Piti Guns: Coastal Defense Relics
Explore Guam's WWII history at Piti Guns, featuring Japanese coastal defense artillery and scenic Pacific views.
Piti Guns, located in the village of Piti, Guam, is a unit of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. The site features three Vickers-type Model 3 140mm coastal defense guns manufactured in 1914. During the Japanese occupation of Guam from 1941 to 1944, the Chamorro people were forced to build defensive positions, including emplacements for these guns. Strategically positioned overlooking what was then mostly rice paddies, the guns were intended to defend Asan Beach and Apra Harbor from potential U.S. landings. Each gun had a range of approximately 10 miles (16 km). However, the guns were not fully operational when the U.S. forces retook the island on July 21, 1944, and were never fired in battle. Today, they stand as a representation of the fortifications used by the Japanese on Guam. The Piti Guns are freely accessible to the public. The trailhead is located behind a church social hall on Father Mel Street in Piti. A short walk up a staircase leads to the guns. Visitors can explore the site, appreciate the artillery, and enjoy views of the coastline. The surrounding area includes a mahogany forest, planted around 1928 as part of an agricultural experiment station.
Local tips
- Bring a camera to capture the historic artillery and stunning coastal views.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the short but potentially slippery walk to the site.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Piti to maximize your experience.
- Pack water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available.
A brief summary to Piti Guns
- FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU
Getting There
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Car
If driving from Apra Harbor, head southeast on Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive). Continue for about 2 miles, and after the intersection with Route 3, look for the Piti Guns sign on the right. Turn onto the dirt road and continue to the parking area near the site. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
Take the Guam Bus (Route 5) from northern Guam along Marine Corps Drive towards Piti. Check the bus schedule in advance. Alight in Piti and walk approximately 10 minutes to Piti Guns, following local signs. The bus fare is approximately $2 per ride. Alternatively, take the bus from Piti Church to Hagatna Pool Terminal Blueline 2, then transfer to the Blueline 1 bus to Guam Airport. This takes about 1 hour 44 minutes and costs $2-$9. Standard fare is $3.00/day, $1.00/ride.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Provide the driver with the destination address: FM6V+MQ2, Piti, Guam. From northern Guam, expect to pay around $20-$30. From Piti to Guam Airport (GUM) a taxi will cost $75 - $95 and take 16 min. Taxi rates are $1.05 initial fare, $1.30 per mile, and $0.55 per minute, with a minimum fare of $4.15.
