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Seghe Airstrip
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Seghe Airstrip, located at the southeastern tip of New Georgia Island, was the site of one of the boldest clandestine operations of the Pacific War. In June 1943, the area was secured under the guidance of the renowned coastwatcher Donald Kennedy, while Japanese patrols were active just a few miles away. US Navy Seabees landed and constructed the runway in record time, providing a critical staging area for the invasion of New Georgia. Seghe served as a vital emergency landing strip and a forward fighter base that relieved pressure on Henderson Field. Its unique location on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon makes it one of the most scenic approaches for pilots in the world today. The airstrip continues to serve as a major gateway for travelers visiting the world's largest saltwater lagoon and maintains its historical charm with its crushed coral runway surface.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Uepi (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 282 | 307 | 284 | 219 | 212 | 224 | 249 | 203 | 207 | 213 | 198 | 214 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The historic airstrip area is open to visitors, though it remains an operational domestic airfield today. While you can view the general landscape and remnants of its WWII layout, you must always respect the active aviation zones.
Typical hours
There are no specific opening hours for the historic site itself, as it is an open area. It is typically best to visit during daylight hours when there are no active flight operations to ensure safety.
Photography
Photography of the surrounding tropical landscape and historical markers is generally permitted. However, avoid taking pictures of active aircraft operations, local passengers, or security personnel without prior permission.
Time needed
A typical visit to observe the historical layout and grasp the strategic context of the airfield takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are waiting for a flight or exploring the broader area, you might spend a bit more time.
Combine with
You can combine this stop with a broader tour of New Georgia's World War II sites, including coastal defenses. The surrounding Marovo Lagoon also provides excellent diving opportunities with several submerged wartime wrecks.
Getting there
The airstrip is located at the southern tip of New Georgia and is primarily reached via domestic flights from Honiara or boat transfers. Once there, the historical areas along the perimeter are easily accessible on foot.
Insider tip
Since the weather can be quite hot and humid, bring plenty of water and sun protection when exploring the open airfield. Booking a knowledgeable local guide is recommended to uncover the specific wartime history of the site.
Geography
Facts
- The Seabees completed the initial runway in just 10 days in June 1943.
- Coastwatcher Donald Kennedy maintained a private army of locals to protect the site.
- Seghe was the first permanent American foothold on New Georgia Island.
- The airstrip offers access to the Marovo Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site candidate.
- Historically, it served as a key base for Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-124.
- The approach to the runway requires pilots to fly directly over the lagoon waters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Seghe Airstrip (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seghe airstrip developed for tourism?
No, it is a very simple and remote location.
Can you book accommodations directly there?
Barely, usually via lodges in the wider area.
What is there to see in the surroundings?
Great lagoons and untouched nature, first-rate for diving.
Is there a tourist info there?
No, rely on your guide.
Is the weather often changeable?
Yes, tropical rain showers can happen at any time.
Seghe Airstrip: where is it located?
Seghe Airstrip is located in Solomon Islands.
Seghe Airstrip: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Nov.
Seghe Airstrip: why is it worth visiting?
Seghe Airstrip, located at the southeastern tip of New Georgia Island, was the site of one of the boldest clandestine operations of the Pacific War.
Explore with Plizio
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Kokumbona
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Munda Logistics Center
Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.
Munda
Munda is the largest settlement on the island of New Georgia.
Lambeti
A village near Munda that was the scene of heavy fighting as Allied forces advanced toward the Munda airstrip in 1943.
Seghe
Seghe is an important transport hub located at the southern tip of New Georgia Island in the Western Province.
Uepi
Uepi is a small island settlement on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, known for world-class diving tourism.
Marovo Lagoon
The world's largest saltwater lagoon, a UNESCO candidate featuring hundreds of islands and world-class biodiversity.
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Batuna
Batuna is a Seventh-day Adventist mission station in the Marovo Lagoon, known for its vocational training.
Nggatokae Island
A pristine volcanic island in the southeastern New Georgia Islands, a paradise for divers and nature enthusiasts.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
Marovo Lagoon
The world's largest saltwater lagoon.
Marovo Lagoon Cultural Sites
Marovo Lagoon is home to numerous traditional woodcarving villages and historic shrines.
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Kavachi Submarine Volcano
Kavachi is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the Pacific.
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Skull Island
This small island in the Vona Vona Lagoon houses a shrine with skulls of former chiefs and warriors.
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Vona Vona Lagoon Monuments
The lagoon is rich in historical sites, including war wrecks and traditional graves.
Nature
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The Zaira Conservation Area on Vangunu is known for its pristine coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites.
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Mount Vangunu
Mount Vangunu is the central volcanic cone of the island with the same name in the New Georgia group.
Uepi Island
This small barrier reef island in Marovo Lagoon offers access to deep oceanic trenches and vibrant coral gardens.
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Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the South Pacific and a major conservation area.
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Kavachi Volcano
This submarine volcano in the New Georgia Islands is one of the most active in the Southwest Pacific.
Roviana Lagoon
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Mount Rendova
Mount Rendova dominates the silhouette of Rendova Island in the Western Province.
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Viru Harbour
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Viru Timber Port
Viru Harbour is a major export port for the timber industry in Western Province.
Viru Harbor
A deep natural harbor on New Georgia captured by US Marines in July 1943 during a difficult overland march.
Wickham Anchorage
An anchorage on Vangunu Island captured in 1943 to intercept Japanese supply lines to the New Georgia islands.
Blanche Channel
A channel between New Georgia and Rendova.
Rendova Island
An island across from Munda captured by US forces in June 1943 to position heavy artillery for the assault on Munda Airstrip.
Rendova Peak
The prominent volcanic peak on Rendova Island that served as a major landmark for WWII pilots and naval navigators.