Location
The Hawain River is located to the east of Banak and to the west of Boiken and Wewak crossing the west coastal road towards Boiken and Dauga and
beyond. Pronounced "Hawaiian".
Wartime History
During December 1942, the Hawain River was occupied by the Japanese Army. After the Allied landings to the west, retreating
Japanese Army troops followed the Hawain River westward towards Wewak or inland to Maprik,
abandoning their heavy equipment and guns as
they lightened their loads for the inland march. On May 3, 1944 by 1:00pm the Australian Army 19th Infantry Brigade advanced from the Hawain River towards Cape Pus.
Japanese Weapons
Until the 1970s, much
of this abandoned equipment was still present and some guns were recovered by David Pennefather. It is unclear if any still remains
today.
Japanese Burial Areas
Area villages include: Molomogu
Village (along the Molomugo River, an arm of the Hawain), Singang
Village. A large Japanese burial area is reported near the Kuyoko
Creek near Horama and Karawai.
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Last Updated
September 5, 2024
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