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Luganville Airfield
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Landmark
Luganville Airfield, known during World War II as 'Bomber Field No. 2', was one of the busiest military installations in the South Pacific. Constructed in 1942 by US forces, it was established to support the air offensive against Japanese positions in the Solomon Islands. The runway was specifically engineered to accommodate heavy bombers, including the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. The site featured immense fuel depots, maintenance hangars, and housing for thousands of service members. Following the war, a portion of the airfield was repurposed for civil aviation and now serves as the foundation for Pekoa International Airport. Nonetheless, the surrounding area still contains numerous remnants of the original military infrastructure, such as abandoned bunkers and coral hardstands. The airfield was a critical factor in the Allied victory in the Pacific and left a lasting impact on the town of Luganville.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Pentecost church · Leweton custom village · Banban whitewood christian fellowship
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (67 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
Visiting
Luganville Airfield is a massive military airfield built by the US during WWII on Espiritu Santo. Today it is still partly in use, but many areas are accessible. Historical remnants such as runways and bunkers are visible.
Typical hours
As an active airfield, access is restricted at certain times. Public areas are usually accessible during daytime. For guided tours, contact local tour operators.
Photography
Photography is allowed in public areas, but avoid military installations. Old hangars and bunkers offer great subjects. Respect any security zones.
Time needed
A visit to the main remnants takes about 30-60 minutes. If taking a guided tour, allow 1-2 hours. The area is extensive but not fully walkable.
Combine with
Combine the airfield visit with Luganville Market House and Quonset Huts. Espiritu Santo also provides the famous Blue Holes and Champagne Beach. WWII history ties the sites together.
Getting there
The airfield is near Luganville, easily accessible by car. Follow the main road to the airport; public transport is available. Part of the area is fenced off.
Insider tip
Bring a camera but avoid drones without permission. Research the airfield's history beforehand to enrich the experience. Also visit the nearby WWII museum.
Geography
Facts
- The main runway originally measured over 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) in length.
- Famous units like the 'Black Sheep' squadron were based here at various times.
- Pekoa International Airport currently operates on the Bomber Field No. 2 site.
- The airfield handled hundreds of takeoffs and landings daily during the war.
- Construction was completed in record time by the US Navy Seabees.
- Surrounding areas still contain concrete bunkers and aircraft revetments.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Luganville Airfield (6)
Banban transfiguration parish
Catholic Transfiguration parish in Banban.
Beterihi cultural park
Cultural park in Luganville with traditional dances and crafts.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'Bomber Field No. 1'?
It was the main base for bombers during World War II.
Can the runway be visited?
Parts of the old runway are still visible and freely accessible.
What is near the airfield?
Luganville town center with markets and local restaurants.
Is drone flying allowed there?
Local rules apply, please ask the local administration on site.
When is the best time to visit?
During the day, as there is little lighting in the area.
Luganville Airfield: where is it located?
Luganville Airfield is located in Vanuatu.
Luganville Airfield: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pentecost church, Leweton custom village, Banban whitewood christian fellowship.
Luganville Airfield: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Luganville Airfield: why is it worth visiting?
Luganville Airfield, known during World War II as 'Bomber Field No.
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History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Avenger Wreck
The underwater wreck of a US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bomber located near Santo.
PBY Catalina Wreck
The wreck of a US PBY Catalina flying boat that sank in the Segond Channel during World War II.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
Million Dollar Point
A historic underwater graveyard off Espiritu Santo, where the US military dumped equipment after World War II.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Luganville Market House
The main trading hub in Luganville, essential for the distribution of fresh food across Espiritu Santo.
Nature
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
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Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
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Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
More places
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
SS President Coolidge Reef
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge is now a massive artificial ecosystem for marine life off Espiritu Santo.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.