What's On
Planning a trip to Vanuatu that includes major events or focuses more on adventure - like scuba diving, trekking an active or dormant volcano, or discovering a secret blue hole?
Kaiviti Motel, in Port Vila, is your strategic stopover, connecting you to and from Vanuatu's outer islands such as Tanna, Espiritu Santo, Pentecost, Malekula, and Ambrym.
We are also the perfect spot to base yourself in Port Vila to check out the neighbouring islands, with easy access, namely Erakor, Iririki, Pele, Moso, Nguna, and Lelepa islands.
Arrive, rest, and adventure!
NovemberSt. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Access the following link for more information: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/saint-andrews-day-cultural-festival-a-unique-blend-of-tradition-and-faith
DecemberFamily Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
FebruaryJohn Frum Day - Sulphur Bay, Tanna Island
A unique cultural festival celebrated by followers of the John Frum cargo cult. It features military-style parades with bamboo 'rifles' and traditional dancing. Celebrated annually on 15 February. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
AprilLand Diving Ritual (Naghol) - South Pentecost Island
An ancient, unique ritual where men and boys jump from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. It is the original inspiration for bungee jumping and is tied to the annual yam harvest. A must-see cultural experience. Saturdays (and some Mon/Fri) from April to June annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Easter - Vanuatu
Easter is a significant religious observance and a public holiday period in Vanuatu, offering a long weekend for families to spend together. While not a festival in the traditional sense, expect churches to hold special services. As a public holiday, most businesses and government offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, allowing for a popular weekend of family gatherings, relaxation, and travel (including trips to outer islands).
JuneRom Dance Festival - Ambrym Island
A spectacular and mysterious cultural event on Ambrym Island, featuring men wearing elaborate, unique masks and costumes made of dry leaves. Varies by villiage, often in June or July annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
JulyChildren's Day / Pikinini Day - Vanuatu
A national holiday focused on child welfare, celebrated with parades, sports, and family activities. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Round the Island Relay - Efate Island
This is a premier sporting event held on Efate island, challenging teams to complete a full circuit of the island's perimeter road. Typically late July or Early August. Teams are composed of runners who complete sequential legs around the approximately 130 km (80 miles) circuit of Efate. It attracts both serious local athletes and international fun-runners, serving as a huge community day.Vanuatu Independence Day - Vanuatu
A national public holiday commemorating the nation's independence in 1980. Expect nationwide parades, feasting, and cultural shows. Celebrated annually on 30 July. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
OctoberMt Yasur Volcano Run (Ultra-Trail Running Race) - Tanna Island
This is an extreme and highly unique adventure race held on Tanna Island, often drawing international ultra-runners. Participants run across Tanna's unique terrain, including black sand ash plains, jungle, and traditional village tracks, with the climax being the ascent and descent of the active Mount Yasur volcano. It's a challenging event offering incredible cultural and natural scenery. The 2025 date is confirmed for October 11th, making October 2026 the most likely time for the next race. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61572977085924
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Fest'Napuan (Music Festival) - Port Vila, Efate Island
Fest'Napuan is Vanuatu's biggest and longest-running free music festival, showcasing contemporary, reggae, rock, and traditional Melanesian music. The name is a combination of "festival" and the Tanna word "napuan" (meaning music and dance). It features a mix of top local Ni-Vanuatu artists, regional Pacific acts (from New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand), and occasionally international bands. It is a fantastic celebration of Pacific unity and contemporary culture. Typically a three day event on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in late October or early November.
For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
NovemberSt. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Typically in November. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
DecemberFamily Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
St. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Access the following link for more information: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/saint-andrews-day-cultural-festival-a-unique-blend-of-tradition-and-faith
Family Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
FebruaryJohn Frum Day - Sulphur Bay, Tanna Island
A unique cultural festival celebrated by followers of the John Frum cargo cult. It features military-style parades with bamboo 'rifles' and traditional dancing. Celebrated annually on 15 February. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
AprilLand Diving Ritual (Naghol) - South Pentecost Island
An ancient, unique ritual where men and boys jump from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. It is the original inspiration for bungee jumping and is tied to the annual yam harvest. A must-see cultural experience. Saturdays (and some Mon/Fri) from April to June annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Easter - Vanuatu
Easter is a significant religious observance and a public holiday period in Vanuatu, offering a long weekend for families to spend together. While not a festival in the traditional sense, expect churches to hold special services. As a public holiday, most businesses and government offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, allowing for a popular weekend of family gatherings, relaxation, and travel (including trips to outer islands).
