The Complete Travel Guide to Majuro

Life on Majuro is shaped by its vast turquoise lagoon, ribbon-thin stretches of land and quietly fascinating Marshallese culture. Between island day trips, traditional canoe sailing, museums, handicrafts and some wonderfully unusual swimming spots, there is far more to do than the atoll’s slender appearance might suggest.

The Top Experiences in Majuro

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Majuro highlights:

• Escape to the white sands and clear lagoon waters of Eneko Island
• Take a road trip to the peaceful western end of the atoll at Laura Beach
• Learn about traditional canoe building with WAAN Aelõñ in Majel, then sail across Majuro Lagoon in a Marshallese outrigger canoe
• Browse finely woven baskets, fans, wall hangings and other Marshallese handicrafts
• Join Wutilomar Tours on the "Majuro Half-Day Sightseeing Tour" or "Majuro Full-Day Sightseeing Tour"
• Jump into the natural saltwater reef pool at Airport Beach Park (there might not be a beach, but there is certainly somewhere to swim)

And the list continues in our 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro.

Rainy Day Activities

A tropical downpour does not have to send you retreating to your hotel room. Majuro has several museums, workshops, shops and other indoor attractions where the sound of rain on the roof simply adds to the island atmosphere.

• Take a free guided tour of the Alele Museum and spend extra time exploring its national library and archives
• Follow the journey from dried coconut to coconut oil on a working copra factory tour at Tobolar
• Slow things down with a massage or beauty treatment at Elegance Spa

Find more ways to rescue a wet-weather day in the 10 Things to Do in the Marshall Islands on a Rainy Day.

Things to Do at Night

Majuro’s evenings can be as relaxed or lively as you choose. Watch the sky turn orange over the lagoon, settle in for waterfront drinks or discover an atoll nightlife scene involving karaoke, live bands and considerably more dancing than you might expect.

• Watch the sunset over the lagoon from one of Majuro’s western-facing shores or waterfront venues
• Sip sundowner drinks at Toeak Bar & Grill, Dockside Bar or Jittak Likatu Bar & Grill, where the evening may continue with karaoke or live music
• Go night fishing or lobstering with Bokanbotin for a more adventurous evening on the water

See more after-dark inspiration in the 10 Things to Do in the Marshall Islands at Night.

When it comes to accommodation on Majuro, expect a small but varied mix of practical town hotels, self-contained apartments, beach houses and private-island stays rather than large international resorts. The best option depends on whether you value easy access to shops and restaurants, the freedom of your own kitchen, or the chance to wake up on a remote islet surrounded by the lagoon.

The easiest place to stay is around Delap-Uliga-Djarrit, where you’ll have the best access to restaurants, supermarkets, government services, museums and boats departing for lagoon trips. Rairok is handy for the airport and apartment-style stays, while Ajeltake offers quieter surroundings, beach access and more privacy further west.

For the most memorable experience, spend at least one night on an island in Majuro Lagoon. You’ll give up some everyday conveniences, but waking to an almost-empty beach is a convincing consolation prize.

Check out Where to Stay on Majuro: 10 Best Accommodations to learn more about the best areas and properties.

Hotels

For a convenient base in the centre of Majuro, Hotel Robert Reimers is a well-established choice with 37 rooms ranging from "Economy Rooms" to a "Bungalow Suite". Paid WiFi and same-day laundry cover the practicalities, while the on-site Tide Table Restaurant and Lounge serves meals throughout the day and stays open later for evening drinks.

We also like that the hotel can arrange day trips to Eneko Island and offers car hire for guests who want to explore the atoll independently. The garden bungalows have the most holiday atmosphere, while the hotel-style rooms are better suited to travellers prioritising price and location.

Another central option, Marshall Islands Resort, offers "Single", "Double" and "Suite" rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The suites include cooking facilities, making them a useful choice for longer stays or travellers who appreciate having something more substantial than a hotel kettle.

Guests also have access to Enra Restaurant, Dockside Bar, free WiFi, laundry service and an airport shuttle for an additional fee. Raycrew Dive operates from the resort, while limited car hire is available for those planning to explore beyond town.

Island Resorts and Stays

For a more polished private-island escape, Bokanbotin Island Resort offers overwater accommodation surrounded by shallow lagoon waters and marine life. The protected conservation area is excellent for snorkelling, with giant clams among the underwater highlights, while the short "COVID Trail" provides an easy wander around part of the island.

