Panaeati Island
An island with a deep archaeological record and living community partnerships. Panaeati connects the story of changing seas with later Pacific voyaging and cultural exchange.
A history reaching into the Late Pleistocene.
Excavation at Kelebwanagum cave revealed a sequence beginning about 17,300–16,800 calibrated years before present. The research relates periods of use to changing coastlines and sea-level rise; it does not establish uninterrupted occupation of the cave.
ANU and UPNG jointly held an archaeology and cultural heritage field school on Panaeati in 2022. Community knowledge and collaboration are essential parts of understanding and caring for this history.
Planning your visit
Arrange any cultural visit through custodians and local hosts. Do not assume permission to enter caves, burial places or excavation sites.
A locally hosted experience
Ask the appropriate hosts which places and activities they are comfortable sharing. Confirm fees, photography permission, transport and a return plan before setting out. Buy directly from local makers where possible and carry waste away.
Find local guided toursResearch checked 22 October 2026. Photographs remain credited to their original sources. Regional or archival views are identified in their captions.