Meet the Koiari People: Guardians of Kokoda and our extended family

Who Are the Koiari People?

The Koiari people are an Indigenous tribe native to the areas surrounding the Kokoda Track. For generations, they’ve cultivated a profound relationship with their environment, thriving in the lush yet demanding terrain of Papua New Guinea.

Known for their intimate knowledge of the land, the Koiari people’s connection to nature is evident in their daily lives. Whether it’s sustainable farming or their resourceful use of natural materials, their way of life reflects a deep respect for their surroundings.

The Koiari People’s role in Kokoda history

During World War II, the Koiari people earned global recognition for their heroic efforts in assisting Australian troops. Affectionately referred to as the "fuzzy wuzzy angels," they carried the wounded, delivered supplies, and guided soldiers through the dense jungle, often risking their own lives.

Today, their legacy endures. The Koiari play a vital role in preserving and maintaining the Kokoda Track, ensuring its accessibility for trekkers from all over the world.

Koiari culture and traditions

The Koiari people’s traditions and values are deeply tied to the land and their community.

• Connection to the Land: Their sustainable farming techniques and natural resource management highlight their harmonious relationship with the environment.
• Community and Spirituality: The Koiari’s communal lifestyle fosters a strong sense of togetherness, with spirituality often rooted in nature and their surroundings.
• Storytelling: Oral traditions serve as the cornerstone of their cultural heritage, passing down history, knowledge, and wisdom through generations.

As trekkers walk alongside the Koiari people, they gain insight into these timeless traditions and the values that shape their way of life.

Walking with the Koiari People on the Kokoda Track

One of the most rewarding aspects of trekking the Kokoda Track is the opportunity to walk alongside the Koiari people. As guides and porters, their knowledge of the land enriches the journey, providing trekkers with unique insights into the trail’s history, flora, and fauna.

Cultural exchanges along the way offer an even deeper connection. Whether it’s sharing stories around a campfire or visiting a Koiari village, trekkers leave with a newfound appreciation for the people who call Kokoda home.

Supporting the Koiari community

Pacific Star Adventures is committed to giving back to the Koiari community. By employing Koiari guides and porters, we help create sustainable income opportunities that support their families and villages.

Additionally, we contribute to initiatives that improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure in their communities, ensuring that their way of life is preserved and enhanced for future generations.

What trekkers can learn from the Koiari People

The Koiari people offer invaluable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and gratitude. Their daily lives, lived in harmony with the jungle’s challenges, inspire trekkers to reflect on their own perspectives and priorities.

One trekker shared, “Walking with the Koiari changed the way I see the world. Their strength, kindness, and deep connection to the land reminded me of what truly matters.”

From their spiritual connection to the land to their unshakeable sense of community, the Koiari people leave a lasting impression on all who meet them.

Walk with the Guardians of Kokoda

The Kokoda Track is as much about the people as it is about the journey. Walking with the Koiari people not only enriches the experience but also connects you to a legacy of courage, resilience, and tradition.

When you trek with Pacific Star Adventures, you’re not just exploring the Kokoda Track—you’re walking alongside the guardians of its history and spirit. Let the Koiari people show you the way.