You may have heard of the Marshall Islands during your high school history class as the place where the US tested nuclear bombs after WWII. The secret military activity occurred on Bikini Atoll (fun fact: this is where the modern swimwear is named after), which has since been designate a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bombings were so intense that they even vaporized three of the islands. A number of warships, including the aircraft carrier the USS Saratoga are now famous dive sites.

The country is also one of the few in the world that is completely composed of atolls.

For my visit to the Marshall Islands, country 175, I was headed to the capital and largest city, Majuro Atoll. My mother was celebrating her 60th birthday, so I invited her island hopping from the Marshall Islands to Palau.

Firstly, getting to the island is tricky. There are only a few options for flights and they can be costly. I recommend booking on the United Island Hopper (especially with miles). I took Nauru Airlines from Honiara, where I joined my mother coming from Brisbane, and had a layover in Nauru before heading to Majuro. This is a decent option if coming from Australia.

On landing, it seems that you are touching down right into the ocean, so have your cameras ready.

Majuro

Majuro is the capital and largest city of the Marshall Islands with a population of around 20,000. Like Nauru, Kiribati, and Pohnpei, there’s basically a single main road from one side of the island to the other.

The center of town consisted of a police building, a fire station, churches, and several basic utility and town buildings. There are a few hotels in town. We stayed at Hotel Robert Reimers and The Marshall Islands Resort. Both are good options, with Reimers more focused on a local crowd and a tasty restaurant while the resort is more focused on vacationers.

There are a few shops and convenience stores where you can pick up some souvenirs. Some of the stores have a surprising collection of tourist shirts.

Alele Museum, Library and National Archives
The main museum of the town has a collection of cultural and historic items on display. Check opening times which seem to also depend on whether or not the administration is there. They h

Eneko Island
Eneko Island is a short boat ride from Majuro and offers a glimpse of an island paradise and a getaway for the locals and tourists alike. Operated by the Reimers family, you can also arrange to stay overnight in one of the cottages. Snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing are the main activities.

Waan Aelõñ in Majel

This small hidden boat making workshop creates and keeps the tradition of Marshallese sailboats alive. Canoes and sails are all made and assembled here. Stop in to chat with one of the workers and see how the create these works of art.

Tobolar Copra Processing Plant
This fairly large factory produces copra, dried coconut flesh from which oil is obtained. Not very well indicated, but ask around to find the entrance. In the administration building of the factory, friendly workers will take you for a tour of the operation and also show the soaps and oils which can be purchased in the office.

Peace Park Memorial
Playing an important role during WWII, Majuro was first occupied by the Japanese before being taken over by the US through some bloody battles. You can find a granite memorial to the fallen Japanese on the main road passed the airport. This peaceful though gloomy area is worth checking out.

Laura Beach
This beach at the opposite end of the atoll from Majuro town is a great place to spend a day outdoors. A white sandy beach surrounds a park with picnic tables and open lawn spaces for activities. The current was a bit strong when I went, but snorkeling is possible around the point.

Majuro is an interesting stop, though on my next visit I will certainly leave plenty of time to do some diving on the wrecks of Bikini!

Next we head to Pohnpei in Micronesia! Our flight takes us first to Kwajalein Atoll, which is an active US Army Garrison! The weapons testing continues!

For more pictures check out the Marshall Islands photo album on Facebook.