Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands, with an area of 290.5 km2 (112.2 sq mi).

Allied forces landed on Kiriwina and Woodlark Island on June 30, 1943 during Operation Chronicle in World War II.

Following the landing U.S. Army Engineers supervised construction of Kiriwina Airfield, including a 2,000 metre (6,000 ft) coral-surfaced runway.

[2] "In September 1943, at the request of the 6th Army, 12 officers and 306 men of the 60th Naval Construction Battalion were sent to Kiriwina to assist in the airfield development.

The first taxiway was completed on October 12, two days ahead of schedule, in time to support a major air raid against Rabaul.