Eco Tourism

The Tonata Guns and Caves serve as other reminders of wartime. Japanese Forces fortified many natural caves on Weno and other islands in Chuuk. Sometimes, as on FeFan and Tonowas, they enlarged the caves to install guns, or rails for the transportation of munitions and stores. The Tonata installations are typical of those found throughout the former bastion of Chuuk.

Tonachau Mountain Iras is, at 229 meters, the loftiest peak on Weno. The mountain is the legendary home of the God Souwoniras and his divine son. Situated by the Wichon River and Falls, the Wichon Men's Meeting House is the spot where Weno chiefs are reported to have met with Poomey, eldest of the six brothers who were the first chiefs of Chuuk. The shallow pool at the base of the Falls is still used for bathing and sport, just as it was in historic times. The site of Poomey's dwelling on a mountaintop may be seen From here and his gardens are nearby. Numerous petroglyphs are etched in the exposed basalt above the falls.

Nefo Cave, just 50 meters From the Governor's residence, is about 10 feet wide, 6 feet high and 78 Feet long. The cave contains a gun used by Japanese soldiers to guard entry to the north pass, and many of the soldiers lived there.

Other islands in the Truk Lagoon have historic and scenic sites well worth a visit. Nemwes and Fouman Rocks, in Tunuk and Onip on Udot Island, are associated with the tales of the ancient rivalries between Chuuk and Yap, an island group that lies to the southwest. Legend has it that Nemwes, the daughter of a Yapese high chief, disobeyed her Father's wishes and came to Udot by walking across the sea. But when the priests of Udot destroyed her power to walk on water, Nemwes died of grief.

Chuuk Atoll, in the Caroline Islands, encompasses 15 large islands, 192 islands and 80 islets and has one of the largest lagoons in the world. It measures 85 kilometers at its widest point and encloses an area of 822 square miles.