There is no full restaurant on the island, so bring the food, drinks and personal supplies requested by the resort. Boat transfers are arranged directly with the property, which is important unless swimming there with your suitcase was somehow part of the plan.

For something simpler, Eneko Island Getaway provides a castaway-style stay within a short boat ride of town. The accommodation is basic, but swimming, snorkelling and quiet beaches sit just beyond your doorstep.

Another secluded option is Bikendrik Island Resort, where the main attraction is the chance to enjoy fewer people, darker skies and the feeling of having a tropical islet almost entirely to yourself. Confirm meals, transfers and what supplies to bring when booking any island stay.

Airbnbs and Holiday Homes

Travellers who want more space and independence should look at the self-contained stays around Ajeltake. This quieter part of Majuro works particularly well for families, couples, groups and longer visits, although arranging a rental car or regular taxis will make getting around much easier.

Ajeltake Beach House has four private units equipped with kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, air conditioning, hot water, large-screen TVs and 24-hour WiFi. The larger "Rushing Water One" and "Rushing Water Two" apartments sleep up to six people, while the compact "Penthouse" sits directly over the water and suits one or two guests.

Tuwaakin Beach Apartments offers another self-contained option with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, air conditioning, free WiFi and a furnished deck leading towards the beach. It is a practical choice for travellers who want their own space without giving up the pleasure of staying beside the lagoon.

Stock up on food and drinks before leaving town, particularly for Sundays when services become limited. Self-catering is liberating right up until you realise the fridge contains nothing but a bottle of water.

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What Is the Best Accommodation in Majuro?

If you’re not a fan of decision fatigue, here are a couple of our favourite stays to help you out.

Bokanbotin Island Resort

Stay on your own slice of the lagoon at Bokanbotin Island Resort, one of Majuro’s most memorable private-island escapes.

Its overwater accommodation puts the lagoon at the centre of the experience, with swimming and snorkelling close to shore. One of the highlights is the protected conservation area, where you can snorkel above giant clams and explore the coral drop-off.

The island also has the short "COVID Trail" and the waterfront "Bus Stop" gazebo, which, despite the name, has yet to attract Majuro’s public transport network.

Bring any food and drinks requested by the resort, as there is no full restaurant on the island. Transfers are arranged directly with the property.

Ajeltake Beach House

For privacy, modern facilities and the convenience of self-catering, Ajeltake Beach House is one of the strongest choices on the main islet.

The four units suit several types of traveller. "Rushing Water One" and "Rushing Water Two" can accommodate families and groups of up to six, while the elevated "Patio View" provides its own outlook.

Couples or solo travellers will love the compact "Penthouse", which sits over the water at the end of a walkway. Each unit includes a kitchen, living area, air conditioning, hot water, TV, bed linen, towels and 24-hour WiFi.

The property is private and secure, with an on-site caretaker nearby. Bring groceries for your stay, then settle in and enjoy one of Majuro’s quieter beachfront settings.

For a remote Pacific capital built along a narrow strip of coral, Majuro has a surprisingly varied food scene. Most restaurants and cafés are concentrated around Delap and Uliga, where you’ll find Marshallese dishes, fresh tuna, Taiwanese cooking, Filipino favourites, bakeries, food trucks and familiar Western meals.

Some of the most interesting local food is found outside conventional restaurants. Petrol stations, convenience stores and takeaway counters sell plate lunches, fresh tōñut, poke, sashimi and other quick bites that are well worth seeking out.

Self-catering is also straightforward, thanks to several supermarkets, local markets and accommodation with kitchens. Travellers staying on remote lagoon islets, however, should confirm meal arrangements and bring any food or drinks requested by their host (the nearest supermarket may involve a boat).

The whole dining situation is laid out in The Food Guide to Majuro: Places to Eat & Food Tours, a must-read if your travel plans tend to revolve around your next meal.

The Best Cafés and Restaurants on Majuro

1. Riwut Restaurant (Riwut Corner, Uliga)
2. Won Hai Shien (Uliga Back Road, Uliga)
3. Toeak Bar & Grill (Main Road, Uliga)
4. The Flame Tree (Lagoon Road, Delap)
5. The Food Truck 692 (Delap Park, Delap)

See the complete listing of our top dining recommendations in 15 Best Restaurants in Majuro and the Marshall Islands and The Top Cheap Eats in Majuro and the Marshall Islands.

