Trifter

Most Americans have never even heard of it. As far as many Americans are concerned, it could be the name of some small town in Italy. But, this is the capital island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, which consists of 2 other main islands, Rota and Tinian, and 12 other lesser-populated islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, about 3 quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.

At just 44 square miles, it constitutes only a small dot on the world map. Yet, it has had quite a history and played a very important role in world events. First settled by the Spanish, Saipan, along with the rest of the Marianas except Guam, was sold to Germany after the Spanish-American War. During World War I, with Germany preoccupied fighting the rest of Europe, the Japan seized the islands and was formally awarded control of the islands under a League of Nations mandate.

Saipan’s biggest role in world affairs came during World War II when, in the summer of 1944, following a vicious 3-week battle, U.S. Marines wrested control of the island from the Japanese. Upon the quick establishing of an airfield on Saipan, Japan’s main islands were instantly placed within striking distance of the B-29 bombers, which soon began reducing many of Japan’s major cities to ashes. Nearby Tinian, which was occupied by the U.S. a short time later, would be used as the launchpad for the Enola Gay, the aircraft which would drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Okay, enough about war….

With it’s year-round tropical weather and sandy beaches, Saipan relies heavily on tourism for it’s economy and it is, indeed, one of the Pacific Ocean’s most popular destinations. As with most small tropical islands, beyond shopping and lying at the beach, there isn’t much to do here. At just 9 miles in width and 20 miles in length, it only takes roughly 30 minutes to drive around the entire island. That is, if the entire island was driveable. While most of the western shore of the island is flat, pretty much the entire eastern shore is hilly and rocky, which would make it quite enjoyable for hiking buffs.

On Saipan’s norhern edge lies Banzai Cliff where many Japanese soldiers and many of the island’s civilian jumped off the cliff and into rocky waters below to avoid capture by U.S. Marines. It is estimated that more than 9,000 Japanese troops and civilians participated in this jump.

The Sunset Dinner cruise should be part of one’s agenda while there. The cruise features delicious native cuisine and entertainment with a live band and native dancing. The natives are extremely warm and friendly and treat all tourists as part of the family.

And, of course, as with almost all tropical islands out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Saipan offers a wide variety of sea activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, waterskiing, etc.

Although it may not seem like it to you due to the huge cultural difference, this is U.S. territory. The locals are U.S. citizens and all can speak English in addition to their native Chamorro language. A passport is not required to visit the Marianas. The dollar is the official currency, although due to high number of Japanese tourists, many vendors also accept the Japanese yen.

It’s a very fun place and worth visiting sometime. Have fun!