Piti Guns: Echoes of WWII on Guam

Explore silent WWII relics at Piti Guns, a historical site offering insight into Guam's past and the resilience of its people.

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Piti Guns

The Piti Guns, located in Piti, Guam, are a set of three Japanese coastal defense guns from World War II. Never fired in battle, they stand as a reminder of the island's strategic importance and the forced labor endured by the Chamorro people during the Japanese occupation.

A brief summary to Piti Guns

FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU

Local tips

Bring insect repellent, as the trail passes through a lush jungle environment.
Wear sturdy shoes for the steep and sometimes slippery trail.
Allow about 30-45 minutes for the round trip hike to fully experience the site.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Getting There

Walking

The Piti Guns trailhead is located behind the church social hall on Father Mel Street in Piti. From the parking area, walk towards the wayside exhibit panel at the base of the hill. The trail begins to the left of the church, ascending via concrete steps that transition to a dirt path.
Public Transport

From Hagåtña, take a bus towards Piti. Alight near the Piti Church. From there, walk along Father Mel Street to the church social hall. The trailhead is located behind the hall. Bus fare is approximately $1.00 per ride.
Taxi

From the Guam airport, a taxi to Piti Guns will take approximately 16 minutes. Stroll Guam taxi services are available. Expect to pay around $75-$95. The trailhead is located behind the church social hall on Father Mel Street.

Discover more about Piti Guns

Nestled in the hills of Piti, Guam, the Piti Guns are a poignant reminder of the island's role in World War II. This site features three Vickers-type Model 3 140-millimeter coastal defense guns, manufactured in 1914 and installed by the Japanese during their occupation from 1941 to 1944. The Chamorro people were forced to work to build these defenses. Strategically positioned overlooking Asan Beach and Apra Harbor, the guns were intended to repel American ships and landing craft. With a range of nearly 10 miles, they were a formidable threat. However, the guns were never fully operational and were not fired when U.S. forces landed on July 21, 1944, to retake Guam. The Piti Guns are located within the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. A short, steep trail leads to the guns, passing through a mahogany forest planted in 1928 as part of an agricultural experiment station. The site offers views of Apra Harbor and the surrounding area, which saw intense fighting during the Battle of Guam. Today, the Piti Guns serve as a place of remembrance and reflection on Guam's history.