Background

Piti Guns: Silent Sentinels of Guam's Past

Explore Guam's WWII history at Piti Guns: Unfired Japanese coastal defense guns offering scenic views and a glimpse into the island's past.

4.3

Piti Guns is a historical site in Piti, Guam, featuring three Japanese coastal defense guns from World War II. These Vickers-type Model 3 guns, though never fired in combat, stand as a reminder of the island's occupation and the intense fighting during the Pacific campaign. The site offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Guam's wartime history.

A brief summary to Piti Guns

  • FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the steep, but short, walk to the guns.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes in the jungle.
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Piti Bomb Holes for snorkeling and diving.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Route 1 and Route 6 in Piti, walk south on Route 1 for approximately 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Father Mel Street, located across from Santos Park. Follow Father Mel Street, passing the church, until you reach the trailhead on the left. The trail to Piti Guns is a short, steep climb of about 0.25 miles. There are no fees for accessing the trail.

  • Public Transport

    From the Guam airport, take the Bus Route 2 to Hagatna Pool Terminal. Transfer to Bus Route 1 and ride towards Piti. Ask the driver to stop at Piti Guns. From the bus stop, walk back along Route 1 for about 0.2 miles until you see the dirt road heading towards Piti Guns on your left. Follow this dirt road until you reach the site. The bus fare is approximately $2 per ride. Check the bus schedule ahead of time as services may vary.

  • Taxi/Ride Share

    From the Guam airport, a taxi or ride-share to Piti Guns will cost approximately $75-$95 and take about 16 minutes. Provide the driver with the destination address: FM6V+MQ2, Piti, Guam. Ride-share services like Stroll Guam are also available. Fares will vary depending on your starting location.

Unlock the Best of Piti Guns

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Piti Guns

Piti Guns, located in the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, is a poignant reminder of Guam's role in World War II. The site features three Vickers-type Model 3 140-millimeter coastal defense guns manufactured in 1914 by the Japanese. These guns were strategically placed in the hills above Piti in 1944 to defend Apra Harbor and Asan Beach from potential American landings. During the Japanese occupation, the local Chamorro people were forced to build these fortifications, hauling the heavy artillery up the steep terrain. Each gun weighed over 12,000 pounds and had a range of approximately 10 miles, capable of firing six to ten rounds per minute. However, the guns were never fully operational when the United States Armed Forces came to retake the island on July 21, 1944. Consequently, none of the three coastal defense guns were ever fired in combat. Today, visitors can explore the site and witness these silent sentinels of war. The guns are accessible via a short, steep trail that winds through a lush mahogany forest. The mahogany trees were planted around 1928 as part of the Guam Agricultural Experiment Station. The trail offers scenic views of Apra Harbor, the Orote Peninsula, and the village of Piti. The Piti Guns serve as a historical landmark and a place for reflection on the events that shaped Guam's history.

Popular Experiences near Piti Guns

Popular Hotels near Piti Guns

Select Currency