New Georgia is one of the larger islands of the western Solomon Islands. About 45 miles long, it forms part of the southern boundary of the New Georgia Sound; Kolombangara lies across the Kula Gulf to the west, Vangunu is to the east, and Rendova to the south, across the Blanche Channel .

The island is rugged and heavily forested.

In World War II, the US' New Georgia Campaign opened with landings on New Georgia and nearby islands, 30 June 1943; New Georgia was secured by American forces on 23 August, after weeks of difficult jungle operations, although fighting continued on nearby islands until October.

Munda, the Japanese base on New Georgia Island was the main objective of the assault on the island. This base was not taken until August 5, 1943. The Japanese facilities at Bairoko Harbor , 8 miles north of Munda, were not taken until August 25th.