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Piti Guns: Silent Sentinels of Guam's WWII History

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Explore Guam's WWII history at Piti Guns, where silent artillery and scenic views offer a unique glimpse into the island's past.

Piti Guns is a historical site in Piti, Guam, featuring three Japanese coastal defense guns from World War II. These guns, though never fired in combat, 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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Piti Guns.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the short but steep hike to the guns.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes in the jungle.
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby War in the Pacific National Historical Park Visitor Center to learn more about Guam's WWII history.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the Big Navy Base in Santa Rita, drive north on Marine Corps Drive (Route 1). Pass Polaris Point, the Port Authority, and the Guam Power Authority Piti power plant. Turn right onto J.M. Tuncap Street, across from Santos Park. At the end of the street, turn right onto Assumption Street, then left onto Father Mel Street. Park near the church social hall. The trailhead is behind the wayside exhibit panel. Parking is free. There are no tolls.

  • Public Transport

    From northern Guam, take the Guam Bus (Route 5) along Marine Corps Drive towards Piti. Check the bus schedule ahead of time. Get off in Piti and walk approximately 10 minutes to Piti Guns, following local signs. The bus fare is approximately $2 per ride. Alternatively, from Asan Beach Park, walk to the nearest bus stop on Marine Corps Drive. Take Bus Route 1 towards Hagatna. Get off at the stop near the intersection with Route 4. 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. The standard fare is $1.00 per ride.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    From northern Guam, a taxi or rideshare will cost approximately $20-$30. Provide the driver with the destination address: FM6V+MQ2, Piti, Guam. From Guam Airport (GUM) to Piti, a taxi will cost $75 - $95 and take 16 minutes.

Discover more about Piti Guns

Piti Guns, located in the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, offers a glimpse into Guam's pivotal role during World War II. The site features three Vickers-type Model 3 140-millimeter coastal defense guns manufactured by the Japanese in 1914. These guns were strategically positioned in Piti in 1944 to defend Asan Beach and Apra Harbor from potential U.S. invasion. With a firing range of nearly 10 miles, they were intended to target ships and landing craft.During the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1944, the local Chamorro population was forced to construct these defensive positions, hauling thousands of pounds of steel up the steep terrain. Despite the extensive effort, the guns were never fully operational and remained silent when U.S. forces landed on July 21, 1944, to retake Guam. Today, the guns serve as a representation of the weaponry used by the Japanese for fortification efforts in Guam.The site is accessible via a short but steep trail, about 1/4 mile long, that begins in Piti. The trail winds through a lush coastal jungle, offering a sense of the challenging conditions faced by soldiers during the war. The area also features a mahogany forest, planted around 1928 as part of an agricultural experiment station. From the Piti Guns site, visitors can enjoy views of Apra Harbor and the surrounding coastline.

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