The Marshall Islands contains 29 atolls and five single islands spread across 750,000 square miles of ocean with only 70 square miles of land. Movement between atolls requires either boat or plane. No roads connect the atolls because they sit separated by open Pacific waters.
Air Marshall Islands operates domestic flights from Amata Kabua International Airport on Majuro. The airline services Kwajalein, Wotje, Jaluit, Mili, Arno, Ailinglaplap, and several other atolls using small propeller aircraft. Flight schedules change based on weather and operational requirements. The airline has suspended service multiple times in its history due to aircraft maintenance issues. Booking flights weeks in advance does not guarantee departure on the scheduled date. Aircraft capacity ranges from 8 to 18 passengers depending on the plane assigned to the route.
United Airlines operates the only regular international service to the Marshall Islands through a route connecting Honolulu to Majuro to Kwajalein to Kosrae to Pohnpei to Chuuk to Guam. This island hopper route runs three times weekly. The flight from Honolulu to Majuro takes approximately six hours. Missing this flight means waiting two to three days for the next service.
Ships carrying cargo and passengers travel between atolls but operate without published schedules. The government-owned Tobolar Copra Processing Authority runs supply ships that accept passengers. These vessels take days to weeks to reach outer atolls depending on weather and the number of stops. The ships lack passenger cabins. Travelers sleep on deck or in cargo areas. The Robert Reimers Enterprises shipping company also operates inter-atoll cargo vessels that sometimes take passengers.
Private boat charters exist on Majuro but cost several thousand dollars for outer atoll trips. Fuel must be transported to atolls with no fuel supplies. Ocean conditions between November and March create swells that make small boat travel dangerous. The distance from Majuro to Jaluit is 140 nautical miles. Majuro to Kwajalein measures 200 nautical miles.
Within Majuro atoll, the main road runs 30 miles along the lagoon side from Laura village through the Delap-Uliga-Djarrit urban center to the eastern end of the atoll. This single paved road connects most of the inhabited sections. Taxis operate without meters and charge $1 for short trips within D-U-D and up to $25 for trips to Laura. The taxis are shared vehicles that pick up multiple passengers along routes. Private taxis cost more and require negotiation.
Public buses on Majuro consist of pickup trucks with benches in the cargo bed. These buses run the length of the main road from early morning until evening. Fare is $0.50 for short trips and $1.50 for the full route. Buses stop anywhere along the road when flagged. No published schedule exists. Buses become less frequent after dark.
Car rental on Majuro costs $60 to $100 per day. Only two companies operate rental services. Vehicles are older model sedans and small trucks. The roads outside D-U-D have sections with potholes and coral gravel surfaces. Gas stations exist only in the D-U-D area. Driving occurs on the right side. A U.S. state driver's license is valid for 30 days.
Kwajalein atoll presents unique access restrictions. The U.S. Army maintains Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein island. Entry to Kwajalein island requires military authorization. Ebeye island, three miles from Kwajalein, allows civilian access and houses the second largest population in the Marshall Islands with approximately 15,000 residents on 80 acres. A ferry runs between Kwajalein and Ebeye for authorized personnel. Visitors arriving by Air Marshall Islands land on Kwajalein and transfer by ferry to Ebeye.
Bicycles are common transport on Majuro and Ebeye. The flat terrain of atolls makes cycling practical. Bike rental on Majuro costs $10 to $15 per day from informal operators. Theft occurs regularly. Most locals walk for short distances because atoll islands are narrow.
No public transport exists on outer atolls. Populations on these atolls range from 100 to 1,000 people. Walking and private boats are the only transport options. Some atolls have small tractors or motorcycles owned by individuals.
The Marshall Islands sits 10 degrees north of the equator. Temperature varies little throughout the year. Daily highs range from 86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Daily lows range from 77 to 79 degrees. Water temperature stays between 81 and 84 degrees year-round. Humidity remains above 70 percent every month.