After several brief voyages to other New Guinea ports to transport reinforcements to the Hollandia area, Centaurus sailed for amphibious exercises in the Solomon Islands.

After a brief overhaul at Espiritu Santo, Centaurus sailed to Guadalcanal to embark cargo and vehicles for the assault on the Palau Islands, for which she cleared 8 September.

At Peleliu on 15 September 1944, she began landing her cargo as heavy opposition developed from the Japanese defenses, cleverly concealed.

Taking on board casualties and prisoners of war, she also carried Marines when she cleared on 4 October for the Russell Islands, where all passengers were disembarked.

Centaurus returned to the Pacific by way of Guam, and after rehearsal landings in the Solomons, joined the Northern Attack Force for the invasion of Okinawa, with which she sailed from Ulithi 27 March 1945.