Majuro

Founded as a trading post by the Germans in 1884, when the Marshall Islands became an independent country about a century later, Majuro became the national capital. The Majuro atoll is sometimes referred to as D-U-D, after the villages of Delap, Uliga, and Djarrit that are the major population centers.

With its port and airport, it is an important entrance point to the Marshall Islands. Don't expect a too many attractions in Majuro city itself; buildings are generally residential, industrial or commercial, though there are beaches and other islands nearby.

There is only one road in Majuro. If you are on a walk far away from the city center, police and other people will often give you a ride if they are going in the same direction.

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

• 🌍 Laura Beach. The main tourist attraction is Laura Beach on the western tip of the main island about 40 km away from town. As taxis to Laura Beach are quite expensive the added value of a rental car should not be neglected. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Alele Museum and Public Library, ☏ +692 625-3372. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Photos of local life and landscapes mostly from the turn of the century and objects including traditional handicraft on display. The only public library in the country. (updated Jan 2024)
• 🌍 Eneko Island. 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. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Arno. Overnight trips are also available to the next atoll, Arno. Arno is less developed than Majuro and very beautiful. Arrangements can be made at the Happy Hands Handicraft store which shares a parking lot with RRE hotel. The boat trip to Arno takes about 90 minutes. (updated Feb 2020)

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

• 🌍 Formosa Supermarket. The small Formosa Supermarket has groceries and basic supplies but closes early. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Payless, ☏ +692 625-6822. A bigger Payless supermarket in Uliga is usually well stocked. (updated Jan 2024)

• 🌍 K&K Island Pride Supermarket, 1782 Delap Village (in Delap next to the Bank of Guam), ☏ +692 625-3321. M-Th 7AM-9PM, F Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 7AM-8PM. Has a large fresh produce section. (updated Jan 2024)

Several handicraft stores dot the main part of town. A visit to any of these will provide reasonably priced souvenirs. On many days you can also find women at these stores making these handicrafts.

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. Asking around about which places are good to eat can help greatly.

• 🌍 Tidetable Restaurant (RRE Hotel and Restaurant), Uliga Main Road (attached to the Hotel Robert Reimers). 7AM-9:30PM. A meeting place for locals and expats looking for cheap quality food and Internet access. The restaurant overlooks a busy town square as well as the lagoon. It has many American staples, such as pizza and steak. Try the MEC Blackout - seasoned slices of tuna which just touched a hot pan for a few seconds. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 DAR. 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. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Won Hai Shien. Has excellent Chinese food and is located off the main road right next to Uliga Dock. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Aliang Restaurant. Near Won Hai Shien and also has excellent Chinese food, but of a different variety. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Flame Tree (in Delap). A good place to go for pizza before sunset. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Riwut Corner. A diner that has a selection of American and local foods. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Marshall Islands Resort. Has a Sunday brunch with great views of the lagoon. (updated Feb 2020)

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

• 🌍 Marshall Islands Club. A local favorite. Spacious, with an open air deck on the lagoon. (updated Feb 2020)
• The Flame Tree (see Eat) 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. It has a well-decorated, private VIP section. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Toeak Bar & Grill, 494F+Q9W (in NAPA Building), ☏ +692 625-3370. Near the dock and on the 5th floor gives spectacular views. Serves American fare food. (updated Jan 2024)

• 🌍 Hotel Robert Reimers, ☏ +692 625-5131, fax: +692 625-3783, hotelrr@rreinc.com. 
• 🌍 Marshall Islands Resort, Amata Kabua Blvd, ☏ +692 625-2525, fax: +692 625-2500, reservations@marshallislandsresort.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. 

Metered wireless Internet access in Majuro is widely available, although occasionally unreliable. People may purchase Internet time at the National Telecommunications Administration building or online by following the instructions given when trying to connect. Payless Supermarket also has a free wireless connection for customers in its dining area.

Unless sailing your own boat (or flying your own plane), options are the destinations there are flights to from the airport:

• Other atolls in the Marshall Islands.
• Chuuk (Federated States of Micronesia)
• Guam
• Honolulu (Hawaii)
• Kosrae (Federated States of Micronesia)
• Nauru
• Tarawa (Kiribati)