The site of Chelechol ra Orrak in Palau, western Micronesia, contains one of the largest and oldest human skeletal assemblages in the Pacific. Remains of more than 55 individuals have been excavated from the site dating between ca. 3000-1700 BP, thus representing some of the earliest inhabitants of the archipelago. Given the antiquity of Chelechol ra Orrak, these individuals have the potential to provide significant new insights into human adaptation to small island environments in western Micronesia. Here, we summarize the bioarchaeological research conducted at Chelechol ra Orrak to date, with a focus on recent strontium isotope analysis of 23 samples on tooth enamel from 11 individuals. In addition, environmental baseline data was collected from across the archipelago to place individuals within a localized context, explore potential early inter-island mobility, and inform on the origins of individuals buried at the site. Combining the strontium data with other lines of bioarchaeological and isotopic evidence related to diet, cultural practices (e.g., chewing betel nut), demography, and health provides a more robust interpretation of early Palauan lifeways.