First time · Kolonia

First time in KoloniaKolonia

Kolonia is a small, wet, cash-only town: do the market and the walls in the morning before the rain, keep US dollars in small notes, and treat every trip beyond the town, above all Nan Madol, as a separate half day with a guide and a car.

Everything here is a short version of the Kolonia guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Kolonia is the main town of Pohnpei state, a few blocks of shops, offices and eateries along the harbour road, with the airport and the capital Palikir a short drive away. It rains on most days, taxis are shared and informal, and cards are not accepted everywhere. The trips that go wrong assume an ordinary resort town: no cash for a guide, no plan for the tide at Nan Madol, or a landing after dark with no hotel desk open. Four short walking clusters cover the town; the ruins and waterfalls are trips from one kept bed.

From the airport

Pohnpei International Airport (PNI)

Fastest and cheapest: Pre-booked hotel car or taxi to the door · about 12 min · about US$10

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Kolonia market, Spanish wall and harbour; Nan Madol with a guide
3 days: Four clusters in the mornings, Nan Madol on its own day, one rest day
5 days: Town in one day, Nan Madol, a waterfall trip and a Sokehs ridge walk

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Unagreed taxi fares: agree the price before you ride.(Scams)
Ask permission and pay any fee before entering a site or private land; the sites are owned by clans.(Survive · red lines)
Rain and mud: wear shoes with grip on trails and at Nan Madol; tracks can flood.(Survive · safety)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: US$40–70 excl. bed
Paying: Cash for taxis, guides, site fees and most food; cards at a few hotels, often with a surcharge. US dollars are the currency.
Cash: Bring enough US dollars for the whole stay: ATMs are few and can run out; keep US$50 in small notes for taxis and fees.
SIM: Bring an unlocked phone; a local SIM may be available in town, but coverage and plans vary: check with your hotel.

Money, SIMs and apps →