Piti Guns, Umatac Bay Travel Guide

4.3 (139)

Explore silent WWII relics amidst Guam's lush greenery at Piti Guns, a testament to the island's history and the Chamorro people's resilience.

The Piti Guns, located in Piti, Guam, are three Japanese coastal defense guns from World War II. Never fired in battle, they stand as a reminder of the island's fortification during the Japanese occupation and the forced labor endured by the Chamorro people. The site offers a short, accessible hike through a mahogany forest, blending history with natural beauty.

A brief summary to Piti Guns

FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear sturdy shoes for the short but steep trail, as the steps and path can be slippery.
Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes in the jungle.
Take your time to read the interpretive signs along the trail to learn about the history of the site.

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Explore Piti Guns on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Piti Guns, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center, drive 2.7 miles north on Marine Corps Drive (Route 1). Turn right at the traffic light onto Route 6 (Spruance Drive). Immediately turn left onto Assumption Drive, just before the school. Follow the road for approximately half a mile and park on the far side of the church social hall. The trailhead is behind the wayside exhibit panel at the base of the hill. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From Hagåtña, take the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) Blueline 2 bus towards Piti. Get off at the Piti Church stop. From there, walk along Father Mel Street, where you will find the trailhead to the Piti Guns behind the church social hall. A one-ride bus pass costs $1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are available throughout Guam. From the Guam Airport (GUM) to Piti, the taxi fare is approximately $75-$95 and the journey takes around 16 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to Father Mel Street in Piti, near the Catholic Church. The trailhead to Piti Guns is located behind the church social hall.

Discover more about Piti Guns

Nestled in the hills above Piti village, the Piti Guns are a poignant reminder of Guam's role in World War II. These three Vickers-type Model 3 140-millimeter coastal defense guns were manufactured in Japan in 1914 and strategically placed here by the Japanese military during their occupation of Guam from 1941 to 1944. The guns were intended to defend Asan Beach and Apra Harbor from potential U.S. landings.The Chamorro people were forced to work constructing these defenses, hauling the heavy guns up the steep terrain. Despite their strategic placement, the guns were never fired in combat. U.S. forces landed on Guam on July 21, 1944, and quickly captured the area.The Piti Guns site is part of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. A short, steep trail leads through a lush mahogany forest, planted in the 1920s as part of an agricultural experiment. The trail provides views of Apra Harbor and Piti village. Today, the Piti Guns stand as a silent memorial to the war and the resilience of the Chamorro people.