Yandina Airport

Yandina Airport sits on Banika Island in the Russell Islands, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Guadalcanal. Originally built as Renard Field by the 33rd Naval Construction Battalion in 1943, the airstrip played a strategic role in the Allied campaign through the Solomon Islands. Today, it is largely abandoned but occasionally used for charter flights and by local communities for emergency landings. The airport's history and remote setting make it an unusual destination for those interested in WWII relics and island travel. The runway, once capable of handling bombers, now lies quiet under a canopy of tropical growth, with only faint traces of its wartime past visible.

Getting There

Yandina Airport has no scheduled commercial flights. Access is by charter aircraft or boat from Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal. By air, a small plane chartered through operators like Solomon Airlines takes roughly 15 minutes from Honiara International Airport. By sea, the trip is more common: a local motorboat or cargo vessel from Honiara's Point Cruz wharf covers the 40 kilometers in one to two hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. Boats depart irregularly, usually early morning or late afternoon. Visitors should arrange transport in advance through Honiara-based travel agents or tour operators specializing in WWII history. There is no public ferry. The landing site on Banika is a simple beach, not a dedicated dock; expect to wade ashore on arrival.

Inside the Terminal

There is no terminal building in any conventional sense. What remains is a small concrete shelter that once served as a control tower and a basic pit toilet—the only confirmed facility. The shelter is open to the elements, with graffiti and rusted fittings. The runway is overgrown with grass and shrubs; aircraft land on a strip cleared by local effort. Passengers arriving or departing should plan for a completely self-sufficient experience. No food, water, or electricity is available. The atmosphere is that of an abandoned military outpost, overrun by vegetation and quiet but for birds and the distant surf. Prepare for sun exposure, insects, and the need to carry all supplies. The toilet is rudimentary and may not be clean.

Yandina Airport and the Region

The Russell Islands, of which Banika is a part, hold a significant place in Pacific WWII history. After the capture of Guadalcanal in early 1943, Allied forces moved to secure the Russells as a staging area for the push toward Bougainville and Rabaul. The Seabees of the 33rd Naval Construction Battalion built Renard Field in just weeks, completing two runways—North and South—on Banika. The South field, now Yandina Airport, was the primary bomber strip. Today, the island is a quiet community of some 2,000 people, most living in villages along the coast. The interior is dense jungle, with remnants of war—abandoned vehicles, ammunition crates, and the foundations of barracks. Visitors come primarily for history, diving, and fishing. The surrounding waters are pristine, with coral reefs and wrecks to explore. Local culture remains traditional; visitors should respect protocols by asking permission to enter villages. Yandina Airport, though dormant, connects this remote region to the outside world in an emergency. Its value lies not in daily flights but in the stories embedded in its concrete and the role it played in shaping the Solomon Islands' modern history. For travelers willing to make the effort, the airport offers a window into a defining chapter of the Pacific War.

Practical Information

Yandina Airport does not operate daily; it is unstaffed and essentially inactive except for occasional charters. There is no official website or phone number. The nearest administrative center is the provincial capital of Tulagi on Nggela Sule, but for practical purposes, all arrangements must be made from Honiara. Safety note: the runway is not maintained and may be unsuitable for landing after heavy rain. Travelers planning to fly should confirm with the pilot that the strip is usable. For boat transport, expect to pay around 300–500 Solomon Islands dollars per hour for a local boat (negotiable). Bring cash, as there are no ATMs on Banika. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October. Concrete advice: book your transport and accommodation in advance through a Honiara-based tour operator specializing in WWII heritage tours—last-minute arrangements are unreliable, and there is no backup if a flight or boat fails to show.