Rota, Pacific island in Northern Mariana Islands, US
Rota is a volcanic island that rises from the western Pacific and measures roughly 33 square miles with green hills rolling across the landscape. The coastline features multiple beaches, hidden coves, and areas of black and white sand that shift from one section to another.
The island served as a sugarcane production center during Japanese administration before World War II altered its trajectory. After the conflict, it transitioned away from large-scale farming toward a smaller, agriculture-based community.
The latte stones scattered across the island show the fingerprint of the Chamorro people who lived here long ago. These ancient stone pillars once supported homes and remain woven into the local identity.
A small airport connects the island directly to Guam, and rental cars or local drivers are the best way to move around and reach beaches and farm areas. The compact size means most places are reachable within short drives.
Unlike many Pacific islands, Rota has minimal commercial lodging and no large resorts, which means visitors encounter working farms and fishing communities rather than tourism infrastructure. This simplicity offers a genuine look at how residents live and work.
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