Majuro

Introduction

Majuro is the capital of the Marshall Islands and has population of about 28,000 inhabitants. Majuro actually refers to the Majuro Atoll, containing 64 islands with the major population centers being the so called D-U-D communities, the islands of Delap, Uliga and Darrit from south to north on along the eastern edge of the atoll. Uliga is the main business district. Tourism is an increasingly important industry here and all the major facilities like hotels, restaurants and shops can be found in Uliga or one of the other nearby villages.

Sights and Activities

The Majuro atoll itself has few things to offer but is a good base for exploration of the surrounding islands.

The main tourist attraction is Laura Beach on the western tip of the main island about 40km away from town. As taxis to Laura Beach are quite expensive the added value of a rental car should not be neglected.

Eneko Island is a small atoll about 45 minutes away from Uliga by boat. Day trips and overnight stays at their small cottages need to be arranged through the Hotel Robert Reimers. Camping is also possible.

Scuba diving may be organized through Raycrew located in the first floor of Marshall Islands Resort. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable of local dive sites. Gear may also be rented here.

Events and Festivals

Coconut Cup Regatta

Sailing crafts of all sizes from luxury yachts to traditional Marshallese canoes, are welcome to participate in this unique regatta held in Majuro between late March and early April. Even windsurfers can take part in the main Saturday afternoon race, which follows a triangular pattern to and from the Robert Reimers Enterprises complex. There are also races for miniature canoes called riwut and vessels built entirely from recycled materials. A weekend affair, prizes are awarded on Saturday, a picnic takes place on Sunday and the Marshall Islands Resort hosts a soirée on Monday.

Weather

Majuro enjoys a nice tropical climate with generally hot and humid weather. Daytime temperatures are around 29 °C to 32 °C throughout the year with little variation. This applies to nighttime temperatures as well, generally being around 24 °C and rarely dropping lower. The wettest months are September to November, with December to April being the dry season. This is also when northeast tradewinds bring some nice breezes which cool things off a bit. Obviously, this is one of the best times to visit, but other months can be equally enjoyable, although a tropical storm always is a possibility.

Getting There

By Plane

Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ), also known as Amata Kabua International Airport, serves Majuro. Flag carrier Air Marshall Islands is based here in this airport with destinations to Airok, Aur, Ebon, Enejit, Jaluit, Jeh, Kaben, Kili, Kwajalein, Majkin, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili, Namdrik, Utirik, Wotje. Continental Airlines, operated by its subsidiary Continental Micronesia, flies into Majuro from Chuuk, Guam, Honolulu, Kosrae, Kwajalein and Pohnpei.

By Boat

There is no scheduled passenger services, but government-run boats travel to and from Majuro infrequently.

Getting Around

The island can be explored by foot. The only exception to this is Laura Beach. Taxis are cheap ($0.75) as long you stay east of the airport. To further reduce costs cab sharing is common. Getting to Laura Beach by taxi is expensive, but buses make the round trip to Laura 6 days a week (not on Sundays) for $2, departing from the RRE parking lot. Hitchhiking is widely practiced and quite safe.

There may be packs of feral dogs roaming any inhabited parts of Majuro. Anyone walking or running needs to be ever alert as these dogs frequently attack without provocation. Walkers and runners should always carry a stout rod or similar and several rocks for use in thwarting marauding dogs. This has become less of a problem in recent years, but is still a danger from time to time.

Rental cars cost $US 60 per day. None of the large commercial rental agencies operate on the island. Hotel Robert Reimers has about a dozen cars available. A gas station is located south of Hotel Robert Reimers about two thirds of the way to the National Telecommunications Authority building, which is easily identifiable by the big satellite dishes.

Eat

Restaurants tend to go through phases in Majuro. No place is consistent for more than a few months. If a restaurant is really good one week, it may be completely awful the next. An always changing workforce contributes greatly to this phenomenon as does the availability of ingredients. That being said, asking around about which places are good to eat can help greatly.

The Tidetable Restaurant attached to the Hotel Robert Reimers is a meeting place for locals as well as expats looking for cheap quality food and Internet access. The restaurant overlooks a busy town square as well as the lagoon. Try the MEC Blackout - seasoned slices of tuna which just touched a hot pan for a few seconds.

DAR is a small cafe on the backroad of Uliga. They have reasonably priced diner fare and some of the best coffee on island. It's a great place to catch up on local gossip as well.
Won Hai Shien has excellent Chinese food and is located off the main road right next to Uliga Dock.
Aliang Restaurant is located just next to Won Hai Shien and also has excellent Chinese food, but of a different variety.
Flame Tree in Delap is a good place to go for pizza before sunset.
Riwut Corner is a diner that has a selection of American and local foods.
Marshall Islands Resort has a Sunday brunch with great views of the lagoon.

Drink

For nice places full of foreigners, check out the bars at RRE/Tide Table or at Marshall Islands Resort.

Marshall Islands Club is a local favorite. Spacious, with an open air deck situated right on the lagoon.

The Flame Tree is a very popular bar/club combination with a lively atmosphere.

The Pub caters to a more upscale crowd. The drinks aren't more expensive, but the $7 cover charge (includes free drink) affects its patronage. A well decorated, private VIP section also exists here.

Sleep

• Hotel Robert Reimers, ☎ +692 625-5131, fax: +692 625-3783, e-mail: [email protected].
• Marshall Islands Resort, Amata Kabua Blvd, ☎ +692 625-2525, fax: +692 625-2500, e-mail: [email protected]. Check-in: 3:00pm, check-out: Noon.

External Links