Which coastal town lies near Palikir to the northeast?

Kolonia is the coastal town located near Palikir to the northeast.

Kolonia sits on Pohnpei Island’s north-central coast, roughly 8 kilometres northeast of Palikir. It is Pohnpei State’s capital, the island’s largest population centre and an important commercial hub. Palikir, by contrast, is the federal capital of the Federated States of Micronesia and lies inland to the southwest.

The two places are close but have different administrative roles. Kolonia is a separate municipality, while Palikir belongs to Sokehs municipality. Kolonia also served as the FSM’s federal capital before the government moved to Palikir in 1989.

Kolonia’s history reflects Pohnpei’s colonial past. Spain established a settlement there in 1887, Germany later developed district offices and infrastructure, and Japanese occupation left additional wartime traces. Reminders of that history include the Spanish Wall, a German cemetery and a Japanese shrine. The town should not be confused with Colonia, the capital of Yap State.