Northern Mariana Islands

1. Managaha Island (Saipan): A small, uninhabited island known for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. It’s popular for snorkeling, swimming, and offers a peaceful retreat for sunbathers and nature lovers.
2. The Grotto (Saipan): A world-renowned diving spot, The Grotto is a natural limestone cave with underwater tunnels that lead to the open sea. Divers can experience vibrant marine life, including reef sharks and sea turtles.
3. Bird Island Sanctuary (Saipan): A stunning natural reserve ideal for birdwatching and hiking. It offers breathtaking views of Bird Island and the surrounding coastline and is home to a variety of seabirds.
4. American Memorial Park (Saipan): This park commemorates the American and Chamorro people who died during the Battle of Saipan in World War II. It features a museum, monuments, and lush gardens perfect for reflection and learning.
5. Mount Tapochau (Saipan): The highest point on Saipan, offering panoramic views of the entire island and its surrounding ocean. It is also historically significant, serving as a key vantage point during WWII.
6. Banzai Cliff (Saipan): Another WWII memorial site where Japanese soldiers and civilians met their end, Banzai Cliff overlooks the vast Pacific Ocean and offers a place for reflection and remembrance.
7. Taga Beach (Tinian): Known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, Taga Beach offers the perfect spot for relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling, with rich historical connections to ancient Chamorro culture.
8. House of Taga (Tinian): Famous for its ancient latte stones, the House of Taga is a significant archaeological site. These stones were used as foundations for traditional Chamorro homes and are among the tallest in the Marianas.
9. Atomic Bomb Pits (Tinian): Located on Tinian, these historical sites mark where the atomic bombs used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were loaded onto B-29 bombers during World War II, making it a place of significant historical interest.
10. Flame Tree Plaza (Saipan): A cultural hub in Saipan, Flame Tree Plaza is known for its local shops, art, and festivals. The plaza is named after the vibrant flame trees that bloom throughout the island and is a great spot for dining and shopping.

1. The Northern Mariana Islands are home to some of the tallest latte stones in the world: Latte stones, ancient pillars used by the Chamorro people as house foundations, can be as tall as 20 feet. The House of Taga on Tinian contains some of the most famous ones.
2. The Grotto is one of the top dive spots in the world: The Grotto, a limestone cavern in Saipan, is consistently ranked among the best dive sites globally. Divers swim through underwater tunnels to reach the open sea, encountering vibrant marine life along the way.
3. The islands are closer to Japan than the U.S. mainland: The Northern Mariana Islands are much closer to Japan (about 1,500 miles) than they are to the U.S. mainland (over 6,000 miles), making them a unique U.S. territory in the Pacific.
4. World War II history is everywhere: Many landmarks, including Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff, reflect the islands’ tragic role during World War II. The cliffs are named after the Japanese soldiers and civilians who leaped to their deaths during the Battle of Saipan.
5. The Northern Marianas have their own version of chili peppers: The “donne’ sali” pepper is a small but very spicy chili native to the islands. It’s a staple in local cuisine and featured in the annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival.
6. Managaha Island is named after a legendary hero: According to legend, Managaha Island is named after a local Chamorro hero who stood up to Spanish colonizers. Today, the island is a protected sanctuary and a popular tourist destination.
7. Tinian was the launch point for the atomic bombs: Tinian Island played a key role in World War II as the site where the Enola Gay and Bockscar planes were loaded with atomic bombs that were later dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
8. There’s a tiny bat that’s the only native mammal: The Marianas fruit bat, or “fanihi,” is the only native mammal in the Northern Mariana Islands. It’s now endangered and protected due to habitat loss and hunting.
9. The Mariana Trench is nearby: The Northern Mariana Islands are located near the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world’s oceans. The trench plunges nearly 7 miles below the ocean surface!
10. The islands were once under four different flags: Over the centuries, the Northern Mariana Islands have been ruled by Spain, Germany, Japan, and finally the United States, making their cultural history incredibly diverse.

Famous Men

1. Benigno Fitial (1945–): Born in Saipan, Benigno Fitial served as the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2006 to 2013. He played a key role in the islands’ political and economic development.
2. Pedro “Teno” Tenorio (1934–2018): Born in Saipan, Teno Tenorio was a long-serving politician who held the position of Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands for four terms. He was instrumental in shaping the islands’ modern political landscape.
3. Gregorio Sablan (1955–): Born in Saipan, Gregorio Sablan is the first delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Northern Mariana Islands. He has been a strong advocate for islander rights and federal support.
4. Elias Camacho (1947–): Born in Saipan, Elias Camacho was a prominent political figure who served in the Northern Mariana Islands Legislature and was influential in the development of tourism and infrastructure in the region.
5. Ramon “Kumoi” Guerrero (1939–): A cultural icon from Saipan, Ramon Guerrero, also known as “Kumoi,” is a famous Chamorro musician who helped preserve the traditional music and cultural heritage of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Famous Women

1. Evelyn Fleming (1949–): Born in Saipan, Evelyn Fleming is a former senator in the Northern Mariana Islands Legislature and an advocate for women’s rights and social services throughout the islands.
2. Christina Sablan (1981–): Born in Saipan, Christina Sablan is a member of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. She is known for her work in environmental protection and public health.
3. Henna Hokkaido (1989–): Born in Saipan, Henna Hokkaido is a well-known local artist and illustrator. She has gained international recognition for her work that often incorporates elements of island life and Chamorro culture.
4. Mariana Tudela Hofschneider (1948–): Born in Saipan, Mariana Hofschneider was an influential politician and advocate for education, serving as the first female mayor of Saipan.
5. Elisa A. Sablan (1956–): Born in Saipan, Elisa Sablan is a respected educator and historian known for her work in preserving the Chamorro language and culture through educational programs and literature.