(Photo by Kaci Curtis)
When my husband got orders to the island of Guam, I had to google its location on the global map. I knew it was in the Pacific, but that was about it. That was the first of hundreds of Google searches, each geared towards helping me understand a little bit more about the remote island that was about to become our home.
We came to the island as a family of four. My oldest was 7, and my youngest had just turned 2. We’ve always enjoyed being outside together, doing things like camping, hiking, gardening, boating, touring historical sites and viewing wildlife.
When online, I repeatedly read the advice that “if your family likes the outdoors, you’ll enjoy your time on Guam.”
I do agree with that assessment – most of our lasting memories took place in the jungle, on a trail, or on a beach. But there are still plenty of things to do that don’t involve salt water or sword grass.
We’ve spent a lot of time together, done a lot of exploring, and found a lot of places and things that we enjoy. And most of them won’t be found back in the States when we PCS again.
Boonie Stomping
In the dry season (January to May), our favorite outdoor activity is hiking, called boonie stomping here on the island. There are many trails on Guam – so many that a book has been published to compile them all. Even in dry season, hiking in the powerful sun saps your energy, so it’s best to go with others, know the route, and be sure to pack enough water!
(Photo by Kaci Curtis)
Hikes range from simple paved treks like the Heritage Walk around Hagåtña to the Southern Mountain Trail, which links multiple peaks together to form the island’s longest hike. The base of Mount Lam Lam sits at the bottom of the Marianas Trench, making it a contender for the tallest peak in the world.
Hiking to the summit of Mount Lam Lam. (Photo by Kaci Curtis)
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our favorite hike, San Carlos Falls, which combines creek walking, rope-assisted climbing and swimming holes with waterfalls into one glorious hike. It’s also almost four miles long (if you do the loop), full of mosquitos, and at times, the trail is literally in the water, which is full of slippery rocks. My kids loved this hike, but they’re experienced hikers, and my youngest is still small enough to be piggybacked when she gets tired.
A rope-assisted descent on the San Carlos Falls trail. (Photo by Kaci Curtis)
Shorter hikes (perhaps better suited for little legs) include: Priest Pools, which winds through hills of sword grass to stunning coastal views and cascading swimming holes. Piti Guns travels into the jungle to the site of Japanese coastal defense guns, relics of World War II. Asan Ridge also integrates some history, offering a breathtaking view of Asan Beach, where a 3-day battle took place between U.S. Marines and Japanese forces. Fouha Rock showcases a Chamorro creation story, and a relatively flat walk along pristine coastline.
Pagat has a bit of everything, with unobstructed views from atop rugged limestone cliffs, an ancient Chamorro village site and an awesome cave pool. Tarzan Falls is also relatively kid-friendly with an amazing waterfall at the midway point.
My kids have completed all these hikes, and quite a few more. If you want to hike with your kids but haven’t made many like-minded friends, take advantage of some local Facebook hiking groups. These groups organize hikes with guides who are already familiar with the trail. You’ll get to explore, feel safe and probably make some new friends, too!
Fun facilities
If you’re looking for something with the feel of a small-town theme park, check out Talo’fo’fo Falls, which has a few rides (like bumper cars) and a cable car lift to one of the most popular waterfalls on Guam. There is also the small Guam Zoo, which is privately owned, and the animals are all rescues.
If you want to get up close with some marine life, but don’t feel like getting wet, check out the Guam Aquarium, which is full of species native to the waters around Guam, like blacktip reef sharks, puffer fish, jellyfish and many more. Or head to the Fish Eye Observatory and cross the walkway over the crystal blue water before descending a spiral staircase to the ocean floor, where you can watch the sea life through porthole windows.
Cultural experiences
For some outdoor cultural experiences, head to the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park, where they have a fantastic river cruise, kayak and paddle board rentals and many cultural workshops available, like coconut leaf weaving. On Wednesday nights, you can head to the night market at Chamorro Village in Hagåtña for dancing, local vendors, carabao rides and Chamorro BBQ.
Many of the villages have festivals at different times of the year. One family favorite is the Mango Festival, held annually in May in the village of Agat. Liberation Day, celebrated on July 21, commemorates Guam’s liberation by American forces from Japanese control. There’s a parade, fireworks and cultural displays to enjoy.