Things to Do on Majuro for Foodies

• Tour the Tobolar Copra Processing Authority to see how dried coconut kernel is turned into coconut oil and copra cake
• Take a self-guided Marshallese food crawl to try fresh tōñut, a creamy bōbshake and intensely sweet jekaro
• Browse the local market outside Marshall Islands Resort and visit the MIMRA Outer Islands Fish Market for fresh seafood
• Try Bōb Whisky, a Majuro-made pandanus spirit, or the locally produced breadfruit vodka
• Order the "Local Combo" at Riwut Restaurant

For more details on each experience, check out the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Marshall Islands.

Dining at Island Resorts

Travellers staying at Bikendrik Island Resort can enjoy formal table settings and multi-course meals as part of the private-island experience.

Meal arrangements vary at Majuro’s other island stays. Confirm what is provided before departure and bring any requested food, drinks and personal supplies, particularly when staying at Bokanbotin Island Resort or Eneko Island Getaway.

Self-Catering on Majuro

Majuro has several large supermarkets, neighbourhood convenience stores and small local markets. Expect familiar American brands alongside products imported from Australia, Japan, Pakistan and elsewhere, although freight costs mean groceries can be more expensive than anticipated.

K&K Island Pride Supermarket has branches in Delap and Long Island, with the Delap shop offering the widest range of meat, dairy products, fruit, vegetables, bread, cereals, drinks and international groceries. Payless Supermarket in Uliga is another useful option, particularly for fresh produce and pantry staples.

For locally grown fruit, vegetables and prepared snacks, try the market beside Marshall Islands Resort, MISCO Market or the Sunday roadside stalls towards Laura. Seafood lovers should visit the MIMRA Outer Islands Fish Market in the morning, when the choice of whole fish, fillets and fish jerky is usually at its best.

Supermarket stock depends heavily on recent shipments, so do not assume the same products will be available throughout your stay. Bring cash for markets and smaller shops, then see Information, Shops & Services in Majuro for more practical advice.

Majuro is not the cheapest Pacific destination to reach, and accommodation will probably take the largest bite out of your travel budget. Once you arrive, however, exploring on a shoestring is easier than you might expect, thanks to free museums, public parks, cultural landmarks, street art and affordable local food.

Majuro does not have a conventional backpacker scene filled with dorm rooms and late-night hostel bars. What it offers instead is everyday island life, simple guesthouses, cheap takeaway meals and plenty of low-cost activities along the atoll’s main road.

Stay around Delap or Uliga to remain close to supermarkets, restaurants and several free attractions. For more money-saving inspiration, bookmark The Complete Backpacking & Budget Travel Guide to the Marshall Islands.

Things to Do on Majuro on a Budget

• Check out the Japanese Air Raid Shelter in Rita.
• Visit the museum at WAAN Aelõñ in Majel for free, then take an affordable sail across the lagoon in a traditional Marshallese outrigger canoe.
• Make your own necklace, bracelet or earrings during a low-cost workshop at Elefa Handicraft, with guidance and materials supplied by local artisans.
• Go snorkelling on the lagoon side of the airport runway.
• Relax, swim or explore the reef at public spaces such as Chihaya Park, Airport Beach Park and Iakwe Katoj Park without spending anything.

Find out more about each activity in 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Marshall Islands.

Cheap Accommodation on Majuro

Budget accommodation on Majuro consists mainly of simple guesthouses, economy hotel rooms and basic island cottages rather than backpacker hostels. Ocean Whisper Guesthouse is one of the most affordable choices, with seven compact single and bunk rooms sharing bathrooms.

Hotel Robert Reimers offers centrally located "Economy Rooms" with either private or shared bathrooms. You’ll also have access to same-day laundry, paid WiFi, the on-site Tide Table Restaurant and Lounge and boat trips to nearby islands.

For a budget castaway experience, Eneko Island Getaway has standard rooms for under US$50. The accommodation is basic, with fans, beds, showers and a shared kitchen, but you’ll have a beach and lagoon-side snorkelling just outside.

