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Tonoas

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town
—°3
Tonoas (Micronesia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Tonoas

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Bring plenty of cash as ATMs are scarce.
  • Hire a local guide to find the hidden WWII Japanese bunkers safely.
  • The boat ride from Weno is the easiest way to get here.
  • Be respectful of local land ownership, ask permission before exploring.
  • Pack strong mosquito repellent for jungle hikes.

🍽 Food

🍽
Coconut crab

Often found served in local village meals.

🍽
Breadfruit dishes

A local staple cooked in traditional earth ovens.

🍽
Fresh reef fish

The catch of the day is usually served at local guesthouses.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local handicrafts

Buy hand-woven baskets directly from local artisans.

🛍
Shell jewelry

Often sold by villagers at informal roadside stands.

🛍
Fresh tropical fruits

Available directly from the local growers.

🧘
Japanese Seaplane Base ruins

A peaceful but haunting historical site.

🧘
Coastal mangrove walks

Quiet nature spots along the shoreline.

🧘
Mount Tonaachaw viewpoint

Hike up for panoramic views of the lagoon.

Tonoas, also known as Dublon during the colonial era, holds a central place in the military history of the Pacific. As the former administrative seat and headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Chuuk Lagoon, the island was heavily fortified during World War II. Today, the remains of this era are still present within the island's dense jungle, including ruins of the radio station, fuel storage tanks, and tunnel systems. The waters surrounding Tonoas are part of a world-famous underwater graveyard, containing numerous ships sunk in 1944 during "Operation Hailstone." For travelers, the island gives a mix of historical exploration and local Micronesian culture. Despite its wartime past, Tonoas is now a tranquil place, characterized by its lush vegetation and strategic location within the lagoon.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282828282828282929
Rain mm210187216239279265282285293234237232

Geography

Coordinates
7.38330, 151.88330

Facts

  • Tonoas has a population of approximately 3,200 residents.
  • During WWII, it served as a site for a Japanese naval hospital.
  • The island was a key target during Operation Hailstone in 1944.
  • Ruins of bunkers and supply warehouses are still visible today.
  • Tonoas is located to the southeast of Weno island.
  • The local economy relies on fishing and subsistence farming.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tonoas (3)

Foukenau🌿 nature

A hill on Tonoas Island, Chuuk.

Naton🌿 nature

A hill on Tonoas Island, Chuuk.

Unikopos🌿 nature

A hill on Tonoas Island, Chuuk.

Frequently asked questions

What was Tonoas during WWII?
It was the Japanese headquarters Dublon and a strategically important base in Chuuk.
Can you visit old bunkers there?
Yes, there are numerous ruins of bunkers, hospitals, and warehouses that can be explored.
How do you get to Tonoas?
The island is reachable by boat from Weno in about 20-30 minutes.
Is a guide necessary?
A local guide is highly recommended to safely find the hidden historical sites.
What should I bring?
Good hiking shoes, insect repellent, and plenty of water are essential for the tours.
Tonoas: where is it located?
Tonoas is located in Micronesia.
Tonoas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Foukenau, Naton, Unikopos.
Tonoas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Tonoas: why is it worth visiting?
Tonoas, also known as Dublon during the colonial era, holds a central place in the military history of the Pacific.
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