Likiep Atoll
The bright yellow Likiep church. Photo: Jon O’Neill. 
Waiting for the plane at Likiep airport. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Tom Capelle handles the books at the Likiep copra warehouse. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Teacher Daniel Jibke at Likiep Elementary. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Smiles all round at Likiep airport. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Orlando and Bertha deBrum’s house on Likiep. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Making bread on Likiep. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Little lads and ladies at Likiep Elementary. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Likiep’s Joe deBrum stands next to what is supposed to be the tallest spot of land in RMI. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Cleveland Maie pumps water at his house on Likiep. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Cargo handlers at Likiep airport. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
Boys on the beach at Likiep Atoll Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
An unusual manouver on a canoe in Likiep. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
An original deBrum house on Likiep. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
AMI cargo handlers on Likiep Atoll. Photo: Karen Earnshaw 
A trio of Likiep Elementary girls giggle at being photographed. Photo: Karen Earnshaw
FACT FILE
Number of islets: 65 Population RMI Census 2021: 228 (114 males, 114 females) Land area: 3.96 square miles Said to have the highest point in RMI at 30 feet. Yacht permit fee: $50 Mayor: Nicholas deBrum Nitijela Member: Donald Capelle
Note: The photos in the gallery date back to 2008, when my husband and I spent three weeks at the atoll on our sailing boat Seal. While there we spent many delightful hours being regaled by stories told by Joe deBrum.
Likiep Atoll is one of the most famous locations in the Marshalls, having a rich history dating back to the 19th Century when two enterprising European traders managed to obtain possession of the atoll.
The business partnership of the well-known Capelle and deBrum blossomed in this location.
Today, while the original clear and distinct lines of demarcation between the original owning families has blurred into an indistinct blend of Marshall Islander and European extract, there still remains a certain flavor to Likiep that has for the most part come to represent the parallel yet distinct personality of this energetic community.
Luc Callebaut and Jackie Lee of the Yacht Sloepmouche kindly gave me permission to include his videos on my site. Komol Luc and Jackie!
