Understand
Kavieng is located on the northern tip of the New Ireland. With only one or two flights arriving every day, it is not a major tourist destination. However, with excellent diving, sailing, fishing and surfing it can offer a rewarding visit for those with the time, and money, to seek it out. Visible from Kavieng are the many islands lying between New Ireland and New Hanover.
On January 21, 1942, Kavieng was bombed by Japanese forces. The Japanese invaded and occupied the island. By the time the Allies retook the island in 1945, Kavieng had been almost completely destroyed.Today Kavieng is New Ireland's export port for copra and other products and is home to a thriving tourism industry.
As a result of the Japanese occupation and subsequent Allied invasion there are several relics from WWII in the town.
