Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Maewo Island. Maewo-Naone Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of MWF:
- Can you legally enter Vanuatu? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Local transport / Taxis, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the VUV. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some VUV in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Maewo Island, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at MWF, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
How to Get Into Maewo Island
From MWF, the Local transport / Taxis gets you to Maewo Island in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local transport / Taxis offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
In Maewo Island
If you make it into town, Local Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Popular Eatery.
Inside MWF
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Cafe is your main option. Terminal Restaurant works too if you want something quick.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Maewo Island, budget roughly $22 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $7 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Maewo Island, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at MWF for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Maewo Island or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Luggage Storage at MWF
Luggage storage options at MWF can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Maewo Island for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Sleep & Lounge Options at MWF
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MWF, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Maewo Island genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.