Pavuvu

Pavuvu is the largest of the Russell Islands^[1] in Central Province, Solomon Islands. It is located northwest of Guadalcanal. The area is 129.19 square kilometres (49.88 sq mi). The largest village is Nukufero on the north coast.

Pavuvu Island

Satellite image of Pavuvu Island
Map of Russell Islands showing Pavuvu Island to the left
Pavuvu Island Location in the Solomon Islands
Geography
Location	South Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	009°04′01.2″S 159°07′04.8″E
Archipelago	Russell Islands
Administration
Solomon Islands
Province	Central Province
Largest village	Nukufero

The island had served as a coconut plantation for natives. In 1942, following the beginning of the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy swept over the Solomon Islands, leading to the natives abandoning the island. After the United States captured Guadalcanal, they were able to use the airfield to bomb out the Japanese garrisons on nearby islands.^{[citation needed]} Pavuvu was one of them. This island served as temporary home to the U.S. 1st Marine Division, starting in May 1944 after their action on Cape Gloucester, and again after their action on Peleliu. After the war, the natives returned to the island and resumed the coconut plantation.^[2]