Maewo, paradise found

Maewo is a rugged, long and narrow island with many swift flowing creeks and rivers. It's a good place for bush walking and Asanvari Bay in the south is one of Vanuatu's most beautiful locations. There aren't any tourists visiting Maewo today, only cruising yachts from May to October each year. For other visitors accommodation is available at a few guesthouses and bungalows.

Most of Maewo's population lives on the narrow coastal strip along the west coast. Their main source of income is copra and sometimes they sell some kava and/or taro.

Touring Maewo might seem expensive if you look at the airfares and island transport costs below. However, it can be done fairly cheaply if you're already in north Vanuatu (eg from Pentecost, Santo or Ambae). To save the expense and hassle of backtracking, start at Laone airfield (north Maewo) and finish at Sara airfield (on north Pentecost) or travel in the reverse direction.

Bungalows
Maewo has only a few commercial guesthouses and perhaps only Asanvari Yacht Club is tourist oriented. Visitor accommodation is available at:

Asanvari Yacht Club, Asanvari
Betarara Community Guesthouse, Betarara
Lua ete Salgolo Guesthouse, Kaiwo
Pelsa Bungalow, Narovorovo

Air Transport
Maewo has one airstrip, on the plateau above Naone village. There is only one flight a week, from Santo (March 2007). In May 2006 a return airfare to Maewo was 35233 Vatu from Port Vila (via Santo) or 15725 Vatu from Santo. Tourists holding a return international Air Vanuatu ticket are entitled to a 20% discount on domestic fares. Exchange Rates.

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. See our Pentecost page for more information.

Sea Transport
Few ships visit Maewo. In February 2005 only the M/V Makila was servicing Maewo on its Santo-Vila runs and the timing of this ship is most unreliable. M/V Keidei often passes Maewo on its way to the Banks Islands.

The truck road on Maewo ends at Nasawa and the footpath soon meets a wildly rugged stretch of coastline extending towards Asanvari which can be passed only by sea. Speedboats are common transport in the south with boats at Narovorovo and Asanvari. Some fares are presented below. Asanvari's boat is expensive. At Narovorovo, Basil's boat is cheaper. Exchange Rates.

West Maewo is sheltered from the prevailing southeast winds so the seas are usually calm except when there's a north wind blowing.

Land Transport
Maewo has only a few trucks and no regular public transport. If you want to travel by truck expect to pay a full charter. Some truck fares are presented below. Exchange Rates.

The roads along west Maewo follow the flat coastal plains and the distances are not great so walking is a cost-saving alternative to trucks. See our Walking Maewo page.

Last updated: May 2005 by Stephen.