Northern Mariana island where quiet beaches share space with major Second World War history
Tinian is a small island in the Northern Mariana Islands, just south of Saipan, and one of the most historically significant — and least visited — Pacific islands. It was from Tinian's North Field that the Enola Gay took off on 6 August 1945 to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and the bomb pits where both Little Boy and Fat Man were loaded are preserved as a National Historic Landmark. The site is sobering and important.
Beyond its wartime history, Tinian is a quiet, largely agricultural island with good diving on the surrounding reef, an excellent beach at Tachogna, and the ruins of a pre-contact Chamorro culture at the House of Taga. The island is accessible by a short commuter flight or ferry from Saipan.
Guide
Eating Out
Dining options on Tinian are limited — this is a small, lightly populated island with no tourism infrastructure to speak of. The best-known restaurant is Dynasty Restaurant, which serves Chinese and local food and is popular with the island's residents. Expect simple, generous plates rather than fine dining.
Beyond Dynasty, a few small local eateries and snack shops operate near the main settlement of San Jose. Self-catering visitors will find a small supermarket where provisions can be bought. If you are visiting as a day trip from Saipan, it is worth eating before you come or packing lunch — options can be unpredictable.
Guide
Getting Around
Tinian is a small island — roughly 18 km long and 8 km wide — and most of the main attractions are spread across it, so you will need wheels. Rental cars are available from a handful of agencies near the small terminal; rates are modest and reservations are advisable since supply is limited. Scooters are another option and well-suited to the quiet roads. There is no public bus service.
Taxis exist on the island but are scarce. If your hotel or guesthouse can arrange pickup from the airport or ferry pier, take them up on it — flagging a cab is not straightforward. Many visitors coming from Saipan for the day hire a car on arrival and return it before their afternoon flight or ferry.