Maewo Island, Vanuatu

Maewo (or Maéwo; also Aurora Island) is an island in Vanuatu in Penama province, 105 km to the east of Espiritu Santo. Maewo is the island with the highest rainfall in Vanuatu so it is covered with lush green vegetation with plenty of fresh water and many beautiful waterfalls. There is also hot springs located in the centre of Maewo. Most of the islanders live on the sheltered west coast, the most notable village on the island is Lakarere, on the northwest coast.

Maewo Island is good for bird-watching and bush walking. Both coastlines are covered with black sand beaches. Maewo is famous for its ancient secret societies, traditional dances and sorcery.

Things to see and do

* Waterfalls
* Bird watching
* Hot springs
* Custom dances
* Bush walking

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
Language – English, French
Land area – 269 km²
Population – 30,000 approx (Penama Province)
Electricity – 2 Angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus eleven hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 678

Port Location – Cruise ships anchor offshore at Maewo island and passengers are tendered ashore.

Travel Links – Maewo has one airstrip, on the plateau above Naone village. There is only one flight a week, from Santo.
The Sara airfield on north Pentecost is the best choice for travelling to south Maewo. From north Pentecost you can take a speedboat across to Maewo.