Tinian Island: A Hidden Gem in the Northern Mariana Islands

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [HAH-fah ah-DIE]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DEE-ose]
• YesHåo
  [HOW]
• NoTi
  [TEE]
• Please/You're welcomeUn tungo' yan må'åse'
  [oon TOONG-oh yan mah-AH-seh]
• Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'åse
  [see YOO-ohs mah-AH-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryKaluahine
  [kah-loo-ah-HEE-neh]
• How are you?Ke na'saina hao?
  [keh nah-SIGH-nah how]
• Fine. And you?Mannginge'. Ya bai hu hao?
  [mahn-NEEN-geh. YAH by hu how]
• Do you speak English?Lalai hao i english?
  [lah-LYE how ee ENG-lish]
• I don't understandTi hu tungo'
  [TEE hoo TOONG-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHåguai hao para u tinitiklo, må'åse'
  [HAH-gwai how PAH-rah oo TEE-nee-tee-kloh, mah-AH-seh]
• I don't eat meatTi hu manngige' karne
  [TEE hoo mahn-NEEN-geh KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHåguai hao para u fan hånao, må'åse'
  [HAH-gwai how PAH-rah oo fahn HAH-now, mah-AH-seh]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!Lålo'!
  [LAH-low]
• Call the Police!Magkåntakåntak i polisia!
  [mahng-KAN-tah-KAN-tah ee poh-lee-SEE-yah]
• Call a doctor!Magkåntakåntak i doktora!
  [mahng-KAN-tah-KAN-tah ee dohk-TOH-rah]
• I'm lostMahåyi hao
  [mah-HAH-yee how]
• I'm illMahålang hao
  [mah-HAH-lahng how]

• I'd like to buy...Håguai hao para bumira...
  [HAH-gwai how PAH-rah boo-MEE-rah]
• I'm just lookingHåguai hao para lokkue'
  [HAH-gwai how PAH-rah LOH-kweh]
• How much is it?Kånto i prisio?
  [KAN-toh ee PREE-see-oh]
• That's too expensiveMåsångan i prisio
  [mah-SANG-gahn ee PREE-see-oh]
• Can you lower the price?Mågof i prisio?
  [mah-GOHF ee PREE-see-oh]

• What time is it?Kånto ginnen i tiempo?
  [KAN-toh GEE-nehn ee tee-EM-poh]
• It's one o'clockSiha i tungo' gi unu
  [SEE-hah ee TOONG-oh gee OO-noo]
• Half past (10)Mitbong gi (10)
  [meet-BOHNG gee (10)]
• MorningManana
  [mah-NAH-nah]
• AfternoonAga'
  [ah-GAH]
• EveningPågåge'
  [PAH-gah-geh]
• YesterdayNanåsi
  [nah-NAH-see]
• TodayÑina
  [NYEE-nah]
• TomorrowBåba
  [BAH-bah]
• 1Maima
  [MAH-ee-mah]
• 2Gualu
  [GWAH-loo]
• 3Tulu
  [TOO-loo]
• 4Fatfat
  [FAHT-faht]
• 5Lima
  [LEE-mah]
• 6Gunum
  [GOO-noom]
• 7Fitu
  [FEE-too]
• 8Guålu
  [GWAH-loo]
• 9Sigua
  [SEE-gwah]
• 10Månot
  [mah-NOTE]

• Where's a/the...?Ayu na i...
  [ah-YOO nah ee]
• What's the address?Kånto i direksion?
  [KAN-toh ee dee-rek-SYOHN]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mågof hao para mustra i karta?
  [mah-GOHF how PAH-rah MOOS-trah ee KAR-tah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kånto siha i siguiente (bus)?
  [KAN-toh SEE-hah ee see-GEE-en-tee (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilite (para i ....)
  [oon bee-LEE-teh (PAH-rah ee)]

Before European explorers arrived, Tinian Island was inhabited by the indigenous Chamorro people. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Chamorro have lived on the island for thousands of years, developing a complex society with unique traditions, social structures, and impressive stone structures known as latte stones. These stones served as foundations for their homes and are a testament to their engineering skills.

In the 16th century, Tinian Island came under Spanish control after Ferdinand Magellan's expedition. The island became part of the Spanish East Indies. During this period, the Chamorro people were significantly impacted by the introduction of Christianity, European diseases, and forced labor. Spanish colonial influence is still evident in the island's language, religion, and cultural practices.

After the Spanish-American War in 1898, Spain ceded the Northern Mariana Islands, including Tinian, to Germany. The German period was relatively short-lived, lasting until the end of World War I. During this time, the Germans focused on the development of copra (dried coconut meat) production, which became an important economic activity on the island.

Following World War I, the League of Nations granted Japan a mandate over the Northern Mariana Islands. Under Japanese rule, Tinian was transformed into a significant sugarcane plantation, and the island's infrastructure was developed extensively. Thousands of Japanese settlers moved to Tinian, and the island's population grew rapidly. The Japanese influence is still visible in some of the island’s architecture and cultural remnants.

Tinian played a crucial role in World War II, particularly during the Pacific Theater. In July 1944, the United States launched an amphibious assault on the island, known as the Battle of Tinian. After a week of intense fighting, American forces captured the island from the Japanese. Tinian's strategic location made it an ideal base for launching air raids on Japan, including the missions that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After World War II, Tinian became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States. In 1975, the Northern Mariana Islands, including Tinian, entered into a political union with the United States, becoming a Commonwealth. Today, Tinian is known for its historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant Chamorro culture. The legacy of its multifaceted history continues to shape the island’s identity and appeal to visitors from around the world.

Tinian Island is part of the Northern Mariana Islands and is accessible via air travel. The nearest major airport is Saipan International Airport (SPN) on the neighboring island of Saipan. From Saipan, you can take a short 10-15 minute flight to Tinian International Airport (TIQ) via regional airlines such as Star Marianas Air. Alternatively, charter boat services are available for a scenic trip from Saipan to Tinian.

Tinian is a small island, and many attractions are within reasonable walking or biking distance. Car rentals are available for those who prefer more convenience and flexibility in exploring the island. Taxis are another option but might be less reliable due to limited availability. For a unique experience, consider renting a scooter or bicycle to navigate the island at your own pace.

The official currency on Tinian Island is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available on the island, but they may occasionally be out of service, so it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand.

Tinian Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard travel precautions should be taken, such as not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Tinian Health Center provides medical services, and there is a local police station for law enforcement assistance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting local communities. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Tinian is not particularly religiously conservative, it's polite to dress modestly in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous when using local transportation options. Don't expect public transport to be as frequent or punctual as in larger cities. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Chamorro and Carolinian dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tinian Island like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historic sites such as the House of Taga and the North Field, which played significant roles during World War II. For a unique experience, participate in local festivals and cultural events, which offer a glimpse into the island's vibrant traditions and community life.