Home » Layover Guide » Pohnpei Layover Guide (PNI)

Pohnpei Layover Guide (PNI)

What are you looking for in PNI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Pohnpei International Airport (PNI) is an international airport located on Deketik Island, Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia. It’s located about 1.2 km (0.75 miles) north of Kolonia, the island’s main town. The airport first opened officially in January 1970. Pohnpei is the most populous of the four states in Micronesia and is celebrated for its lush tropical landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, vibrant cultural festivals and traditional maritime navigation practices.

Can you leave Pohnpei Airport (PNI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes. You may exit Pohnpei International Airport during a layover by clearing immigration. Visitors receive a 30-day entry permit upon arrival. No visa is required for stays of 30 days or less, provided you have a valid passport, sufficient funds and proof of onward travel and a valid return ticket. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Nan Madol Explore the ancient city of Nan Madol, mysterious megalithic ruins on artificial islets showcasing basalt walls, ceremonial platforms, and networked canals in a serene lagoon environment rich with archaeological intrigue. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: approximately 60 minutes by taxi.)
• Sokehs Rock Trail Ascend Sokehs Rock for panoramic island vistas, hiking through limestone forests, coastal bluffs, terrain. The challenging trail rewards climbers with sweeping views of Pohnpei’s lush mountains and sparkling Pacific waters. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: approximately 25 minutes by taxi.)
• Senipehn Market Browse Senipehn Market’s vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, tropical fruits, souvenirs, local delicacies. Engage friendly vendors, sample exotic flavors, and immerse yourself in the authentic rhythms of Pohnpei’s bustling culture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approximately 15 minutes by taxi.)
• Kepirohi Waterfall Discover Kepirohi Waterfall’s cascading tiers within dense jungle foliage. Cool off in natural plunge pools and appreciate the serene ambience of this pristine Pohnpei oasis framed by lush tropical greenery. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: approximately 45 minutes by taxi, plus moderate hike.)
• Pohnpei Botanical Gardens Stroll through Pohnpei Botanical Gardens’ curated trails showcasing endemic palms, vibrant flowering plants, educational displays. Birdwatchers can spot rare species while enjoying peaceful pathways amid verdant landscapes and tropical serenity. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: approximately 20 minutes by taxi.)
• Cultural & Historical Museum Explore Pohnpei’s Cultural and Historical Museum housing traditional artifacts, colonial-era relics, interactive exhibits. Learn about island genealogy, navigational heritage, and post-colonial transformations within a thoughtfully preserved historic building in Kolonia. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approximately 15 minutes by taxi.)
• Kolonia Walking Tour Join a Kolonia walking tour through colonial streets, inspecting landmarks such as the Spanish Wall, historic churches, waterfront promenades. Local guides share captivating stories of Pohnpei’s multicultural past and resilience. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: approximately 15 minutes by taxi.)
• Spanish Wall Snorkeling Snorkel the Spanish Wall reef adjacent to Kolonia Pier, encountering colorful coral gardens, reef fish, vibrant marine life. Suitable for underwater exploration accessible directly from the shore with snorkeling gear. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approximately 15 minutes by taxi.)

Things to Do in Pohnpei Airport (PNI)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
PNI’s terminal offers basic seating areas without dedicated lounges. Travelers can relax on rows of benches under ceiling fans or in the modest departure hall adjacent to concession stands. Power outlets are scarce, so visitors often use portable chargers. Quiet zones are limited, and crowd noise persists throughout operating hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near PNI offer convenient overnight stays within a 2-kilometer radius. Options include the Pohnpei Lagoon Hotel, Kissem Resort, and local guesthouses, providing air-conditioned rooms, nearby restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. Advance booking is recommended due to limited capacity. Airport transfers may be arranged through hotel reception for a fee. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The PNI terminal lacks designated rest areas or sleeping pods. Passengers seeking rest must use standard seating or floor space near gates, where lighting remains on. Security patrols operate until closing time, and overnight stays require advance permission. Comfort levels vary depending on flight schedules and crowd size. Portable pillows.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi at PNI is limited to the arrivals hall and can be inconsistent. Signal strength drops in the departure area, peak times may result in slow speeds. Visitors often rely on hotspot tethering or local cafés in Kolonia. Passwords, when required, are available from airport staff at information desks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local mobile service providers offer SIM cards in Kolonia, not directly at PNI. For data and calls, purchase a FSM Telecom or Kacific SIM at downtown shops. Activation requires passport ID and costs around US$15 for a 5-day data package. eSIM profiles for networks can be activated online before arrival. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Pohnpei Airport (PNI) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi cabs are parked outside PNI’s terminal, offering fixed fares to Kolonia and nearby villages. Shared taxis operate along the island’s circumferential road, reducing costs for multiple passengers. Fares are negotiable; confirm the price before boarding. Most drivers accept cash in US dollars and Yapese. Night service may incur surcharges.

Train: Pohnpei Island has no train services; rail transport remains unavailable to reach PNI or any destination. Ground travel relies entirely on road vehicles such as taxis, shared vans, and private cars. Infrastructure plans do not include rail due to geographic constraints and the island’s small population. (more info).

Bus: Pohnpei lacks a formal public bus network. Instead, informal minibuses and shared taxis operate along main routes, stopping for passengers when waved down. Schedules are unlisted, and fares are negotiated or set per zone. Vehicles are often crowded. Confirm pick-up points with locals for smooth boarding. (more info).

Shuttle: Limited hotel shuttles meet arriving flights at PNI by prior arrangement. Confirm schedules and fees with your accommodation, as services operate only at set times. Drivers wait in front of the terminal for booked guests; unannounced shuttle rides are rare. Shared airport vans may be organized through local tour operators.

Car rentals: Several car rental agencies have desks in PNI’s arrivals hall, including FSM Rent-A-Car and Island Auto. Drivers must present a valid international license, passport, and security deposit. Rates start at US$50 per day for compact vehicles. Fuel is extra. Reservations recommended, especially during peak tourist season to secure specific models. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: PNI provides free parking adjacent to the terminal, accommodating up to 50 vehicles. Surfaces are unpaved, so pick a spot near lights. Long-term parking is allowed but lacks surveillance cameras. Covered or valet services are unavailable. Remember where you parked; markers are minimal and unclear, mobile signal may be weak.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

PNI does not offer staffed luggage storage or lockers. Travelers must keep belongings securely with them or arrange storage at downtown hotels. Some local tour operators and guesthouses provide short-term storage for a fee. Valuables should remain on your person. Ensure personal locks if using informal drop-off services in Kolonia. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Pohnpei Airport (PNI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks