Lat 6° 49' 60S Long 155° 43' 60E  Located inland from Kangu on the southern coast. Kara is nearby.

Note: during the war, Japanese refered to the southern coast of Bougainville spanning Kahili , Kahili Airfield (Buin Airfield) and Kangu as 'Buin'.

Wartime History
Buin was a large Japanese Army base, with extensive fortifications in the area. The area was heavily attacked by Allied aircraft from the air, and remained under Japanese control until the surrender of Japan, and surrender of the Japanese on Bougainville in September 1945.

American Missions Against Buin
October 16, 1942 - July 22, 1943

Today
The present day town of Buin was relocated further inland from Kangu after the war. Badly ravaged by the effects of the 1990's 'Bougainville Crisis' that began in this area when rebels attacked PNGDF soldiers, and began the decade long crisis. The town has only a limited number of vehicles, petrol and electricity is shut off at night. With all airports closed on Bougainville, its only connection is by road along the eastern coast of Bougiainville as far north as Bonis or by boat from Kangu on the coast.

Tank Corner Memorial
km from the village of Konga (near Tonu). The memorial comprises a Matilda Tank and two 25 pounder cannons on either side.

Nisshin
Sunk July 22, 1943 by air attack 60 miles east of Buin

Hatsuyuki No. 14
Sunk July 17, 1943 off Buin shipwreck discovered and heavily salvaged

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
February 20, 2009