Based upon pottery fragments discovered in archeological excavations researchers have determined that the inhabitants of this island commonly engaged in trade with the inhabitants of
Buka Island. During
World War II, in the
Battle of the Green Islands, US and New Zealand troops recaptured several islands from heavily outnumbered Imperial Japanese forces. Following a daring reconnaissance mission on 31 January 1944 by New Zealand soldiers and Allied specialists, the New Zealand
3rd Division landed on Nissan Island on 15 February 1944. as part of the
Solomon Islands campaign to isolate the Japanese stronghold at
Rabaul. Shortly after the landings
two airfields were constructed on the island.
Richard Nixon was a supply officer on the base. There was also a
PT boat base on another island nearby. There were approximately
allied troops on the island at that time. Much of the indigenous population was removed to
Guadalcanal for about seven to nine months. After that time the front line had moved closer to
Japan and the island was no longer needed in the war effort. ==Climate==