Kiriwina Island Cruise Port

Port summary

There is no cruise berth on Kiriwina. Ships anchor off the north coast and tender passengers to a small jetty and beach at Kaibola, a village at the northern tip of the island. There is no terminal building, no ATM, no taxi rank and no Wi-Fi: on ship days the community sets up a craft market under the trees at the landing, often with a welcome dance, and that is your 'port'. Most of the day happens on foot. Carvers lay out ebony bowls, walking sticks and storyboards on mats along the beach, boys offer rides in outrigger dugout canoes, and the sand in front of the landing is good for a swim and some snorkelling (bring your own mask and reef shoes). English-speaking village guides wait at the landing and walk you through Kaibola's painted yam houses, the school and, on longer walks, the old burial caves in the coral cliffs. Agree the price first: K20–50 per group is typical. If a Trobriand cricket match is on, stop and watch: it is cricket rebuilt with chants, war dances and as many players as turn up. The rest of the island is a long, flat raised coral atoll with about 60 villages and no public transport. The paramount chief's village of Omarakana is about 8 km inland and the government station at Losuia, with its wharf and the WWII airfield now used as the island airport, is 18 km south. Reaching either means hiring an open-backed truck at the landing, agreeing a firm return time and keeping well clear of the last-tender deadline. Kiriwina is a traditional, conservative place. Dress modestly away from the beach, ask before photographing people, don't eat in front of villagers who aren't eating and don't buy coral, turtle shell or unlacquered shells. Bring kina in small notes (some sellers take Australian dollar notes, never coins), plus water, a hat and sunscreen: shade is limited and it is hot and humid year-round.

Getting to Kaibola

From the cruise terminal to the city centre

Things to do