Sites

The Tonotan Guns and Caves: Japanese forces fortified many natural caves on Weno and the other major islands of Chuuk. On Fefan and Tonoas, they enlarged the caves to install massive naval guns and rails for the transportation of munitions and stores. The Tonotan installations, which are located in Neauo, Weno, are typical of those built throughout Chuuk.

Nefo Cave: Another fortified cave it is just 50 meters from the Governor’s residence on Weno. It is about 10 feet wide, 6 feet high and 78 feet long. The cave contains a 6-inch Vickers gun used by Japanese to guard entry to the north pass and was also used as a barracks by the soldiers.

Sapuk Lighthouse: Built by the Japanese in the early 1930s, it has a commanding a panoramic view of the strategic Northeast Passage. In the jungle below the lighthouse are huge guns and caves used to prevent American ships from entering the lagoon. The walls of the building are pockmarked with the scars of bullets and bombs from American aircraft.

Japanese WWII Communications Center: This is the principal structure in the complex that now comprises Xavier High School. Built of reinforced concrete with walls three to four feet thick the massive building sustained little damage despite direct hits from US bombers. The property belonged to the Catholic Church before the war and when it was reclaimed the structure was used as the nucleus for the Jesuit high school. Today the complex includes classroom buildings, chapel, living quarters and offices, study hall, gymnasium, workshop, mess facilities and a student dormitory.

Mt. Tonachau: This is Weno’s highest peak and the fourth largest in Chuuk. Standing almost 900 feet above the lagoon, the mountain is the legendary home of the god Souworiras and his divine son. Local legend has it that Mt. Tonachau is the head of an octopus whose tentacles stretch across the vast expanse of the lagoon. The road leading to the summit passes the former US Air Force Civil Action Team headquarters and Pattiw Islands enclave. The view from this vantage point is spectacular.

Wichon Men's Meeting House and Wichon Waterfall: Wichon Men’s Meeting House is the site where Weno chiefs are said to have met with Poomey, eldest of the six brothers who were the first chiefs of Chuuk. It is a scenic location beside the Wichon Falls and a shallow pool that is still used for bathing and sport as it was in earlier days. Numerous petroglyphs are etched in the exposed basalt above the falls.

Nemwes and Fouman Rocks: These historic cultural sites located at Tunuk and Wonip, on Udot Island, and are associated with ancient rivalries between Chuuk and Yap. Legend tells of Nemwes, the daughter of a Yapese high chief, who disobeyed her father's wishes and came to Udot by walking across the sea. The priests of Udot destroyed her power to walk on water and Nemwes died of grief.
Etten Airfield: The Japanese Officers’ Quarters on Etten Island were heavily damaged during the war. The damage to these reinforced concrete structures was much greater than at other sites on the islands. A visit to Etten Island also offers a chance to see the extensive modifications made by the Japanese to create the largest of several airfields in Chuuk. There are also batteries of anti-aircraft guns, other assorted artifacts and a Zero fighter plane in shallow water at the end of the runway suitable for snorkeling.

Tonoas (Dublon) Island: The Japanese based their fleet HQ and support facilities here before and during the war. These included supply and munitions storage, a fish cannery, a vast naval dockyard, hospitals, seaplane and submarine base. It was supported by a large Japanese community, businesses, stores, restaurants and geisha houses. These were heavily bombed by US forces and today the jungle has swallowed up much of the remains of these places. The hospital is easy to locate, as are Japanese signposts and the collapsed water and fuel storage tanks. Many caves and tunnels are rumored to exist in the cliffs filled with supplies, war materials and ammunition. Other caves containing hidden coastal defense and AA guns are popular tourist attractions.

Desert Island’ Stays: Jeep Island is the best known of a number of tiny, sand spit islands that offer facilities for BBQs and overnight stays. It has native style accommodation, coconut trees and a small lagoon with its own generator, water, catering facilities and staff. Guests can book it for several days at a time and arrange for regular pickup by boat for diving, fishing and sightseeing. Other islands also available for day or overnight trips include Fanos, Fenamu, Pisar Island and Ferit Islands. These are real “desert island” experiences and are not to be missed if one has the chance.

Outer Islands: Chuuk's outer islands, composed of the Mortlocks, Halls and Western island groups, are small, lowlying coral atolls. The Chuukese on these islands lead very traditional subsistence lifestyles and visitors are rare. The islands can be reached by boat, chartered aircraft and scheduled aircraft services.

Traditional Dance and Handicrafts: The Chuukese have a strong tradition of music and dance. Performances are regularly held for visitors and during local festivals featuring the traditional chants, dances and music of Chuuk. Fefan are known for its wood carvers who craft the love sticks, masks, storyboards and marine animals that are the major handicrafts of Chuuk. The lovesticks are carved dagger-shaped rods that once played a major role in Chuukese courting rituals. The Chuukese masks are carved in two styles, one as spirit masks traditionally used as a talisman and the other as finely carved busts of Chuukese warriors. A variety of handicrafts and artwork are available from the hotels and stores on Weno. A visit to Fefan can also be a very rewarding experience.