Plizio Visual Lab
Tonoas
ℹ️Practical info — Tonoas
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🌤 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
Often found served in local village meals.
A local staple cooked in traditional earth ovens.
The catch of the day is usually served at local guesthouses.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy hand-woven baskets directly from local artisans.
Often sold by villagers at informal roadside stands.
Available directly from the local growers.
A peaceful but haunting historical site.
Quiet nature spots along the shoreline.
Hike up for panoramic views of the lagoon.
Water temperature…
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.
- Location: Micronesia
- Top sights: Foukenau · Naton · Unikopos
- Nearby: Fefan (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 210 | 187 | 216 | 239 | 279 | 265 | 282 | 285 | 293 | 234 | 237 | 232 |
Geography
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tonoas (3)
Frequently asked questions
What was Tonoas during WWII?
Can you visit old bunkers there?
How do you get to Tonoas?
Is a guide necessary?
What should I bring?
Tonoas: where is it located?
Tonoas: what is there to see?
Tonoas: when is the best time to visit?
Tonoas: why is it worth visiting?



































