Photo: Majuro · Cliff Hansen · CC BY-SA 4.0
First-Timer Guide 🇲🇭Marshall Islands: What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / Marshall Islands
A typical first trip here runs about $1,050 to $1,400 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. This is a rough estimate from PINYA regional pricing, not hand-reviewed yet, and not a live price. Real cost moves with your dates and exchange rates. Get a tailored number in the Budget Calculator, or have The Crown price your exact trip.
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Fish and Coconut: Reef fish and coconut are everyday staples
- Breadfruit: Baked, boiled or preserved, a staple of atoll life
- Pandanus: The fruit is eaten fresh and made into a paste for storage
- Rice and Imported Foods: Much of the modern diet is imported, so fresh produce can be limited
- Constitution Day (May 1): The national holiday, with parades and canoe races
- Outrigger Canoes: Traditional navigation using wave patterns and stick charts is part of Marshallese heritage
- Kemem Celebrations: A child's first birthday is a major family celebration
Marshallese and English are official. The country is made up of 29 atolls and 5 islands; Majuro is the capital and main entry point.
Bikini Atoll, site of US nuclear tests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dress modestly: women usually cover their thighs, even when swimming
- Ask permission before visiting outer islands or private land
- Respect church on Sundays, when most activity stops
Getting Around
- Majuro has one paved road with few traffic signs and no traffic lights.
- Lighting is poor and roads flood after heavy rain and high tides, so take special care at night.
Source: travel.state.gov
Common Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Marshall Islands?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Is Marshall Islands safe for first-time travelers?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Latest for Marshall Islands
Updates for Marshall Islands will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.