The Marshall Islands—29 atolls scattered like a constellation across the central Pacific—are the realm of master navigators, intricate stick charts, and translucent lagoons. World War II relics rest in the shallows, while voyaging canoes and woven pandanus carry living traditions. Today the archipelago invites slow travel: long swims in glassy water, boat rides to sandbars, and warm conversations on the causeway.

You’ll base primarily in Majuro, the capital atoll, with an overnight escape to Eneko Island—a quiet, palm-fringed islet inside the lagoon. Expect superb snorkeling (think coral gardens and reef fish), relaxed beaches at Laura on Majuro’s western tip, and an insightful visit to the Alele Museum for Marshallese history and arts.

Practical notes: The currency is the USD. Flight schedules are limited—book early and allow buffer time. Sundays are quiet; modest dress is appreciated in villages and church areas. Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat go a long way, and cash is handy for boats and roadside BBQ plates. Seafood is excellent here—fresh tuna, breadfruit, and coconut feature widely.

Majuro

Majuro is the country’s hub and your portal to the lagoon. The D-U-D area (Delap–Uliga–Djarrit) lines the waterfront with boats, shops, and the city’s small but spirited dining scene. East of town the water clears to gemstone hues, while westward the causeway stretches toward peaceful Laura Beach.

Top sights and experiences include the Alele Museum (navigation stick charts, WWII history, weaving), the canoe program at Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM), and lagoon day trips for snorkeling. Shared taxis glide the causeway for about $1 per ride; car rentals let you roam to Laura on your schedule.

• Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO (Majuro) or Hotels.com (Majuro). Look for lagoon-facing rooms near Uliga for easy boat access, or quiet stays toward Long Island if you prefer sunsets and a neighborhood feel.
• How to get there: Fly into MAJ (Amata Kabua International). From Honolulu or Guam, flights often route on the historic “Island Hopper.” Compare options on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). Sample times: Honolulu–Majuro ~5.5–7.5 hours (direct or via stops), Guam–Majuro ~7–10 hours (multi-stop); round trips often range ~$900–$1,800 depending on season.
• Food & drink: The go-to is the Tide Table Restaurant & Bar (fresh sashimi, poke bowls, grilled fish, hearty breakfasts). Seek out RRE Bakery in Uliga for morning coffee, hot bread, and local donuts. For hearty plates and family-style dishes, Won Hai Shien offers Chinese-Marshallese favorites; roadside BBQ stands around Uliga and Delap serve reef fish, chicken, rice, and breadfruit—great value and very local.

Eneko Island (Majuro Atoll)

Eneko is a postcard islet inside Majuro’s lagoon—powdery sand, leaning palms, and a shallow house reef. It’s close enough for a short boat ride yet feels worlds away, making it ideal for a low-key overnight of snorkeling, paddling, and stargazing.

• Why go: Calm water for beginners and kids, easy off-the-beach snorkeling, and a classic Marshallese lagoon sunrise. Bring your own snacks and drinks; caretakers can help with simple BBQ setups by prior arrangement.
• Getting there: From Uliga dock, it’s typically a 20–30 minute boat ride. Expect ~$25–40 per person on a shared run, or ~$120–200 for a private round-trip charter depending on group size, tide, and fuel prices.
• Where to stay: Simple bungalows and hut-style stays are arranged locally on Eneko. If you prefer town comforts and day-tripping, book in Majuro via Hotels.com or VRBO and visit Eneko on a day charter.

Day 1: Arrival in Majuro

Afternoon: Land at MAJ and taxi (~10–15 minutes) to your hotel in Delap/Uliga. Stretch your legs on the lagoonfront—watch the outrigger canoes and small ferries threading the calm water.

Evening: Dinner at Tide Table Restaurant & Bar: start with fresh tuna sashimi, then coconut-crusted mahi or a poke bowl. Grab a stool on the deck for sunset—pelicans and reef herons often patrol the shoreline.

Day 2: Culture and Canoes

Morning: Coffee and a hot roll at RRE Bakery, then visit the Alele Museum. See navigation stick charts (rebbelib), weaving tools, WWII photos, and exhibits on Bikini/Enewetak history. A small donation is appreciated.

Afternoon: Head to Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM) for a canoe-building and sailing program introduction; when available, book a short sail or workshop (plan ahead). Lunch at Won Hai Shien—order garlicky sautéed greens, sweet-and-sour reef fish, and dumplings to share.

