Things to Do in Palikir

About Palikir

Nestled in the lush highlands of Pohnpei Island, Palikir serves as the quiet political heart of the Federated States of Micronesia—a capital city where government buildings emerge from tropical rainforest and traditional island life carries on largely undisturbed by modern development. This is a place where the rhythms of nature still dictate daily life, and the boundary between civilization and wilderness feels refreshingly uncertain. Few travelers venture to this remote administrative center, making it a rare opportunity to experience Pacific island authenticity in its most unfiltered form.

Travel Tips

• Cash is Essential: Bring sufficient U.S. dollars in cash as Palikir has limited ATM availability and many local vendors and small businesses don't accept credit cards, despite being the FSM capital.

• Plan Around Government Hours: Since Palikir functions primarily as an administrative capital with government offices, most services and restaurants operate on weekday business hours (8am-5pm) and have very limited weekend availability.

• Arrange Transportation in Advance: Public transportation is virtually non-existent in Palikir, so coordinate with your hotel for airport pickup from nearby Pohnpei International Airport (about 10km away) or arrange a rental car, as taxis are scarce.

• Respect Pohnpeian Customs: When visiting government buildings or meeting locals, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and always ask permission before photographing people or traditional sites, as Pohnpeian culture values respect and proper protocol.

When to Visit

Palikir, the capital of Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia, experiences year-round tropical temperatures between 24-30°C (75-86°F), but timing your visit around the intense rainy season is crucial since Pohnpei receives over 7,600mm (300 inches) of annual rainfall—one of the wettest places on earth. The "drier" months of January through March offer relatively less precipitation (though still expect frequent showers) with humidity around 80-85%, making this the optimal window for hiking to Nan Madol ruins or exploring the lush interior without constant downpours. April through December brings the heaviest rains with June through September being particularly brutal, when daily deluges can exceed 500mm monthly and disrupt boat access to outer islands and archaeological sites. Budget travelers should note that accommodation prices remain fairly consistent year-round due to limited tourism infrastructure, but visiting during Pohnpei Liberation Day (September 11) or Constitution Day (May 10) provides cultural insight through local celebrations, though government offices close. Weather-sensitive visitors should absolutely avoid October through December when tropical depressions and occasional typhoons threaten the region, potentially stranding travelers and making outdoor activities dangerous, while the February-March period offers the best compromise of manageable rainfall, comfortable temperatures around 26°C (79°F), and calmer seas for diving Ant Atoll.