For an air-conditioned look at Guam’s history, don’t miss the Guam Museum in Hagåtña, which is a favorite for my kids. They also enjoy the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Visitor Center, which has an interactive museum, gift shop, and offers a monthly story time for the kids, often featuring local authors and cultural activities.
Another way to experience local culture is to attend one of the many cultural dinner shows offered on the island, like Fish Eye Cultural Dinner Show, Cabana Sunset Dinner show and Karera at the Sandcastle. These vary in ticket price and in meal options, but all are family friendly.
Get active
For runners, various fun runs take place on the island, encouraging kids to enjoy active lifestyles with kid-friendly distances. Our family favorite is the Ko’ko Kids Run, held annually in April. Run Guam also offers family friends runs, such as 5ks.
If you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids active, they can learn to climb at Climbing Guam, the island’s only bouldering gym. Jiu-Jitsu is very popular here and there are many gyms available to choose from. Dance classes are offered at SKIP and Elite Dance Academy. Kids can dive into gymnastics classes with Island Twisters or enjoy some tumbling time at Funplex.
Horseback riding is even an option on the north side of the island, at Rock N’ Rail Ranch. They offer riding lessons and even pony rides for the younger crowd.
There are various indoor playgrounds around the island, and they’re a great option to help the kids get the wiggles out while in the comfort of AC. Our personal favorite is Paradise Playground, but plenty of our friends enjoy Playtime Café, Lollipop (Micronesia Mall), and Dream High (inside the Lotte hotel).
To dip into your creative side (and spend some more time in the AC), consider doing a workshop at Guam Potters. Or, bring the kids to Artbeat or DearTree for art classes and even camps during school breaks.
Hit the beach
Mushroom Rock Hilaan Beach (Photo by Kaci Curtis)
Old Wives Beach, on Naval Base Guam (Photo by Kaci Curtis)
As you might expect, an entire article could easily be written just about Guam’s beaches. From the hotel and tourist beaches in Tumon, to the stretches of sand only accessible via a hiking trail, the island has it all. The snorkeling is fantastic. There’s so much sea life to enjoy! My kids also love to explore tidepools, and we often go to the beach after sunset, looking for coconut crabs, eels and hermit crabs with flashlights and headlamps.
A word of caution: learn about Guam’s potentially hazardous sea life, so that you can help your kids avoid anything that may sting or bite. It’s a good idea to make sure they have sturdy water shoes with a good sole, as well. The ocean is amazing, but not without its dangers. Familiarize yourself with the hazard flags, and what they mean. It’s much easier to relax and have fun in the sand when you’re knowledgeable about your surroundings.
If swimming or snorkeling seems too tame for your family, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards in many places around the island. A multitude of companies offer things like boat and jet ski rentals, dolphin cruises, sunset cruises and even parasailing.
Kayaking near Gab-Gab Beach. (Photo by Kaci Curtis)
Water parks
If you don’t feel like getting sandy, there are several water parks on the island, and many hotels offer pool passes for families. “Stay-cationing” at a local hotel is a common practice during school breaks, and feels like a vacation without draining the bank with flight costs. Our favorite waterpark is The Hoshino Resorts Risonare because it has attractions for all ages and doesn’t feel crowded. But many families also enjoy Leo Palace and Pacific Islands Club (PIC).
If your head is spinning with what seems to be a ton of things to do and see in Guam, don’t worry. If you’re willing to explore a bit and keep an open mind, your family will thrive during your time on the island. You may even discover a love for something you’ve never tried before!
I hope that your time in Guam is as fulfilling, beautiful and inspiring as it has been for my family. It hasn’t been perfect (what duty station is?) but it was exactly what we needed, before we even knew we needed it. I’m so grateful that we got to spend time here, ventured out, and got to experience this island.
About the Author: Kaci Curtis is a Navy wife and mom. Her historical fiction novel, “Along the Trail,” is forthcoming with The Wild Rose Press. Follow her on FB (@KCurtisWriter) and check out her blog (and many others!) with Mission:Milspouse for more inspiring stories about military families.
