One of the most culturally intact destinations in the South Pacific — the Trobriand Islands offer an extraordinary window into a matrilineal society that has shaped its own cricket, its own exchange economy, and some of the finest woodcarving in the world.
There is no pier — your ship anchors in the Solomon Sea and runs tenders to one of two landing spots on Kiriwina Island.
💡 Pro move: Tender operations can be affected by swell and weather. Check conditions with crew if uncertain.
All cruise ships tender at the Trobriand Islands — there is no deep-water pier capable of berthing a cruise vessel.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises Australia | Kaibola Beach, Kiriwina Island📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition/small ship lines | Losuia jetty or Kaibola Beach📍 | Tendered |
| Other cruise lines | Kaibola Beach, Kiriwina Island📍 | Tendered |
This is an expedition-style port — excursions are cultural rather than commercial, and organized ship tours are the best way to reach inland villages and landmarks.
This is unlike any cricket you've seen. Introduced by missionaries to replace inter-tribal warfare, the Trobriand version features unlimited players, synchronized chanting, war dances between overs, and grass-skirt costumes. One of the most unique cultural spectacles in the Pacific — book through your ship as soon as possible.
Find Trobriand cricket tours →Walk through traditional villages like Kavataria near Losuia or Omarakana, home of the paramount chief. The elaborately decorated yam houses (idum) are the cultural centrepiece — yams represent wealth, status, and power in Trobriand society.
Find village tour excursions →A sacred limestone cave containing ancestral skeletal remains — a rare and sobering window into Trobriand traditions of honouring the dead. Access requires a local guide and a small entrance fee; usually offered as a ship excursion.
Find cave & history tours →Stunning white sand beach on the north tip of Kiriwina with calm turquoise water and healthy coral just offshore. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling — bring your own gear from the ship.
Find beach day options →Coral health around the Trobriand Islands is exceptional — the reefs are largely unspoiled. Snorkeling directly from Kaibola Beach is possible in calm conditions; guided reef trips go to richer spots offshore.
Find snorkeling tours →Experience traditional Trobriand transport in a hand-carved dugout canoe along the coastline or through calm lagoon waters. A peaceful, human-scale way to appreciate the island's beauty.
Find canoe experience tours →The area immediately around the tender landing is walkable and rewarding — villages, craft markets, and yam houses are all within easy reach on foot.
From the beach landing, follow the sandy path south through coconut palms into Kavataria village. Look for decorated yam houses and the local craft market stalls set up for cruise visitors.
📍 Open in MapsIf your tender lands at Losuia, the small government station, hospital, and a local market are all within a short walk. A flat grassy area near the jetty hosts welcome ceremonies and craft sellers on cruise days.
📍 Open in MapsUpcoming cruises that call at Trobriand Islands (Kiriwina), Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.