where some of smaller islands are also located, such as the best known Iririki island.
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| Page: Efate Island - Home to Port Vila and Bauerfield International Airport |
Experience traditional Melanesian hospitality on Vanuatu's main island
Efate island is beautiful, tropical, laid back paradise, covered in lush vegetation and palm trees that line the white sandy beaches. If you wander outside of Port Vila and take Round the island tour, you will discover quaint little villages that will welcome you with a tea or coffee and a snack, where you can experience the traditional Melanesian hospitality. Along the way you will discover many hidden coves and pristine white sand beaches, unspoiled by mass tourism. On the northern part of the island you will even enjoy the sights of small offshore islands next to Efate. All part of your tour around the island.
For travel on Efate island outside of Port Vila, 4x4 vehicles are almost required. Coastal roads are easier to navigate and can be accessed with bicycles and motorcycles; however, the inland portions require the use of an off road vehicle much of the year.
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| The town of Port Vila is scattered on the hills around Port Vila harbour, where some of smaller islands are also located, such as the best known Iririki island. |
Efate island is the administrative centre of Vanuatu and home of Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital. It's also home to Vanuatu's only international airport, Bauerfield International Airport, located just outside of Port Vila. Efate island is part of Shefa Province, one of six Vanuatu provinces, established in 1994.
The first humans to settle in Efate were the Lapita people, who probably arrived from Papua New Guinea via Solomon Islands by sea-going canoes, possibly 3,500 years ago. The name Efate seems to mean ‘a place where we will settle’.
Captain James Cook was the first European to visit this island, which he promptly named Sandwich Island, after the patron of his voyage – Lord Sandwich (who “invented” the sandwich, as we know it). But fortunately the indigenous name of Efate Island eventually prevailed.
The majority of 50,000 people living on Efate island reside in Vila. Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, gateway for visitors (via its Bauerfield International Airport) and an important business and commercial centre for Vanuatu and South Pacific.
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Efate island is dotted with beaches, resorts, places of historical, cultural and artistic interest and significance. The Vanuatu Cultural Centre contains one of the most extensive artifacts collections in the South Pacific. The Museum and Art Gallery provide a good introduction to Vanuatu’s geology.
There's plenty to see and do on Efate island and in Port Vila. From lively Port Vila markets, duty free shops and harbour restaurants, to great sightseeing spots, day and night tours, and round the island day tours.
Situated 5 kms from Port Vila, Bauerfield International Airport is Vanuatu's main international gateway. It's home to Vanuatu's international airline, Air Vanuatu and its domestic carrier, Vanair - ideal for island hopping. Bauerfield international airport was originally built by the Americans during WWII, when they were stationed on Efate island.
The airport is named after Bauerfield, an American WWII pilot. After flying from French Caledonia to Vanuatu, Bauerfield heard of Battle of Guadalcanal and flew straight to Solomons Island without refuelling. He joined the battle with Japanese and shot down 6 Japanese planes. Some weeks later he was reported lost at sea. The airport was named in his honour.
Bauerfield airport serves Air Pacific (Fiji's international airline), Air Calin (New Caledonia's international airline), Pacific Blue (New Zealand subsidiary of Australian Virgin Blue airline), QANTAS (Australia's international airline) and Air New Zealand.
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| Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport building is seen here from an
arriving airplane, taxing down the runway. |
Efate island is also the home of The University of the South Pacific (USP) Emalus Campus. The University has 14 campuses throughout the South Pacific, situated in 12 Pacific Islands countries. The Efate island University campus includes Law school.
The USP is a public university doing teaching and research on Pacific culture and environment. Its academic programmes are recognized worldwide.
