Introduction The Nā Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular natural sights in the world. For 600 years, a small group of Native Hawaiians lived in this environment of green cliffs and ocean vistas. The Kalalau Trail is the only land access to the park. Hiking up the steep mountain path reveals remnants of their lives, including ancient temples and the ruins of houses...
Introduction The Fern Grotto is one of the most captivating attractions on Kauai. Ferns hang from the 40-foot-high cave ceiling like tender green stalactites, draping over the rocks to create a fairytale-like atmosphere. The only way to reach the cave is by boat up the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, which offers countless stunning views along the journey. Hawaiian chants and hula performances serve as the prelude to visiting the Fern Grotto. Currently, there are two tour operators that organize trips along the Wailua River and to the Fern Grotto: Transportation Smith’s Motor Boat Service Phone: 808-822-4111 Hours: 9:00–16:00 Wailua River Cruise Agency: Phone: 808-822-4908 Hours: 9:00–16:00
Introduction Located in the northwest of the southern end of Tinian Island, Chulu Beach is a very romantic stretch of sand. Here can be found a uniquely beautiful type of sand called star sand, which is said to bring good luck, especially the octagonal variety. Many visitors specifically set aside time to come to Chulu Beach for this beautiful legend, hoping to scoop up some of their own good fortune to take home.
Introduction The most popular beach on Tinian Island, where many visitors come to play and enjoy a variety of activities. Water activities include banana boat rides and jet skiing, while the beach offers games like volleyball. It’s worth mentioning that although the beach isn’t very large, the water is exceptionally clear, so when diving you can not only see...
Introduction Tinian Island was once under Japanese rule, hence it features uniquely Japanese shrines. The shrine is serene and beautiful, with slender bamboos and fire trees planted around. These fire trees resemble cherry blossoms and are also referred to as Saipan cherry blossoms. Tinian Saipan Tinian Island…
Introduction Taga House is a unique stone dwelling built by the indigenous people of Tinian Island, with a history of 3,500 years. The main material used in constructing the house is latte stone, which is tall and massive, with some reaching nearly 6 meters in height. How the people of that time managed to move these huge stones and build the house remains a mystery to this day.
Introduction One of the most popular shops in the area, offering a full range of daily necessities and snacks. Even tour buses stop here as one of their designated stops. The shop’s most famous item is its spicy pepper powder—nearly every visitor buys some as a souvenir. Additionally, next to the shop is a restaurant that…
Introduction During World War II, the two atomic bombs dropped by the United States on Japan (the first bomb was called "Little Boy," the second "Fat Man") are widely known. However, few people realize that these two bombs — which destroyed cities and took the lives of hundreds of thousands — were loaded and launched from Tinian Island. Now, after the war has passed, …
Introduction The Chamorro Night Market is located in the bustling GARAPAN downtown area. As evening falls, red lanterns glow and the air fills with enticing aromas, making it a food lover's paradise. Here you can sample almost all the flavors of the Pacific region: Filipino, Japanese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Thai, and more. Of course…
Introduction The site of the Last Command Post of the Japanese Forces is located at the northern tip of Saipan Island. It features war remnants such as tanks and cannons from World War II, as well as a fortified military stronghold formed naturally from limestone. Originally an underground storage site for atomic bombs, this was the location from which the B29 bombers carrying the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II were loaded. The site has now been transformed into a small green park, yet remnants such as bunkers carved into the rock face and tank remains can still be seen.
Highlights Top three paid activities on Battleship Island: Battleship Island Swimming Tour (3 hours) – $35, Jungle Adventure (3.5 hours) – $55, Sightseeing Submarine (40 minutes) – $75. Introduction With a circumference of only 1.5 kilometers, Battleship Island is a representative dive site for shipwrecks and airplanes. It takes just about 20 to 30 minutes to circle the island...
Introduction A peculiar building hidden in the jungle, which, although having endured the flames of World War II, still retains its original framework. Through these ruins, one can imagine the people who once worked inside... Tinian, Saipan, Tinian Island…
Introduction Located on the other side of Banzai Cliff is Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates and mourns those who lost their lives in the battle. It serves as a place to reflect on the lessons of war and to pray for world peace. At the center of the square stands a cross and a statue of Guanyin. From the elevated platform, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the northern part of Saipan. ■TinianSaipanSaipan Island…
Introduction Banzai Cliff is a cliff located at the northernmost tip of Saipan. In 1944, when U.S. forces attacked Japanese military bases on the Mariana Islands, Japanese troops retreated to the northern end of the island and jumped off the cliff to avoid capture, which is why it is also known as Suicide Cliff. The Japanese erected a Guanyin statue memorial tower near Banzai Cliff, and at the top of the cliff...
Introduction The Blue Hole is located at the northeastern tip of Saipan Island. It is a natural cave connected to the Pacific Ocean and has been ranked as the world’s second-best cave diving site by Scuba Diving magazine. From the outside, the Blue Hole resembles a dolphin with its mouth open, while inside lies a massive stalactite cave formed through the natural erosion caused by seawater. Due to the shadows cast by the rocks attracting a greater variety of underwater life, the sea floor here is even more vibrant and colorful than the land above—featuring an array of tropical fish in dazzling hues, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, jellyfish, sea urchins... The underwater world is more spectacular than that on land. Inside the Blue Hole, there are two natural swimming areas connected to the outer ocean via underwater passages. For experienced deep-sea divers, this offers an unparalleled experience. Affected by tidal movements, the water inside the cave can be completely calm at times or wildly turbulent at others, so swimming and diving here require extra caution. Additionally, the concrete steps leading down to the Blue Hole are steep and slippery, so it’s best to walk slowly.
Introduction Mount Carmel Catholic Cathedral (Mount Carmel Cathedral) is located on Beach Road. Built during the Spanish colonial period, it was damaged during World War II. The white structure seen today was rebuilt afterward. In addition to its grand and imposing exterior, the cathedral’s gardens…
Introduction The Northern Mariana Islands Museum (CNMI Museum of History and Culture) is located right across from Sugar King Park. It was originally a Japanese military hospital and now houses a collection of photographs from the Japanese occupation period, as well as local traditional clothing and daily life items...
Introduction The Natural Swimming Hole is located on the northern side of Rota Island and is a natural seawater bathing area surrounded by a ring of coral reefs. It gathers a colorful array of tropical fish, has stable currents, crystal-clear water, and soft fine sand underfoot, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. It is a highly popular destination for both locals…
Introduction Rota Zoo is located on the southwestern side of the island. The zoo is home to endemic animals of Rota Island as well as a variety of tropical birds. Among the most unique are several fruit bats, which can reach through the wire mesh to feed on fruits. Visitors can also admire many rare plants here. Many of the exotic animals seen at Rota Zoo cannot be found anywhere else.
Introduction The House of Taga Ruins (House of Taga) is located at the House of Taga site in the southern part of Tinian Island. It consists of the stone remnants of a dwelling built by the Taga people and dates back 3,500 years. The stones used to construct the house were called latte stones, some reaching up to 6 meters in height. How these heavy stones were transported remains a mystery to this day...