JuneRom Dance Festival - Ambrym Island
A spectacular and mysterious cultural event on Ambrym Island, featuring men wearing elaborate, unique masks and costumes made of dry leaves. Varies by villiage, often in June or July annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
JulyChildren's Day / Pikinini Day - Vanuatu
A national holiday focused on child welfare, celebrated with parades, sports, and family activities. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Round the Island Relay - Efate Island
This is a premier sporting event held on Efate island, challenging teams to complete a full circuit of the island's perimeter road. Typically late July or Early August. Teams are composed of runners who complete sequential legs around the approximately 130 km (80 miles) circuit of Efate. It attracts both serious local athletes and international fun-runners, serving as a huge community day.Vanuatu Independence Day - Vanuatu
A national public holiday commemorating the nation's independence in 1980. Expect nationwide parades, feasting, and cultural shows. Celebrated annually on 30 July. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
OctoberMt Yasur Volcano Run (Ultra-Trail Running Race) - Tanna Island
This is an extreme and highly unique adventure race held on Tanna Island, often drawing international ultra-runners. Participants run across Tanna's unique terrain, including black sand ash plains, jungle, and traditional village tracks, with the climax being the ascent and descent of the active Mount Yasur volcano. It's a challenging event offering incredible cultural and natural scenery. The 2025 date is confirmed for October 11th, making October 2026 the most likely time for the next race. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61572977085924
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Fest'Napuan (Music Festival) - Port Vila, Efate Island
Fest'Napuan is Vanuatu's biggest and longest-running free music festival, showcasing contemporary, reggae, rock, and traditional Melanesian music. The name is a combination of "festival" and the Tanna word "napuan" (meaning music and dance). It features a mix of top local Ni-Vanuatu artists, regional Pacific acts (from New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand), and occasionally international bands. It is a fantastic celebration of Pacific unity and contemporary culture. Typically a three day event on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in late October or early November.
For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
NovemberSt. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Typically in November. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
DecemberFamily Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
John Frum Day - Sulphur Bay, Tanna Island
A unique cultural festival celebrated by followers of the John Frum cargo cult. It features military-style parades with bamboo 'rifles' and traditional dancing. Celebrated annually on 15 February. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Land Diving Ritual (Naghol) - South Pentecost Island
An ancient, unique ritual where men and boys jump from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. It is the original inspiration for bungee jumping and is tied to the annual yam harvest. A must-see cultural experience. Saturdays (and some Mon/Fri) from April to June annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Easter - Vanuatu
Easter is a significant religious observance and a public holiday period in Vanuatu, offering a long weekend for families to spend together. While not a festival in the traditional sense, expect churches to hold special services. As a public holiday, most businesses and government offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, allowing for a popular weekend of family gatherings, relaxation, and travel (including trips to outer islands).JuneRom Dance Festival - Ambrym Island
A spectacular and mysterious cultural event on Ambrym Island, featuring men wearing elaborate, unique masks and costumes made of dry leaves. Varies by villiage, often in June or July annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
JulyChildren's Day / Pikinini Day - Vanuatu
A national holiday focused on child welfare, celebrated with parades, sports, and family activities. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Round the Island Relay - Efate Island
This is a premier sporting event held on Efate island, challenging teams to complete a full circuit of the island's perimeter road. Typically late July or Early August. Teams are composed of runners who complete sequential legs around the approximately 130 km (80 miles) circuit of Efate. It attracts both serious local athletes and international fun-runners, serving as a huge community day.Vanuatu Independence Day - Vanuatu
A national public holiday commemorating the nation's independence in 1980. Expect nationwide parades, feasting, and cultural shows. Celebrated annually on 30 July. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
OctoberMt Yasur Volcano Run (Ultra-Trail Running Race) - Tanna Island
This is an extreme and highly unique adventure race held on Tanna Island, often drawing international ultra-runners. Participants run across Tanna's unique terrain, including black sand ash plains, jungle, and traditional village tracks, with the climax being the ascent and descent of the active Mount Yasur volcano. It's a challenging event offering incredible cultural and natural scenery. The 2025 date is confirmed for October 11th, making October 2026 the most likely time for the next race. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61572977085924
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Fest'Napuan (Music Festival) - Port Vila, Efate Island
Fest'Napuan is Vanuatu's biggest and longest-running free music festival, showcasing contemporary, reggae, rock, and traditional Melanesian music. The name is a combination of "festival" and the Tanna word "napuan" (meaning music and dance). It features a mix of top local Ni-Vanuatu artists, regional Pacific acts (from New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand), and occasionally international bands. It is a fantastic celebration of Pacific unity and contemporary culture. Typically a three day event on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in late October or early November.