Evening: Stroll the causeway as the light softens. For dinner, return to Tide Table to try the grilled wahoo with rice and island slaw, or sample roadside BBQ plates near Uliga Dock—tender chicken, rice, pickled veggies, and breadfruit.

Day 3: Laura Beach Day (West Majuro)

Morning: Pick up a rental car (~$55–70/day) or arrange a driver. The drive to Laura Beach takes ~60–75 minutes end-to-end across narrow causeways with lagoon views on one side and ocean on the other. Stop for photos at scenic pullouts.

Afternoon: Swim the calm lagoon at Laura; bring reef shoes and a picnic. On weekends, you’ll see families gathering under palms and kids zooming by on bikes. Grab cold drinks and snacks from small roadside stores.

Evening: Return to town before dark. Casual dinner at Won Hai Shien (try crispy fish and fried rice) or visit a BBQ stand—ask for a plate with fish, rice, and a wedge of lime. Wind down with a lagoonfront night walk.

Day 4: Lagoon Snorkel and Picnic Islets

Morning: Charter a boat from Uliga to snorkel inside the lagoon—conditions permitting, your captain may suggest Kalalin Pass area or coral bommies with schooling fish. Expect parrotfish, butterflyfish, and occasional reef sharks.

Afternoon: Land on a sandbar or small islet for a simple picnic—many boats can supply coolers; pick up bakery items and fruit beforehand. Return mid-afternoon and rinse off at your hotel.

Evening: Dinner at Tide Table for something different—think island-style curry or a burger with a view. If you prefer a quiet night, snag pastries from RRE Bakery and watch the stars from the waterfront.

Day 5: Boat to Eneko Island (Overnight)

Morning: Stock up on snacks and water in Uliga. Pack a lightweight overnight bag, mask/snorkel, and a long-sleeve sun shirt.

Afternoon: Boat to Eneko Island (~20–30 minutes). Check into a simple bungalow and jump straight into the clear shallows. Snorkel the house reef—look for clams tucked between corals and clouds of damselfish.

Evening: Arrange a beach BBQ (by prior request) or enjoy a bring-your-own picnic at sunset. The night sky here is inky and brilliant—perfect for stargazing and identifying the Southern Cross on a clear night.

Day 6: Eneko Sunrise, Back to Majuro, Crafts

Morning: Sunrise swim or paddle, then boat back to Uliga by late morning. Grab coffee and a pastry at RRE Bakery.

Afternoon: Shop for handwoven mats, baskets, and mwarmwar (flower crowns) at craft stalls near the museum area—beautiful, packable souvenirs that support local artisans. If WAM is running a short sail today, this is a great window to go.

Evening: Farewell dinner. Choose Tide Table for a last round of lagoon-fresh tuna or return to Won Hai Shien for shared plates. Toast the week with a cold drink on the deck as the trade winds rustle the palms.

Day 7: Easy Morning and Departure

Morning: Slow breakfast with coffee and hot bread at RRE Bakery. Take one last lagoon walk and snap a few photos of the fishing boats.

Afternoon: Depart from MAJ. For onward flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; if you’re continuing through Micronesia, build in buffers for weather and island-stop schedules.

Getting Around & Practical Tips

• Local transport: Shared taxis on the causeway are ~$1–3 depending on distance; always confirm fare before hopping in. Car rentals provide flexibility for Laura day trips.
• Boats and day trips: Eneko and lagoon islets are reached by small boats—charter rates typically $120–200 round-trip per boat, or $25–40 per person shared. Bring cash.
• Activities and fees: Alele Museum (small donation), WAM canoe experiences (book ahead; programs and pricing vary, often ~$35–60 for short sessions). Snorkeling is tide- and wind-dependent—your captain will pick the best spots that day.
• Responsible travel: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch coral, and ask before photographing people. In villages, cover shoulders and knees.

Optional Extensions

With extra days, consider a guided day to nearby Arno Atoll (weather and boats permitting) for village visits and additional snorkeling. Technical wreck divers sometimes target Bikini Atoll via seasonal liveaboards; this requires advanced certification, long lead times, and special logistics—plan far ahead.

Base most of your time in Majuro for reliable logistics, adding the Eneko overnight for that castaway-lagoon feel without complex inter-atoll flights.

Where to book stays: Hotels.com – Majuro, VRBO – Majuro. Flights: Trip.com, Kiwi.com.

Seven days here flow by like the trade winds—clear water, easy smiles, and stories carried by canoes. With Majuro’s comforts and Eneko’s hush, you get both the culture and the lagoon magic of the Marshall Islands.