Kosrae's Attractions

Kosrae's attractions are varied and numerous, focusing on history, culture, and the environment. Kosrae can fulfill true ecotourism interests: Trekking through jungles and mountains, quietly canoeing in the mangrove channels, marveling at ancient ruins, or diving huge pristine hard coral reefs and snorkeling with spinner dolphins are just some of the many activities awaiting the traveler.

Or you may wish to simply do nothing at all and unwind from the hectic pace of today's world. Basking in the equatorial sun, snorkeling in the colorful reefs or just lounging around the appealing grounds at Nautilus may be the ticket you need to refresh yourself. Be forewarned: It's contagious!

Pre-historic Forest
On the western side of the island is a pre-historic 130-acre forest of Terminalia Carolinensis trees, or Ka trees as they're locally know, that is only accessible by boat. It offers visitors spectacular scenery of the 100-foot-high canopy formed by densely leafed branches that only grow from the very top of these massive trunks. Supported by huge buttress roots, these trees are only found in three places on the planet, and this is the world's only existing forest.

The land owners now offer tours by boat and then by foot into this pristine forest. Tours vary from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how deep you want to venture into the forest. We are very fortunate not to have snakes or crocodiles on Kosrae, so adventuring here is very enjoyable for all.

Lelu Ruins
One of the wonders of the Neolithic world, the Lelu ruins are an archaeologist's dream. Built by hand over the course of several hundred years, the city of Lelu was crafted from multi-ton basalt prisms that were transported from the other side of the island. The religious and political capital—with its impressive walls standing 20 feet high, royal tombs and residences of the king and his family, and intricately cut channels for canoes to transport food and other necessities—will capture your imagination like no other site on Kosrae. The walled city represented the peak of cultural development and architectural achievement during the last years of the 15th century.

And the best part of experiencing the site is its accessibility. Located in the heart of Lelu Village near Ace office supplies, visitors will be transported to another world within minutes of wandering its coral-clad walkways.

While walking within the ruins, look for the large sakau-pounding stone at the entrance to Insaru, which holds the pyramidal tombs of the kings. The bodies were placed in crypts, and when they had decayed, the remaining bones were taken to the blue hole near today's swimming dock located at the Lelu Causeway.

Menke Ruins Hike
Menke Ruins is located in the very heart of Kosrae and is accessible from the Utwe Village circumferential road. Salik Wakuk will be your guide for the 3-hour trek through the lush tropical rain forest, which crosses the Utwe River several times. Along the way Salik will point out various flora and fauna and explain their importance for local medicine and food sources.

Menke Ruins is a reminder of Kosrae’s past: there you will see some basalt walls, chambered living quarters and religious platforms. This area was built years before Lelu and is considered a religious site where ancient Kosraens worshipped "Singlaku," the Goddess of Breadfruit. She is believed to have magical powers and be able to produce food during periods of dry weather. It is also suggested she fled to Yap at the time of the first missionary’s arrival, although some believe she is still here.

The hike takes about one hour each way and is an easy walk, it is suited to all types of people, but crossing the river after heavy rain can be a little tricky. Ask Salik to cut a walking stick, as it will be easier to maintain your balance. On return, Salik will provide some local fruit direct from his garden.

Tafunsak Gorge Hike
Tafunsak Gorge is one of Kosrae’s best hikes; and it takes place mainly along the river. The first part follows the main pipeline for about an hour until reaching a small water catchment area for the village of Tafunsak and then into the Gorge itself.

The 70-foot sheer walls and winding stream are picturesque, with hanging ferns and orchids protruding from the cliff face. Continue along for another 15 minutes until the end where the waterfalls are.

This hike is strenuous but suited to the young at heart (we have had a 65-year-old do it). It is also wet and can be muddy, so old clothes and sturdy shoes are a must. Take a zip-lock bag for your camera, packed inside a backpack, hat, sunscreen, bottled water, and a change of clothes if you want to come back dry. Beware of heavy rain as the river is subject to flash flooding.

Stop off at the Wiya Bird Cave on the way home; it is located near the quarry in Tafunsak. This cave is home to many Swiftlet birds who build their nests from saliva and moss on the walls of the cave. They can be easily disturbed when approached (try not to look up if they are flying overhead).

Japanese Caves & Cascading Waterfalls
Halfway up Mt. Oma scattered about the hillside are many caves that were dug into the mountain to protect the Japanese occupants from Allied forces during WW II. They were dug mostly by Kosraean and Gilbertese Islanders who had been displaced from their homeland and resettled here.

One cave in particular has a bed that was carved out of the tunnel’s side, and this tunnel winds its way back and opens up through a narrow opening farther up the hill. Most of the caves are in remarkably good condition for their age, and there are still many that have yet to be rediscovered.

Another 15-minute walk will take you to the cascading waterfalls, a series of three falls, each with a small rock pool to cool off. This hike is moderate and suitable for most everyone; ask Hamilson to cut a walking stick from a local branch, which makes it much easier.

If school is out Hamilson’s kids may perform a song or two at the end. He also has a waiver to sign prior to starting.

What to bring: hats, sunscreen, camera/film, plastic bag, tennis shoes or similar (no rubber thongs), backpack, drinking water and a sense of adventure.

Toror Hiking Trail
Though a dam now conserves water at Toror in Malem, it was once a Japanese command post during the Second World War. Hiking is considered easy—about 10 minutes—for all ages.

Walung
Though you can see Walung from the airport in Tafunsak, it is considered remote, since access is mostly gained by boat at high tide or by a dirt road that can be rough in spots. Walung, joined to the main island with thick mangrove forests, is home only to Kosraeans, who live a traditional lifestyle. Walung embodies the more traditional pace and customs of Kosrae before development. White sandy beaches cover a three-mile stretch, and the ocean waters are extremely clear and calm for all ages to enjoy. The village has a "Stay with Families" program for staying with locals to see traditional ways.

A footpath adjacent to the beach allows visitors to stroll the outer limits of the island. Historical sites abound and waterfalls offer a cooling respite. Permission is required by the village representative to visit the village. Knee-length shorts or lava-lavas are appropriate beach and swimwear. Exercise caution when exposed to the equatorial sun.

Sipyen Waterfall
Located just 10 minutes drive from Menke entrance. A short 5-minute walk up a small river will lead you to the 30-foot-high falls, where you can dip in a small pool and be invigorated by the cool, clear water after a hard day’s touring. Best to bring a change of clothes and a towel.