Plizio Visual Lab

Barakoma Airfield

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

battlefield

Weather…

Barakoma Airfield on Vella Lavella Island was a remarkable feat of combat engineering by U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II. Following the Allied landings in August 1943, the 58th Naval Construction Battalion began clearing the dense jungle on the island's southeastern coast. In an astonishing ten days, they completed a functional coral-surfaced runway capable of hosting fighter aircraft. Barakoma Field played a vital role in supporting Allied air operations against Japanese positions on Kolombangara and Bougainville, offering a forward base that significantly reduced flight times. The airfield was home to various distinguished units, including U.S. Marine Corps fighter squadrons and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Its strategic location allowed for continuous combat air patrols over the central Solomon Islands. After the war, the airfield was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle; today, only remnants of the runway and scattered wartime artifacts remain as evidence of its past military activity.

Location: Solomon Islands
Nearby: Maru (28 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Oct–Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	29	28	28	28	29	28	28	28	28	28	28	29
Rain mm	325	343	311	271	319	325	342	294	282	276	233	228

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

You can freely walk across the historical footprints of the former airbase, where the jungle has partially reclaimed the coral runways and scattered wartime remnants.

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Typical hours

There are no specific operating hours or entry gates, so visitors are advised to arrive during the morning or early afternoon to ensure plenty of natural light.

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Photography

The contrast between the encroaching tropical jungle and the fading engineering achievements of the US Seabees provides a striking and unique subject for historical photography.

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Time needed

Plan to spend approximately one to two hours walking the perimeter of the historic runway area and searching for smaller artifacts hidden within the dense vegetation.

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Combine with

Combine this historical exploration with a visit to the coastal settlements of Vella Lavella, or nearby diving spots that feature underwater wreckage from the same campaign.

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Getting there

Reaching the site typically requires hiring a local boat from Gizo or Munda, followed by a short overland trek accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who knows the paths.

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Insider tip

Always ask permission from the local village chief before exploring the area, as the land is customarily owned and a small customary fee might be expected from international visitors.

Geography

Coordinates

-7.85000, 156.70000

Facts

Construction of the airfield began on August 15, 1943, during the initial landings.
The original runway was approximately 3,500 feet long and surfaced with coral.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 15 Squadron was based at Barakoma.
The airfield faced nearly daily Japanese air raids during its first few weeks of operation.
Barakoma served as a vital emergency landing strip for planes damaged over Kolombangara.
Within two months, the facility was expanded to include over 100 aircraft revetments.