Asan-Maina

Asan-Maina is a combined village that consists of two former villages: Asan and Maina, located in the southern-central part of the island. The village sits partly on the hillside of Nimitz Hill and partly on the flat land below it, just in front of the sea. Many of the houses are built on steep roads going up the hillside, reminiscent of San Francisco. Asan’s most distinguishable landmark is a large grassy park that sits between the main village and the ocean. Known by many as Asan Beach Park, the Asan Beach Unit of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park is a large expanse of grass, with coconut trees, pavilions, and a popular walking path. The village’s name comes from the words “hassan” and “ma’ina”. “Hassan” means scarce or rare, while “ma’ina” means torchlight or presentation.