Plizio Visual Lab

Aore Island WWII Relics

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Aore Island, located directly across from Luganville, served as a massive logistics and support base for US forces during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Americans transformed the island into a supply and defense hub for the campaigns in the Solomon Islands. Relics remaining on Aore include remnants of pontoon piers, ammunition bunkers, and the foundations of former US military hospitals. The island functioned as a rest and recreation area for troops returning from the front lines, as well as a vast storage site for fuel and heavy equipment. Divers and historians continue to find numerous artifacts in the coastal waters, ranging from discarded machinery to personal military gear. The presence of thousands of servicemen permanently altered the island's social landscape. Today, Aore is a peaceful location, yet the concrete ruins scattered through the jungle recall the era when it was a vital cog in the immense Pacific war machine.

Location: Vanuatu
Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (61 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	27	26	25	24	24	25	26	26	27
Rain mm	272	274	271	272	183	162	116	105	109	151	175	170

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Aore Island WWII Relics are scattered remains of US military facilities across the island. Most are freely accessible, but some lie on private land; ask for permission.

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Typical hours

As the relics are outdoors, they can be visited anytime during daylight. There is no lighting, so a daytime visit is necessary.

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Photography

Photography is expressly allowed, and the rusty remains offer fascinating subjects for history enthusiasts. Handle the fragile structures carefully to avoid further damage.

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Time needed

Allow about two to three hours to explore the main relics on Aore Island. If you have a guide, you can get more background information.

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Combine with

Aore Island lies just off the coast of Espiritu Santo; combine the visit with a tour of Luganville and its WW2 sites. A trip to Million Dollar Point is also worthwhile.

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Getting there

Reach Aore Island by water taxi from Luganville; the crossing takes only about 10-15 minutes. On the island, you can explore the relics on foot or with a rented vehicle.

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Insider tip

Bring a flashlight to inspect darker corners of bunkers or shelters. Wear sturdy footwear and be cautious of rust and sharp edges.

Geography

Coordinates

-15.58000, 167.18000

Facts

Aore was part of Base 'Buttons', one of the largest US installations in the Pacific.
The island featured specialized repair docks for small naval craft.
Remnants of concrete loading ramps are still visible along the shoreline.
At its peak, the island housed more than 10,000 military personnel.
The 4th Fleet Hospital was established here to treat wounded from the front.
Wartime artifacts, such as glass bottles and metal scraps, are still common.