Ulithi: Storytelling Tradition and Island Culture

Ulithi is shaped by a storytelling tradition: storytelling is an essential part of the tradition and culture of the people of Ulithi Atoll. Traditionally, knowledge and history were passed down there through stories told in the evenings after families shared a meal. To understand the culture, both the storytelling and its family setting and timing are part of the picture of the atoll.

Myths and Dance on Ulithi

In June 2018, elders from each of the four inhabited islands of Ulithi Atoll told foundational myths of Ulithian culture for a project booklet. This example differs from evening storytelling after a family meal mainly in its purpose: the myths were told for the booklet.

During their visits to Ulithi, participants in the Oceanic Society expedition each experienced an evening of dancing hosted by a group of women or men from the island. Alongside the traditional passing down of knowledge and the myths told for a booklet, dance evenings offer another cultural perspective on Ulithi.

Getting to Ulithi and Continuing on to Mogmog

Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA) flies to Ulithi, with a maximum capacity of nine passengers. Check the flight schedule before your trip; flight details and capacity may change.

If you plan to continue on to Mogmog, a boat from Mogmog should be waiting when you arrive in Ulithi to take visitors to the island. Arrange this onward journey in advance. If you are traveling from Yap to Ulithi on the Field Trip Ship and wish to continue on to Mogmog, let the people in Mogmog know that you will be arriving as a visitor. The Field Trip Ship is described as the only one of its kind in Yap.

Hiking and Culture in the Wider Destination of Yap

In the wider destination of Yap, hikes offer different points of reference for planning. The moderately difficult Tamilyog Trail can be completed in less than an hour; the actual time may vary depending on the person and conditions. The also moderately difficult Malway Trail in the municipality of Fanif is about two miles (3 km) long. Orchids, hibiscus, ixoras, crotons, and mushrooms are among the plants that grow along the trail. By comparison, the Tamilyog Trail offers a guide to duration, while the Malway Trail is notable for its length and the plants along the route.

On Yap, an uphill hike along the road to the wind turbines, with views of Colonia, leads to a lookout over Colonia and the bay. Relics and hiding places from World War II, marked with explanatory signs, can be found along the hillside on this hiking route. Confirm current accessibility locally. Short hikes on Yap also begin in the center of Colonia and follow old stone paths past Rai stone money discs and a stone money house. Since the paths and land are private, seek local guidance.

The cultural offerings in the wider destination of Yap include the Yap Living History Museum in Colonia, which preserves Yap’s cultural heritage through exhibits and demonstrations of living culture. Several American memorials and Japanese wreck sites with historical markers and explanatory signs can also be visited on Yap.

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