Micronesian Island-Hopping Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary journey across the Pacific, following the legendary United Airlines Island Hopper route through the pristine islands of Micronesia. From the coral-ringed Marshall Islands to the ancient ruins of Pohnpei and the war memorials of Guam and Saipan, this 12-day expedition reveals both the natural splendor and profound history of the Western Pacific. Experience dramatic coastal landscapes, encounter vibrant marine life in crystal-clear lagoons, and discover the rich cultural heritage of these remote island nations, before concluding with a brief but memorable taste of urban Japan.
12 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Honolulu to Majuro: First Stop on the Island Hopper
Day 2: Majuro Atoll Explorer: Laura Beach & Traditional Sailing
Day 3: Island Hopping: Majuro to Pohnpei
Day 4: Day Trip to Ahnd Atoll
Day 5: Nan Madol Ruins & Pohnpei Island Exploration
Day 6: Kolonia Cultural Tour & Lagoon Kayaking
Day 7: Sokehs Ridge Historical Hike
Day 8: Pohnpei to Guam: Island Transfer Day with Morning Snorkel
Day 9: Guam Historical Sites & Coastal Tour
Day 10: Guam to Saipan: World War II History & Natural Wonders Tour
Day 11: Saipan-Guam Flight & Tokyo Evening
Day 12: Tokyo Highlights: From Shibuya to Cherry Blossoms
Itinerary Snapshot
A quick view of the trip’s activity highlights and accommodations.
Activities
5 Island Hopper Flights
6 Pacific War Sites
5 Tropical Lagoons
4 Ancient Pacific Sites
5 Coastal Viewpoints
Accommodations
Marshall Islands Resort, Majuro (2 nights)
Mangrove Bay Hotel, Kolonia (5 nights)
Holiday Resort & Spa, Tumon Bay (2 nights)
Surfrider Resort Hotel, Chalan Kanoa (1 night)
Tokyo Metropolitan Maronouchi, Tokyo (1 night)
Itinerary Photo Highlights
Scroll through for highlighted photos from each day of the itinerary.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 – Honolulu to Majuro: First Stop on the Island Hopper
- Honolulu to Majuro: First Stop on the Island Hopper
- Arrive at Majuro Atoll after scenic trans-Pacific flight
- Oceanfront lunch at Marshall Islands Resort
- Visit Alele Museum and Public Library to explore Marshall Islands cultural heritage
Day 2 – Majuro Atoll Explorer: Laura Beach & Traditional Sailing
- Morning coastal walk along Delap's shoreline
- Scenic drive to University of South Pacific Marshall Islands Campus
- Beach time at Laura - swimming and relaxation
- Visit to Toblar Copra Processing Plant and East Pacific Peace Memorial
- Traditional canoe sailing experience at Waan Aelõñ in Majel
- Evening tour of Majuro's civic center and harbor
Day 3 – Island Hopping: Majuro to Pohnpei
- Morning walk through Majuro's business district, passing the Parliament building and Pacific Regional Bank
- Depart from Majuro International Airport
- Flight from Majuro to Kwajalein with aerial views of coral atolls
- Brief stopover at Kwajalein Atoll with views of U.S. military installation
- Flight from Kwajalein to Kosrae over scattered Pacific atolls
- Transit stop at Kosrae Airport
- Final flight leg from Kosrae to Pohnpei with dramatic views of volcanic landscape and barrier reefs
- Evening arrival in Kolonia, Pohnpei
Day 4 – Day Trip to Ahnd Atoll
- Boat transfer from Mangrove Bay to Ahnd Atoll
- Full day at Ahnd Atoll including beach time, marine life observation in the shallow lagoons, and island exploration
Day 5 – Nan Madol Ruins & Pohnpei Island Exploration
- Visit Paieke Marine Park for coastal views
- Explore the ancient Nan Madol ruins - UNESCO World Heritage site, including trek to the location
- Experience the dramatic Kepirohi Waterfall
- Tour the FSM Government Complex in Palikir
- Sunset drinks at Hideaway Bar and Grill
Day 6 – Kolonia Cultural Tour & Lagoon Kayaking
- Visit the Kolonia-China Friendship Center
- Shop for traditional crafts at the Woodcraft Village with local artisan demonstrations
- Explore Kolonia's historical sites including the Peace Corps Exhibition at FSM Post Office and the German-Spanish Bell Tower
- Afternoon kayaking adventure in Mangrove Bay to view shipwrecks and Sokehs Rock
Day 7 – Sokehs Ridge Historical Hike
- Hike Sokehs Ridge Trail to explore WWII Japanese bunkers with panoramic coastal views
Day 8 – Pohnpei to Guam: Island Transfer Day with Morning Snorkel
- Morning snorkeling excursion to see the manta rays
- Departure from Pohnpei International Airport
- Flight to Guam
- Arrival at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam
- Sunset dinner at Meskla Bistro featuring Chamorro cuisine
Day 9 – Guam Historical Sites & Coastal Tour
- Start at the Governor's Complex in Hagåtña for morning historical tour
- Visit World War II-era Piti War Guns
- Take scenic southern coastal drive with stops at Cetti Bay Overlook and Umatac Bay
- Explore Spanish colonial Fort Soledad with panoramic views of Umatac Bay
- Visit historic Merizo Bell Tower in Malesso
- Tour southern Guam's natural attractions including Inarajan Natural Pool and scenic ocean viewpoints
- Visit Hagåtña Cultural District including Guam Congress Building and Museum
- Catch sunset views from Fort Santa Agueda
- End the day at Two Lovers Point for dramatic coastal views
Day 10 – Guam to Saipan: World War II History & Natural Wonders Tour
- Early morning departure from Guam's Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport
- Short flight from Guam to Saipan with scenic aerial views
- Tour of WWII historical sites including Last Japanese Command Post, Suicide Cliff, and Banzai Cliff
- Exploration of Northern Saipan's natural wonders including Bird Island Observatory and the Grotto
- Visit to Garapan's American Memorial Park and Imperial Pacific Resort
- Sunset viewing at Surfrider Beach
Day 11 – Saipan-Guam Flight & Tokyo Evening
- Morning scenic flight from Saipan to Guam with views of Mariana Islands and Apra Harbor
- Flight from Guam to Tokyo
- Dinner at Tonkatsu Suzuki - traditional Japanese pork cutlet restaurant
- Evening exploration of historic Tokyo Station area and illuminated Marunouchi building
Day 12 – Tokyo Highlights: From Shibuya to Cherry Blossoms
- Begin at historic Tokyo Station, notable for its restored red-brick architecture
- Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo's most iconic photo spots
- Traditional sushi lunch featuring premium tuna nigiri
- Traditional sushi lunch featuring premium tuna nigiri
- Panoramic city views from Sapia Tower observation deck
- Evening departure from Haneda Airport
Itinerary Photos
Additional photos capturing favorite memories from the trip…