Discover Latano

Latano: a Catholic mission station

Latano was a Catholic mission station founded in the late 19th century. In 1898, Catholic missionaries made efforts related to its establishment. The original settlement consisted of about 100 Ni-Vanuatu from different parts of Raga who were returning from Fiji. They had worked there for several years as forced laborers and had adopted the Catholic faith. Both the founding of the mission and the history of the return and settlement are therefore part of Latano’s historical profile.

A field report describes Latano as having the ruins of a large Catholic church, a smaller church, and several school buildings. At the time of the report, a relatively large grammar school was also located on the site of an old Catholic mission and a coconut plantation. The churches and school add a concrete history of education and construction to the picture of this mission site.

Penama Province: volcanic landscapes and waterfalls

The regional view of Penama Province extends beyond Latano and also includes natural and landscape features on Ambae and Maewo. On Ambae, Manaro Voui is an active shield volcano. Its smaller summit caldera contains three lakes; Lake Vui at the summit is known for its emerald-green water. An expedition to Manaro Volcano includes a hike to the summit, with panoramic views across the island and the Pacific Ocean. The focus here is on the caldera, lakes, and summit views.

On Maewo, lush green vegetation and waterfalls shape the landscape. Asanvari Waterfall at the southern tip of the island plunges directly into the sea; you can swim and snorkel there among coral reefs. The Naone Waterfalls can be reached by hiking through lush vegetation. Their crystal-clear pools are suitable for swimming. The natural experiences described are distinct: on Ambae, they include a volcano and a summit hike, while Maewo offers waterfalls, vegetation, and pools for swimming.

Culture and travel seasons in Penama Province

On Pentecost, Penama’s Nagol land diving festival takes place on Saturdays from April to June. During Nagol, local men jump from high wooden towers with vines tied around their ankles. Since the seasonal schedule may vary, check the event dates before your trip. Village experiences on Pentecost also include demonstrations of kastom dances and kava preparation. Sara Village on Pentecost is the birthplace of Walter Lini, the father of Vanuatu’s independence.

Crafts and preparation methods also offer insight into regional traditions: women in Penama make red woven mats from pandanus leaves, and kava is traditionally grated with limestone in Penama. Together with the village experiences, these topics differ in character: seasonal ritual, demonstrations, crafts, and a distinctive preparation method each represent different cultural aspects of the province.

Choose a travel focus for your hotel search

Latano represents the history of the Catholic mission station and its original settlement. Volcanic landscapes on Ambae, waterfalls on Maewo, and cultural themes on Pentecost offer a broader view of Penama Province.

For the broader travel overview: Penama Province.