Descend into the vast network of hand-dug Japanese wartime tunnels that honeycomb the Rabaul hills, then visit the Kokopo War Museum's haunting collection of Pacific theatre artefacts. This is one of the great WWII sites of the entire Pacific — raw, authentic, and almost entirely unknown to the wider world.
What to expect
You enter tunnel complexes large enough to shelter aircraft, submarines and thousands of troops, torchlight revealing rusting machinery, ammunition caches and Japanese signage still intact. Your guide weaves personal family stories into the military history, bringing the 1942–45 occupation viscerally to life. The Kokopo War Museum follows, with Japanese midget submarines, aircraft wrecks and Allied memorabilia in an open-air setting of quiet dignity. The Rabaul War Cemetery, immaculately kept, provides a contemplative close.
Good to know
The War Tour runs 4–6 hours; book Bismarck Tours via the Facebook contact link or phone ahead. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a torch (flashlight) if possible. The museum is in Kokopo, approximately 30 minutes from Rabaul port — plan your all-aboard buffer accordingly.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Rabaul — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Rabaul
- Mount Tavurvur Active Volcano: Private Guided Descent to the Crater Base
- Simpson Harbour Wreck Diving: WWII Sunken Fleet of Rabaul
- Rabaul Cultural Village & Traditional Tolai Ceremony: Private Immersion
- Rabaul Scenic Highlights: Private Half-Day by Air-Conditioned Minibus
- Swimming with Wild Dolphins in the Bismarck Sea: Private Boat Charter