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Airai, Belau - Things to Do in Airai

Airai

Airai, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Airai is the largest state in Palau (Belau) and serves as the gateway to this pristine Pacific island nation, home to the country's main international airport. This sprawling municipality encompasses diverse landscapes from mangrove forests and traditional villages to modern infrastructure, offering visitors their first taste of Palauan culture and natural beauty. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, with ancient stone monoliths, traditional meeting houses (bai), and busy local communities that maintain centuries-old customs. As both an administrative center and cultural heartland, Airai provides an authentic introduction to Palauan life away from the more tourist-focused areas. Visitors can explore traditional villages, witness local crafts being made, and experience the warmth of Palauan hospitality while enjoying easy access to some of the country's most significant historical and natural sites.

Top Airai

Airai Bai Traditional Meeting House

Visit this beautifully preserved traditional Palauan meeting house, one of the finest examples of indigenous architecture in Micronesia. The bai features intricate wooden carvings and paintings that tell stories of Palauan legends, history, and cultural values, offering deep insights into the island's rich heritage.

Booking Tip: Free to visit during daylight hours, but hiring a local guide ($20-30) is highly recommended to understand the cultural significance and stories depicted in the artwork. Best visited in the morning when lighting is optimal for photography.

Ngardmau Waterfall Hike

Trek through lush tropical rainforest to reach Palau's tallest waterfall, cascading over 100 feet into a pristine swimming hole. The moderate 45-minute hike passes through diverse ecosystems and offers opportunities to spot endemic birds and plants unique to Palau.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is $10 per person, with an additional $5 for the guide (mandatory). Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Best visited during dry season (December-April) when trails are less muddy and water levels are ideal for swimming.

Airai Village Cultural Walk

Explore traditional Palauan village life through guided walks that showcase local crafts, traditional cooking methods, and daily customs. Meet local artisans creating traditional weavings, woodcarvings, and other handicrafts while learning about the community's sustainable living practices.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guesthouses or cultural centers for $15-25 per person. Morning visits (8-10 AM) are best when villagers are most active. Always ask permission before photographing people and consider purchasing locally made crafts to support the community.

Mangrove Kayaking

Paddle through pristine mangrove channels teeming with marine life, including juvenile fish, crabs, and various bird species. These peaceful waterways offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and understanding Palau's crucial coastal ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $25-35 per day, or join guided tours for $45-60 per person including equipment. Early morning (7-9 AM) offers the best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Choose operators that emphasize environmental conservation.

Stone Monoliths of Badrulchau

Discover ancient basalt monoliths that stand as mysterious remnants of Palau's prehistoric past, with some stones weighing several tons and arranged in patterns that continue to puzzle archaeologists. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and insights into pre-contact Palauan civilization.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, but hiring a local guide ($20-30) provides valuable historical context. Accessible by car with a short 10-minute walk. Best visited in late afternoon for dramatic lighting and cooler temperatures.

Getting There

Airai is accessed via Palau International Airport (ROR), located within the state itself, making it the natural entry point for all international visitors to Palau. The airport receives direct flights from major hubs including Philippines, Taipei, South Korea, Japan, and Guam, with flight times ranging from 2-4 hours depending on origin. Most visitors will need to arrange airport transfers through their accommodation or rent a car, as public transportation options are limited.

Getting Around

Transportation in Airai primarily relies on rental cars, which cost $40-60 per day and are essential for exploring the state's scattered attractions and villages. Taxis are available but expensive for longer distances, typically charging $1-2 per mile. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals for shorter trips, and some provide shuttle services to major attractions. Walking is feasible within individual villages but not practical for covering the larger distances between sites.

Where to Stay

Airai Airport Area
Airai Village Center
Ngardmau Waterfall Vicinity
Traditional Village Homestays
Eco-lodges Near Mangroves
Budget Guesthouses

Food & Dining

Airai's dining scene centers around local family-run restaurants and small eateries serving traditional Palauan cuisine alongside Filipino and Asian influences. Local specialties include fresh seafood, taro, breadfruit, and the national dish of tinola (chicken soup with local vegetables). Small markets and convenience stores provide basic supplies, while some guesthouses offer home-cooked meals featuring locally sourced ingredients. For a more diverse selection, many visitors make day trips to nearby Koror, though Airai's authentic local dining experiences offer genuine cultural immersion.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palau

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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L'ANCIENNE ÉCOLE

4.7 /5
(2423 reviews) 3

Il Ghiottone

4.5 /5
(1957 reviews) 2

il Mulino

4.5 /5
(1946 reviews) 2
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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
(1760 reviews) 2
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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1675 reviews) 3
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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
(1479 reviews) 3
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Airai is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and humidity levels are more comfortable for outdoor activities and hiking. This period offers the most reliable weather for exploring waterfalls, cultural sites, and engaging in village activities. The wet season (May-November) brings heavier rainfall and higher humidity but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Year-round temperatures remain consistently warm (75-85°F), making any time suitable for travel, though typhoon season (July-November) occasionally brings severe weather.

Insider Tips

Always remove shoes before entering traditional buildings and homes, and dress modestly when visiting villages to show respect for local customs
Bring cash (US dollars) as credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels, and ATMs are limited throughout Airai
Learn a few basic Palauan phrases like 'alii' (hello) and 'sulang' (thank you) - locals greatly appreciate visitors who make an effort to use their language

Activities in Airai