For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
NovemberSt. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Typically in November. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
DecemberFamily Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Rom Dance Festival - Ambrym Island
A spectacular and mysterious cultural event on Ambrym Island, featuring men wearing elaborate, unique masks and costumes made of dry leaves. Varies by villiage, often in June or July annually. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Children's Day / Pikinini Day - Vanuatu
A national holiday focused on child welfare, celebrated with parades, sports, and family activities. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Round the Island Relay - Efate Island
This is a premier sporting event held on Efate island, challenging teams to complete a full circuit of the island's perimeter road. Typically late July or Early August. Teams are composed of runners who complete sequential legs around the approximately 130 km (80 miles) circuit of Efate. It attracts both serious local athletes and international fun-runners, serving as a huge community day.Vanuatu Independence Day - Vanuatu
A national public holiday commemorating the nation's independence in 1980. Expect nationwide parades, feasting, and cultural shows. Celebrated annually on 30 July. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
OctoberMt Yasur Volcano Run (Ultra-Trail Running Race) - Tanna Island
This is an extreme and highly unique adventure race held on Tanna Island, often drawing international ultra-runners. Participants run across Tanna's unique terrain, including black sand ash plains, jungle, and traditional village tracks, with the climax being the ascent and descent of the active Mount Yasur volcano. It's a challenging event offering incredible cultural and natural scenery. The 2025 date is confirmed for October 11th, making October 2026 the most likely time for the next race. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61572977085924
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Fest'Napuan (Music Festival) - Port Vila, Efate Island
Fest'Napuan is Vanuatu's biggest and longest-running free music festival, showcasing contemporary, reggae, rock, and traditional Melanesian music. The name is a combination of "festival" and the Tanna word "napuan" (meaning music and dance). It features a mix of top local Ni-Vanuatu artists, regional Pacific acts (from New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand), and occasionally international bands. It is a fantastic celebration of Pacific unity and contemporary culture. Typically a three day event on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in late October or early November.
For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
NovemberSt. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Typically in November. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
DecemberFamily Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Mt Yasur Volcano Run (Ultra-Trail Running Race) - Tanna Island
This is an extreme and highly unique adventure race held on Tanna Island, often drawing international ultra-runners. Participants run across Tanna's unique terrain, including black sand ash plains, jungle, and traditional village tracks, with the climax being the ascent and descent of the active Mount Yasur volcano. It's a challenging event offering incredible cultural and natural scenery. The 2025 date is confirmed for October 11th, making October 2026 the most likely time for the next race. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61572977085924
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Fest'Napuan (Music Festival) - Port Vila, Efate Island
Fest'Napuan is Vanuatu's biggest and longest-running free music festival, showcasing contemporary, reggae, rock, and traditional Melanesian music. The name is a combination of "festival" and the Tanna word "napuan" (meaning music and dance). It features a mix of top local Ni-Vanuatu artists, regional Pacific acts (from New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand), and occasionally international bands. It is a fantastic celebration of Pacific unity and contemporary culture. Typically a three day event on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in late October or early November.
For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
St. Andrew's Day Festival - Rah and Mota Lava Islands
A three-day festival blending Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, feasting, and cultural activities. Typically in November. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
DecemberFamily Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
Family Day - Vanuatu
This holiday provides a mandated, dedicated day for families to spend time together following the major Christmas celebrations, often featuring beach trips and community feasting. For more information, see the Vanuatu Tourism Office Website or contact Vanuatu Travel Information Center.
Website: https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/
Contact Numbers: +678 7730451 / +678 7530185 / +678 22813
