pohnpei's ceremonial drink, made from pounded pepper root, in a local sakau bar; it is earthy and mildly numbing.

  • Dive the outer atolls
    Photo: Patrick Nunn, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Dive the outer atolls

    Ant and Pakin atolls offer manta rays, reef sharks and clear water a boat ride from the main island.

    Find tours

Where to stay

  • Kolonia

    Where nearly all hotels, restaurants and tour operators are, a short drive from Palikir.

    Hotels in Kolonia

  • Coastal lodges

    A few small eco-lodges around the island suit divers and those wanting quiet and nature.

    Hotels in Coastal lodges

Getting around

There is no public transport to speak of; hire a car or use the inexpensive shared taxis based in Kolonia.

The airport sits on an islet linked to Kolonia by causeway; Palikir is about a 20-minute drive from there.

When to go

Pohnpei is one of the wettest places on Earth, with rain likely in any month. January to April tends to be slightly drier and is also the main surf season.

Plan your trip to Palikir

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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