The island lies 5 km south of Port-Vila, a few hundred metres off the coast of Efate in the entrance of Erakor Lagoon.

Erakor Island was originally inhabited by local Ni-Vanuatu people.

In the 19th century the island became the site of a Presbyterian missionary station.

The foundations of the early church are still visible on the island.

[2] In 1959 the local islanders relocated to Erakor Village, located across the lagoon on Efate.