| Arawe | |
| Nickname: | --> |
| Pushpin Map: | Papua New Guinea |
| Pushpin Label: | Arawe |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Papua New Guinea |
| Coordinates: | -6.16°N 149.015°W |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| Country Admin Divisions Title: | Province |
| Country Admin Divisions: | West New Britain Province |
| Timezone1: | AEST |
| Utc Offset1: | +10 |
Arawe is an island in Papua New Guinea. It is located on the southern coast of New Britain about 100km (100miles) from Cape Gloucester. It is also the name given to the island's surrounding area (also known as Cape Merkus), which consists of around 40 islands.[1]
The region is primarily inhabited by the Arawe people, who maintain trade with other people groups primarily via water. There are also multiple archaeological sites featuring Lapita structures and goods.
A small harbour known as Arawe Harbour provides an anchorage.[2] During World War II, Japanese and Allied forces fought in the Battle of Arawe for control of the region.