Guam is the largest island in the Micronesian chain. It is a tropical paradise in the South Pacific. A US territory that proudly states that it is “Where America’s Day Begins.” It is home to many Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, providing excellent food and spirits. It is also the historical epicenter of two major WWII battles in the Island-Hopping campaign. With so much going on, how does one decide what to do, especially in a limited time? What would one do if they only had ONE day?
To help you make decisions, I have outlined (my version of) the perfect day in Guam. Full disclosure: You will need a rental car, and if you are not interested in history or the outdoors, this may not be the day for you. However, this is your guide if you enjoy hiking, great food, history, beer, and cigars.
One can start their day in Hagåtña, where many cafes and breakfast establishments with early morning hours can provide you with sustenance for the outdoor activities ahead. While you enjoy your coffee, you can tour La Plaza de Espana, a remnant of the days of Spanish rule on the island.
After you have your fill, it is time to explore the battlefields of the Battle of Guam. There are four points to explore: the War in The Pacific Museum, Asan Beach, Ga’an Point, and the Piti Guns. All locations are within a fifteen-minute drive of each other and can each be completed in about 45 minutes or less.
At Asan Beach, you can view the war memorials and remnants of bunker positions. You can also snorkel and spot some WWII artifacts claimed by the coral reef. At Ga’an Point, you can observe destroyed bunkers, accompanied by anti-aircraft guns and coastal guns, all contrasted with the beautiful waters of the South Pacific. Next are the Piti guns, an abandoned Japanese artillery battery placed on a ridge deep within the Jungle. The museum outside the Navy base entrance is small but informative, filled with remnants of the war. Adjacent to the building is a café, ready for you to indulge in any mid-morning refreshments.
If you wish to see more of the jungle and the cave of Sergeant Shoichi Yokoi, a Japanese soldier who remained at his post until 1972, you can head to Talofofo Falls. The falls are an old amusement park with a Buddhist shrine outside Sergeant Yokoi’s cave dedicated to peace. In addition to the cave, you can explore two beautiful waterfalls, a haunted house, and “The Love Garden,” which you must experience independently to understand what it is.
As the early afternoon approaches, you can head to the other side of the island and snorkel at Ritidian Point, another old bunker position from WW2. On the way back into the central city of Tumon, you can see everywhere on the island from the mythical lookout at “Two Lovers Point.”
With evening settling in and feeling exhausted from a day in the unrelenting sun of the South Pacific, it becomes time to explore the nightlife. Hagåtña is home to Carabao Brewing, a microbrewery with great food, beer, and even house-made root beer! Like the breakfast options, the town has many restaurants to explore early evening festivities, including a cultural festival every Wednesday.
Most of the nightlife occurs in Tumon, just five minutes down the road. With dance clubs, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Guam Brewery is at the center of the action, housing incredibly refreshing drinks at an affordable price. It is also adjacent to Mac and Marti’s Cigar Lounge, a Micronesian gem.
Mac and Marti’s is the only cigar lounge in the South Pacific, bringing a solid reputation to local islanders and travelers alike. It has a modest humidor filled with collections from boutique brands such as Caldwell. Here, you will find the most refined cocktails on the island and a relaxed smoking lounge with indoor and outdoor seating.
Whether you want to explore the Micronesian jungles or sip a cocktail by the beach, Guam is a small but action-packed island with something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you plan an excursion worldwide, consider Guam!
Erick Huertas
Erick Huertas is originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was introduced to the social aspect of cigars during his schooling in San Antonio, Texas. Around this time, he also developed a growing interest in writing and photography, using his phone camera and notepad to capture the world around him.
Erick solidified his passion for photography and adventure when he completed the Trans-American Trail in the summer of 2021 with his Land Rover Discovery 3. Since his 2021 expedition, he has been interviewed on several podcasts and has written extensively about the open road.
In 2023, Erick became involved in Grassroots motorsports by covering local Rallycross through the Northwest Rally Association, local autocross, and other events. In late 2023, he debuted as a photographer in the American Rally Association and has since covered events with Pan American Superbike and Formula E.
When not traveling, Erick can be found on Whidbey Island, Washington. You can contact Erick via email at [email protected], on Instagram at @_ebhphoto, or on his website: www.erickhuertas.smugmug.com
