Samarai Island

Samarai Island is a small island, approximately 54 acres (22 hectares), located off the southeastern coast of New Guinea in Papua New Guinea. It was named Dinner Island by Captain John Moresby in 1873 and later became a settlement for the London Missionary Society before being transferred to British administration in 1888.1

Before World War II, Samarai was a key port and mission station, serving as a departure point for miners heading to the goldfields. The town was rebuilt after being destroyed by evacuating islanders in 1942 to prevent its use by the Japanese. Today, Samarai is a commercial center, exporting products like copra, rubber, cocoa, and coffee. The island is situated in the China Strait, near Milne Bay, which was a significant location during World War II.12