Ebeye
Understand
Most of the residents of Ebeye are (or more likely are the descendants of) islanders evacuated from other islands in the Kwajalein atoll. The main income for Ebeye residents is from the relatively small number of people employed on the Kwajalein military base. The money earned supports the population of around 12,000. Consequently, most people are very poor. Even with the difficult living conditions, islanders are hospitable and welcoming to foreigners. Despite this, Ebeye has very little to offer tourists.
Get in
The United Airlines island hopper will drop visitors at the US Kwajalein base. Depending on your nationality, a visa and/or authorisations may be needed. Once security processing by the US authorities is complete, a free boat, run by the US military will take you to Ebeye. The boat takes base employees to and from Ebeye where they live. So the boat runs early in the morning and at the end of the working day. This must be allowed for when departing. It may be necessary to take the boat long before the flight.
At the US base end of the journey, there is an American Diner where fast food is available. Some people from Ebeye even go there as a day trip.
Get around
Ebeye is small and can be walked quite easily. There are also shared taxies driving along the few roads, which cost $0.75 for a single journey.
See
There can be good views across the lagoon if you choose a spot where there is not too much litter.
Do
There really is very little to do, other than wait to leave.
Buy
There is a reasonably well stocked Payless supermarket near the ferry terminal.
Eat
There is only one cafe on the island. La bojie is on the road heading north from the ferry terminal. It is about 200m on the left, before the health centre which is on the right.
Another possibility is the seating area inside the JJJ Shopping Center. They will microwave a burger, pizza slice or some other pastry for you.
In theory there is a restaurant at the Ebeye hotel. However, it is rarely open.
Drink
There are no bars, so get a beer from the Payless supermarket.
Sleep
There is only one hotel in Ebeye. The Ebeye Hotel is 100m on the road south from the ferry terminal. Rooms are clean and air conditioned. A single costs $90, which must be paid in cash, with a $20 deposit for the key. Rooms have TV (with AFN channels from the US base), fridge and en-suite bathroom/shower.
Connect
Internet is available from the NTA Unifi wifi service. It is quite fast, but fairly expensive. It can be paid for by credit card or by visiting the NTA office at the south of the island. Cellular telephone service is available from NTA.
Radio fans can listen to the 3 AFN FM radio services from the Kwajalein military base. One of these carries NPR and the other two AFN music services.