Nett

Nett (Net) is a municipality on the northern side of Pohnpei's main island, in the capital state of the Federated States of Micronesia. It wraps around the eastern and southern edge of Kolonia, the state's commercial town, so for many visitors Nett is effectively the green hinterland just beyond town — a district of villages, gardens, rivers, and rainforest rising toward Pohnpei's misty interior peaks. One of Pohnpei's five traditional paramount chiefdoms, Nett is rich in Pohnpeian culture and is home to several of the island's accessible natural attractions, including the popular Liduduhniap (Nanpil) twin waterfalls on the Nanpil River.

Because of its position adjoining Kolonia and the airport area, Nett is one of the easier districts to dip into, whether for a waterfall swim, a river walk, or a sakau evening. The interior, by contrast, climbs into some of the wettest and least-developed rainforest in the Pacific.

Pohnpei is among the rainiest places on Earth; Nett's rivers and falls run strong year-round. Expect warm temperatures of 27–31 °C (81–88 °F), high humidity, and frequent rain, with a slightly drier window around December to March.

By Plane

The island's gateway is Pohnpei International Airport (PNI) on Deketik islet off Kolonia, immediately adjacent to Nett. From the airport, most of Nett is 10–30 minutes by road. Arrange a hotel transfer, taxi, or rental car.

US citizens may stay visa-free up to a year under the Compact of Free Association; most other nationalities receive a 30-day permit on arrival. The currency is the US dollar.

By Car / Road

Within Pohnpei, the circumferential road runs through Nett between Kolonia and the eastern districts (U, Madolenihmw). Driving is on the right; traffic is moderate near Kolonia and light beyond.

A rental car, hired driver, or shared taxi from Kolonia is the practical way to reach Nett's waterfalls and villages. Reaching the falls and interior trails usually means a short walk and a small local access fee; a guide is useful for the longer routes. There is no formal public transport network and no ride-hailing apps.

• Liduduhniap (Nanpil) twin waterfalls — a pair of pretty cascades on the Nanpil River with pools for swimming, reached by a short walk; one of Pohnpei's most accessible falls. A small local access fee is usually charged.

• Nanpil River and gardens — the river valley and surrounding gardens make for easy walks and birdwatching.

• Interior rainforest — Nett climbs toward Pohnpei's cloud-forest peaks; guided treks reach viewpoints and remote falls.

• Traditional culture — Nett is a paramount chiefdom; feast houses (nahs) and sakau ceremony are central to community life.

• Swim at Liduduhniap — the easy waterfall outing from Kolonia; cool off in the river pools.

• River and rainforest walks — guided or self-guided walks along the Nanpil and into the forest fringe.

• Birdwatching — Pohnpei's endemic birds (including the Pohnpei lorikeet and Micronesian species) are found in Nett's forests.

• Sakau evening — sharing sakau in a nahs, where invited, is the heart of Pohnpeian social life; sakau bars operate around Kolonia and Nett.

Nett's residents largely eat and dine in nearby Kolonia, which has Pohnpei's main concentration of restaurants — fresh fish, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Western dishes. Pohnpeian staples include fish, breadfruit, taro, giant yams, banana, coconut, and pork.

Try local reef fish, breadfruit, and the celebrated giant Pohnpei yam.

Pohnpei's defining drink is sakau (kava); Nett and Kolonia have numerous sakau bars (nahs) where the evening ritual unfolds — a quintessential Pohnpeian experience to share with locals. Otherwise expect imported beer and limited wine at Kolonia venues. Fresh young coconut is the best non-alcoholic option. Avoid tap water; drink bottled or filtered water.

Accommodation is concentrated in adjoining Kolonia, a few minutes away, so most visitors base there and visit Nett's attractions on day outings.

Budget

• Guesthouses in Kolonia — simple rooms with fan or AC.

Mid-range

• Kolonia-area hotels — comfortable AC rooms, restaurants, dive desks; some on the harbour or near Nett.

Upscale

• The Village / harbour-view lodges near Kolonia — characterful traditional-bungalow lodging; "upscale" here means comfortable, not luxurious.

Most shopping is in adjoining Kolonia, with its stores, market, and handicraft outlets selling Pohnpeian carvings, sakau stones, and woven items. Roadside stands in Nett sell tropical fruit and the famously large Pohnpei yams. Pay asked prices; hard bargaining is not customary. Bring USD; ATMs are in Kolonia.

• Kolonia (adjoining) — Pohnpei's commercial town: markets, restaurants, dive shops, the Spanish Wall and bell tower.
• Sokehs (west, across the harbour) — Sokehs Rock and Ridge, with views and WWII relics.
• U (east) — more waterfalls and the route toward Madolenihmw.
• Madolenihmw (southeast) — Nan Madol, the megalithic stone city.
• Ant Atoll (off the southwest coast by boat) — pristine reef for diving and snorkelling.