Kiriwina Island

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Introducing Kiriwina Island

The largest of the Trobriand Islands is Kiriwina, which is home to the district capital of Losuia and the airstrip. Kiriwina is relatively flat, although there is a rim of low hills (uplifted coral reefs) along the eastern shore. The central plain is intensely cultivated and, with the island’s population growing fast, there are concerns that cutting trees to plant gardens will devastate the island.

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The airport is in the north, where the US Air Force had two bases during WWII. South of here, on the west coast, Losuia is the only real town and is generally known as ‘the station’. It has a wharf, police station, health centre and two trade stores. It’s more like a sprawling village than a town. Electricity is rumoured to be coming soon but if it does, it will probably be as reliable as the temperamental telephone network.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. lucaskawage avatar
    Re: Perfect Pacific Getaway

    by lucaskawage 19 May 2009

    Hi there, I would nominate Simsimling Island next to Kawito Island off the Trobriands Islands of Papua New Guinea. You find the white…
  2. dschungelju avatar
    Ecotourism Melanesia

    by dschungelju 22 December 2007

    Hi, does anybody have experience with "Ecotourism Melanesia Ltd"? I am going to PNG this summer and I am looking for some guided tour-packa…

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