Pohnpei Island Micronesia (Kolonia-Palikir)

Pohnpei Island (fka Ponape) is one of FSM-Micronesia's Senyavin Islands (part of Caroline Islands Archipelago) in the Western Pacific Ocean. The island is part of the country's Pohnpei State and has a population of around 35,000. Its largest towns are Palikir (Micronesia's capital city, population around 5,000) and Kolonia (Pohnpei State's capital, population ~6,000).

Pohnpei is Micronesia's largest island (land area approx 334 km2 / 129 mi2). Its highest elevation point (Mt Nanlaud) is 782 m (2566 ft) above sea level. Only on two islands in the world (Pohnpei and Kosrae) can be found the ka tree (aka keima tree) which is used for timber (including for manufacturing of canoes, furniture, flooring) and its nuts are edible and also used as medicine.

The island was discovered by the Europeans in 1529 AD, by Alvaro de Saavedra (Spanish explorer). In 1886, the Caroline Islands became part of the Spanish East Indies (Manila-based colonial territory) and soon founded Santiago de la Ascension (Kolonia) where were built a fort, government buildings, church, school.

After the Spanish-American War (1898, between Spain and the USA), Deutsches Kaiserreich/German Empire (1871-1918) purchased from Spain the Caroline Islands, the Mariana Islands (except the USA-owned Guam Island) and the Marshall Islands. After WW1 (1914-18), to the Empire of Japan (1868-1947) were given all German colonies north of the equator - the Carolines, the Marshalls, the Marianas (except Guam), and Kiautschou Bay (leased territory in China). Following WW2 (1939-45) and between 1947-86, Micronesia was occupied by the USA.

The island is served by Pohnpei Airport (near Kolonia) which is located on Deketik island and off Pohnpei Island's northern coast. The airport serves domestic and international flights linking to Micronesia (Yap Island, Chuuk on Weno Island, Kosrae, Nukuoro Atoll), Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby), USA (Guam Island, Honolulu Oahu-Hawaii) and Marshall Islands (Kwajalein Island, Majuro Atoll).

As cruise port, Pohnpei Island's Kolonia port is visited by smaller-sized luxury ships from the fleets of companies like Crystal Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Phoenix Reisen.