While world-class surf and pristine dive sites may bring you to Pohnpei, there’s so much more to experience once you’re here. Our Explore offerings highlight the best of the island beyond the water—guest favorites and local gems that make every trip unforgettable.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls through the rainforest, paddling through mangrove channels, exploring ancient ruins, or casting a line offshore, we offer personalized, small-group adventures to help you experience the real Pohnpei.

Activity Level: Advanced

Sokehs Ridge combines spectacular scenery with a fascinating glimpse into the island’s wartime history. The trail follows a steep, uneven gravel road climbing high above the coastline, rewarding hikers with sweeping panoramic views over Kolonia, Sokehs Island, the surrounding lagoon, and Pohnpei’s lush volcanic interior.

Along the ridge, you’ll encounter Japanese coastal defense cannons and bunkers built during World War II. These historic fortifications offer a unique opportunity to explore one of Pohnpei’s most significant wartime sites while learning about the island’s role in the Pacific campaign.

The round-trip hike typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the summit. The climb is steep in places and requires good physical fitness, sturdy footwear, and plenty of water, but the breathtaking views make every step worthwhile. Our guides lead the hike at a comfortable pace while sharing local history, geology, and stories about the island along the way.

Activity Level: Varies

Known as the “Garden Island” of Micronesia, Pohnpei receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, creating countless rivers, streams, and waterfalls hidden within its lush tropical rainforest. From easily accessible roadside falls to more secluded cascades tucked deep in the jungle, each offers its own unique beauty and a refreshing escape into nature.

Kepirohi Waterfall is one of the island’s most popular natural attractions and is included as a featured stop on our Nan Madol tours. Fed by cool mountain streams flowing through Pohnpei’s volcanic landscape, the waterfall cascades over basalt rock into a clear freshwater pool surrounded by dense rainforest. Depending on your interests and available time, we can also arrange visits to other waterfalls across the island, allowing you to experience different landscapes and hidden corners of Pohnpei.

Swimming is welcome at your own risk and is a favorite way to cool off after exploring. Because rocks in and around the waterfalls can be slippery, especially after rainfall, we recommend wearing footwear suitable for wet, uneven terrain and exercising caution while entering the water. Whether you’re looking to relax, photograph the scenery, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Pohnpei’s waterfalls offer an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s natural beauty.

Activity Level: Easy

Discover the stories, history, and everyday life of Pohnpei on a relaxed guided tour through the island’s cultural and historical landmarks. Perfect for first-time visitors, this experience provides an excellent introduction to Pohnpei’s past, its people, and the places that have shaped the Federated States of Micronesia.

Travel through Kolonia and visit landmarks including the historic Spanish Wall, one of the few remaining structures from Spain’s colonial administration in the late 1800s, as well as Japanese World War II tanks that serve as reminders of the island’s strategic importance during the Pacific War. Along the way, you’ll visit local churches, browse souvenir shops featuring locally made handicrafts, and stop at the renowned carving village, where skilled artisans continue generations-old woodcarving traditions.

The tour also includes scenic stops at Sokehs Lookout, offering beautiful views without the hike, the College of Micronesia–FSM, and Palikir, the national capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. Throughout the journey, our local guides share stories about Pohnpei’s culture, customs, and modern island life, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the island beyond its famous natural attractions.

Whether you’ve just arrived or want to experience more of Pohnpei beyond the water, this tour is the perfect way to discover the island’s history, culture, and welcoming community.

Looking for a more tailored experience, a specialized research project, or an adventure off the usual path? Whether you’re a documentary filmmaker, a research group, or here for a mission-driven project, we can help design a custom trip that fits your goals. If it’s within our capabilities, we’ll work with you to plan logistics, access unique locations, and create a one-of-a-kind experience on Pohnpei and its surrounding islands. Reach out to us to start the conversation and explore possibilities beyond the standard tours.