Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) is proud to announce that full design plans have been completed and approved for major upgrades to three of Saipan’s most iconic destinations in Marpi—Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post.

Backed by a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the project marks a major milestone in the MVA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and restoring pride in the places that define The Marianas.

“These sites are part of our identity and are often the first places people think of when they picture The Marianas,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We're excited to make long-overdue upgrades that will improve safety, accessibility, and overall experience for everyone, residents and visitors alike. It's one of many steps we're taking to elevate our destination.”

The MVA is preparing to issue an Invitation to Bid in the coming weeks. The goal is to select a construction partner by July 2025, with project completion targeted for July 2026.

The upgrades will include:

• Bird Island Lookout: A complete site redesign with new ADA-compliant stairs, walkways, guardrails, scenic viewing platforms, and an improved parking area.
• Suicide Cliff: New walkways, platforms, and guardrails, plus ADA-compliant stairs and ramps, making this iconic site safer and more accessible.
• Last Command Post: Construction of a new ADA-accessible restroom facility, complete with septic system and leaching field.

“These investments raise the standard of our destination and help ensure that every visitor experience reflects the warmth, pride, and natural beauty we live every day,” Taijeron added.

The project is designed by TRL Architecture.

A&E design has been completed for new ADA/code compliant stairs, walkways, viewing platforms, guardrails, and an improved parking area at Bird Island Lookout in Saipan, The Marianas, with construction targeted to begin this summer. The Marianas Visitors Authority is undertaking $1.4 million in improvements to three of Saipan’s most popular visitor sites under a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

A&E design has been completed for safety, accessibility, and aesthetic improvements at Bird Island Lookout in Saipan, The Marianas, with construction targeted to begin this summer. The Marianas Visitors Authority is undertaking $1.4 million in improvements to the lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff under a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

A&E design has been completed for ADA/code compliant stairs, walkways, viewing platforms, a ramp, guardrails, and an improved parking area at Suicide Cliff in Saipan, The Marianas, with construction targeted to begin this summer. The Marianas Visitors Authority is undertaking $1.4 million in improvements to three of Saipan’s most popular visitor sites under a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

A&E design has been completed for a new restroom at Last Command Post in Saipan, The Marianas, with construction targeted to begin this summer. The Marianas Visitors Authority is undertaking $1.4 million in improvements to three of Saipan’s most popular visitor sites under a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The Marianas is an archipelago of 14 islands - including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota - in the Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in this harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in The Marianas, where pristine sea, sand, and skies are only a 3–4-hour flight from major Asian gateway cities. From South Korea, Jeju Air and T’Way provide direct flights to Saipan from Seoul-Incheon. United Airlines flies three times a week from Tokyo-Narita, Japan, and daily from Guam. Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly from Hong Kong. Interisland travel between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is provided by Star Marianas Air. For more information on The Marianas, visit www.mymarianas.com, Facebook/VisitTheMarianas, or Instagram @themarianas.

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