Weno is the second largest island and capital of Chuuk State. It was the site
of the first European settlement, established in Chuuk by missionaries and traders
in the late 1800s. The Farmers' Market and local stores, packed with everything
from kerosene stoves to ladies wear and handicrafts, give visitors a glimpse of
life in Chuuk, and high vantage points provide great views of the lagoon and outer
islands. The best of these are from Mount Tonachau and the Chukuwen Ruins. Mount
Tonachau has good views of the Weno township and the port, while Chukuwen Ruins
offer wide panoramas overlooking the lagoon to Tonoas, Uman, and much of Fefan
islands. There are also a number of Japanese WWII sites that include fortifications,
airfields, prison camp and shrines.
Recommended sights:
The Tonotan Guns and Caves: Japanese forces fortified many natural
caves on Weno and the other major islands of Chuuk. On Fefan and Tonoas, they
enlarged the caves to install massive naval guns and rails for the transportation
of munitions and stores. The Tonotan installations, which are located in Neauo,
Weno, are typical of those built throughout Chuuk.
Nefo Cave: Another fortified cave it is just 50 meters from the Governor's
residence on Weno. It is about 10 feet wide, 6 feet high and 78 feet long. The
cave contains a 6-inch Vickers gun used by Japanese to guard entry to the north
pass and was also used as a barracks by the soldiers.
Sapuk Lighthouse: Built by the Japanese in the early 1930s, it has
a commanding a panoramic view of the strategic Northeast Passage. In the jungle
below the lighthouse are huge guns and caves used to prevent American ships
from entering the lagoon. The walls of the building are pockmarked with the
scars of bullets and bombs from American aircraft.
Japanese WWII Communications Center: This is the principal structure
in the complex that now comprises Xavier High School. Built of reinforced concrete
with walls three to four feet thick the massive building sustained little damage
despite direct hits from US bombers. The property belonged to the Catholic Church
before the war and when it was reclaimed the structure was used as the nucleus
for the Jesuit high school. Today the complex includes classroom buildings,
chapel, living quarters and offices, study hall, gymnasium, workshop, mess facilities
and a student dormitory.
Mt. Tonachau: This is Weno's highest peak and the fourth largest in
Chuuk. Standing almost 900 feet above the lagoon, the mountain is the legendary
home of the god Souworiras and his divine son. Local legend has it that Mt.
Tonachau is the head of an octopus whose tentacles stretch across the vast expanse
of the lagoon. The road leading to the summit passes the former US Air Force
Civil Action Team headquarters and Pattiw Islands enclave. The view from this
vantage point is spectacular.
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Chuuk's vast lagoon offers the largest concentration of diveable ships and aircraft in the world — all covered in a kaleidoscope of vibrant soft corals, anemones and clams.
Visit this historic "first settlement." Weno is the second-largest island and capital of Chuuk State — and was the site of the first European settlement, established in Chuuk by...