Compare these stays in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Certainly a romantic getaway for the unconventional couple, Majuro is less about adults-only resorts and elaborate honeymoon packages, and more about discovering somewhere quiet, remote and genuinely different together. If you would rather escape to an almost-empty islet, snorkel across a turquoise lagoon, watch the sunset from a boat or share fresh fish beside the water, Majuro has a beautifully understated kind of romance.

Many of the atoll’s most romantic experiences feel surprisingly private, from remote beaches and private-island stays to lagoon cruises and peaceful dinner spots. There’s a lot to go through, so check out The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Marshall Islands to ensure your trip is ignited with romance.

Romantic Activities on Majuro

• Escape to Eneko Island, Enemanit Island or another quiet islet for swimming, snorkelling, picnicking and castaway time together.
• Watch the sunset from Majuro’s western shoreline or join Hang Loose for the "Sunset Cruise" across Majuro Lagoon.
• Walk along Laura Beach, where soft sand, shallow water and a quieter setting make it one of the atoll’s loveliest places for couples.
• Unwind with a couples’ massage at Elegance Spa, which is especially welcome after several days of island hopping and snorkelling.
• Enjoy date night at Riwut Restaurant, Won Hai Shien or Toeak Bar & Grill, arriving before sunset where possible for lagoon and harbour views.

Get plenty more ideas from the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Marshall Islands for Couples.

Romantic Accommodation on Majuro

For couples wanting the full private-island experience, Bokanbotin Island Resort and Bikendrik Island Resort are two of Majuro’s most memorable options. Both swap the traffic and lights of town for quiet beaches, dark skies and the sound of the lagoon outside your room.

Couples who prefer to remain on the main islet should look along the shores of Ajeltake, where private homes and self-contained stays offer beaches, outdoor space and more seclusion than central Majuro. Ajeltake Beach House is a particularly romantic choice, especially the over-the-water "Penthouse", a compact unit for one or two guests reached by a walkway above the sea.

Ajeltake is quieter and less convenient than Delap or Uliga, so hire a car or arrange taxis and stock up on groceries before settling in. Check out more options in Where to Stay on Majuro: 10 Best Accommodations.

For families seeking somewhere unusual, educational and filled with outdoor adventures, Majuro makes a memorable island playground. This is not a resort-heavy destination with kids’ clubs and towering waterslides, but it does offer lagoon beaches, traditional canoe sailing, island trips, playgrounds, handicraft workshops and calm places to swim.

Majuro works best for curious families who enjoy exploring together. Days can combine the beach with cultural experiences, easy snorkelling and local parks, while even travelling along the atoll’s single main road gives children a fascinating look at life on a narrow strip of coral.

Plan the activities and places to stay with The Complete Family Travel Guide to the Marshall Islands.

Family Activities on Majuro

• Spend the day at Laura Beach, where the sandy shoreline and shallow lagoon water make it one of Majuro’s easiest family beach outings.
• Take a family island trip to Eneko Island for swimming, snorkelling, beachcombing and a taste of castaway life without sailing halfway across the Pacific.
• Let younger children burn off some energy at Iakwe Katoj Park, which has a playground, open lawns, shaded picnic areas and access to the lagoon flats.
• Swim in the unusual saltwater reef pool at Airport Beach Park, where confident swimmers can spot fish and jump from the surrounding rocks.
• Make a necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings during a family-friendly workshop at Elefa Handicraft, with local artisans helping children create their own Marshallese souvenir.

We go into detail on all of those points and more in the 10 Best Things to Do in the Marshall Islands with Kids.

Family Accommodation on Majuro

Families have a useful choice of self-contained apartments, beach houses, hotels and simple island stays. The best option depends on how much space and independence you need: apartments make meals and laundry easier, while island accommodation puts the lagoon at the centre of the holiday.

For families seeking a private beachfront base, Ajeltake Beach House is one of our top picks. Its "Rushing Water One" and "Rushing Water Two" units sleep up to six guests, with kitchens, living areas, air conditioning, hot water, TVs and 24-hour WiFi.

Lojkar Apartments & Hotel is another practical option, with "Two-Bedroom Units" offering a queen bedroom, a second room with two single beds, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, free WiFi and airport transfers. Families wanting something more adventurous can also consider Eneko Island Getaway, where simple accommodation comes with a beach and snorkelling just outside.

Start browsing the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.