Piti Guns: Sentinels of Guam's Past

Explore Guam's WWII history at the Piti Guns, where silent artillery pieces meet stunning coastal views in a poignant historical park.

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Piti Guns

The Piti Guns are three Vickers-type Model 3 coastal defense guns in Piti, Guam, remnants of the island's WWII fortifications. Never fired in battle, they stand as silent witnesses to Guam's tumultuous history and offer stunning views of Apra Harbor.

A brief summary to Piti Guns

FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for the steep, but short, hike to the guns.
Bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes along the jungle trail.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities at the site.

Getting There

Walking

From the parking area near the church social hall on Father Mel Street, the trailhead is a short walk behind the wayside exhibit panel at the base of the hill. The trail is steep and ascends through thick coastal jungle. The hike to the first gun takes about 5-10 minutes. Continue along the trail to the left to find the other two guns. Use caution as the trail and stairs may be slippery.
Public Transport

From Asan Beach Park, walk to the nearest bus stop on Marine Corps Drive. Take Bus Route 1 towards Hagatna. Stay on the bus for about 10 minutes. Get off at the stop near the intersection with Route 4. From there, walk about 0.5 miles down Route 4, and you will find a small road on your left that leads to Piti Guns. Follow this road for about 0.2 miles to reach your destination. A single ride on the bus costs $1.00.
Taxi

From Guam International Airport, a taxi to Piti Guns takes approximately 16 minutes and costs between $75 and $95. Taxi fares in Guam are approximately $1.05 initial fare, $1.30 per mile, and $0.55 per minute. The minimum fare is $4.15.

Discover more about Piti Guns

Nestled in the hills above Piti village, the Piti Guns are a poignant reminder of Guam's strategic importance during World War II. These three Vickers-type Model 3 140mm coastal defense guns were manufactured in 1914 and installed by the Japanese in 1944 as part of their efforts to fortify the island against American invasion. The Chamorro people were forced to carry the heavy guns up the steep terrain. Strategically positioned to defend Asan Beach and Apra Harbor, the guns had a range of nearly 10 miles, intended to target approaching ships and landing craft. However, they were never fully operational and remained silent when U.S. forces landed on July 21, 1944, to retake Guam. Today, they stand as a symbol of the battles fought on Guam and the resilience of its people. The Piti Guns are located within the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Visitors can reach the site via a short but steep trail. The trail winds through a lush mahogany forest, planted in 1928 as part of an agricultural experiment. The site offers panoramic views of Apra Harbor and the surrounding coastline.