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Quoin Hill Airfield
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Quoin Hill Airfield is located on the northern coast of Efate Island and served as a crucial military installation during World War II. Constructed starting in May 1942 by the US Navy Seabees of the 1st Construction Battalion, the airfield was designed to bolster the defenses of Port Vila against Japanese advances. The runway was built using crushed coral and primarily hosted fighter squadrons, such as VMF-212 flying F4F Wildcats. As the Pacific campaign moved northward, the airfield's strategic importance waned, leading to its eventual closure after 1944. Today, the site is largely reclaimed by the jungle, though the cleared strip of the runway and various concrete foundations remain visible near Undine Bay. It stands as a significant historical marker of the rapid military buildup in the New Hebrides during the early 1940s.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: World War II museum and relics · Emua SDA church · Presbyterian Church
- Nearby: Ifira Island Traditional Village (24 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 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 211 | 190 | 237 | 222 | 127 | 109 | 76 | 66 | 67 | 107 | 116 | 147 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Quoin Hill Airfield is an abandoned WWII military airstrip in northern Efate. The site is freely accessible, but remains are heavily overgrown.
Typical hours
The site is accessible anytime; best visited in dry weather. Early morning is handy to avoid the heat.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere; the abandoned runways and foundations make interesting subjects. Macro shots of vegetation are also worthwhile.
Time needed
A walk around the site takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If exploring the surroundings, allow 1-2 hours.
Combine with
Combine with a trip to nearby reefs or Eton Beach. Quoin Hill village is also worth a short detour.
Getting there
Reach the airfield by rental car or taxi from Port Vila. The road is paved to the village entrance, the last meters are gravel.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and overgrown with bushes. Bring water; there are no facilities on site.
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in May 1942 by the 1st US Navy Seabee Battalion.
- The runway was engineered using compacted coral for durability.
- Primary base for the VMF-212 squadron during the defense of the New Hebrides.
- Located near Undine Bay to intercept threats from the northern approach.
- The airfield was largely phased out of active service by late 1944.
- Visible remains include concrete hardstands and remnants of fuel storage.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Quoin Hill Airfield (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quoin Hill airfield?
A historic, no longer used airfield from the time of WWII.
Can you land there?
No, the site is closed to air traffic and overgrown.
Is it a historical site?
Yes, it reminds of the strategic importance of Vanuatu during the war.
How long does the visit take?
A short visit of 15-20 minutes is enough for a photo.
Do you need a guide?
Not necessarily, the site is public and freely explorable.
Quoin Hill Airfield: where is it located?
Quoin Hill Airfield is located in Vanuatu.
Quoin Hill Airfield: what is there to see?
Highlights include World War II museum and relics, Emua SDA church, Presbyterian Church.
Quoin Hill Airfield: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Quoin Hill Airfield: why is it worth visiting?
Quoin Hill Airfield is located on the northern coast of Efate Island and served as a crucial military installation during World War II.
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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.
Pele Island
Pele Island is a volcanic island north of Efate.
Efate Round Island Road History
The main road around Efate, much of whose route is based on US military roads from World War II.
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Moso Island
Moso Island forms a natural barrier for Havannah Harbour on Efate.
Mele Cascades Legend Site
A natural landmark deeply rooted in the oral history and legends of the Mele people.
Fels Cave
A monumental cave on Lelepa Island, considered the place where the legendary Chief Roi Mata died in the 13th century.
Mele Village Traditional Grounds
Historical gathering grounds of Mele Village, the largest village on Efate with a rich Polynesian exclave history.
Hat Island (Eretoka)
This distinctive island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Chief Roi Mata.
Nature
Mount McDonald
Mount McDonald is the highest peak on the island of Efate.
Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area
A community-managed region protecting seagrass meadows, mangroves, and volcanic reefs.
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Mount Zeila
Mount Zeila is the highest peak on the volcanic island of Nguna.
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Moso Island Turtle Sanctuary
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Mele Cascades
Mele Cascades is a series of terraced waterfalls on Efate Island.
Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary
This sanctuary off Efate is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and the world's only underwater post office.
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Havannah Seaplane Ramp
These relics in Havannah Harbour are from a US seaplane base used during World War II.
Havannah Shipping Channel
A deep, sheltered waterway north of Efate used as a strategic anchorage and regional shipping route.
Havannah Harbour
A natural harbour on Efate that served as a major base for the US fleet during World War II.
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Port Havannah Dugongs
The deep natural harbor of Port Havannah is known for its seagrass meadows that feed rare dugongs.
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Efate Plateau
The Efate Plateau is an extensive limestone terrace in the interior of Efate Island.
Bauerfield Airport Terminal
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The air cargo hub at Port Vila's international airport, managing the import of time-sensitive goods and equipment.