Manaro

volcanic mountain, Aoba, Vanuatu

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July 17, 2026

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Aoba is a volcanic island in Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean. The island is primarily characterized by Manaro, a volcanic peak standing at 4,907 feet (1,496 meters). This peak features a caldera containing three lakes. Manaro was dormant for many years but became active in 1991, with gas discharges and earthquakes indicating potential eruptions. Subsequent eruptions in 1995 and 2005 led to evacuations and the establishment of a seismological station to monitor the volcano's activity. Aoba's landscape is notable for inspiring James Michener's fictional depiction of Bali Ha'i. The island's economy relies on the export of copra.1

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Aoba
…the island is dominated by Manaro, a 4,907-foot (1,496-metre) volcanic peak with three lakes in its caldera. Aoba’s landscape inspired James Michener (who served as a naval historian in Vanuatu during World War II) in his description of the fictional Bali Ha’i in Tales of the South Pacific (1947). Manaro…
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…the island is dominated by Manaro, a 4,907-foot (1,496-metre) volcanic peak with three lakes in its caldera. Aoba’s landscape inspired James Michener (who served as a naval historian in Vanuatu during World War II) in his description of the fictional Bali Ha’i in Tales of the South Pacific (1947). Manaro…
Read More