The massive lagoon is 18 miles wide and could easily fit the City of Paris inside - twice! Paris - 105 square kilometres (41 square miles) Penrhyn lagoon - 233 square kilometres (90 square miles)
Penrhyn airstrip on the top right and Omoka village in the foreground During World War 2, Tongareva (Penrhyn) was of strategic importance. In 1942, 1,000 U.S. servicemen began constructing a 10,000 ft airstrip on the motu (islet) of Moananui. The airstrip was used by the American military until 1946. The island was not directly attacked but was used to transport men and materials
In Rapae, Aitutaki
