The Jomard Islands are situated within a passage which was used by the Empire of Japan to invade the Coral Sea in order to capture Port Moresby during World War II.

The largest of the islands, Pana Waipona (79 ha; 200 acres), located on a small reef in the middle of Jomard passage.

The smaller island Panarairai (17 ha; 42 acres) located 3.5 km (2.2 mi) east on a larger reef on the eastern edge of Jomard Passage.

The Jomard Islands are in the category "Mixed objects" that combines both criteria of the cultural and natural heritage.

Together with the Conflict Group, Bramble Haven, Samarai and Lunn Island, they form the Milne Bay Seascape (Pacific Jewels of Marine Biodiversity) and the government of Papua New Guinea applied to add this seapark to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.