Information about the Western Province

Welcome to the Western Province (Gizo) – The Heart of the Solomon Islands!

Comprising 11 stunning islands including New Georgia, Vella Lavella, Kolombangara, Rendova, Ranongga, Vangunu, and the Shortlands, the Western Province is the ultimate destination for those seeking adventure, nature, and unforgettable experiences. Known as the mecca of Solomon Islands tourism, this province offers breathtaking aerial views of verdant islands surrounded by shimmering azure lagoons. It’s a place where underwater beauty meets thrilling history.

The crystal-clear waters, perfect for diving, are teeming with marine life and colorful corals. Explore WWII wrecks, such as the Toa Maru in Kololuka Bay and the Grand Central Station near Gizo, dive into the rare beauty of the Kavachi underwater volcano, or take a boat ride to Kennedy Island, where U.S. President John F. Kennedy was marooned during WWII. Not to mention, the massive Marovo Lagoon, a proposed World Heritage site, provides a tranquil setting perfect for fishing and eco-lodges.

Eco-lodges dot the lagoons of Marovo and Vonavona, once home to the feared headhunters of the region. Skull shrines can still be found, offering a glimpse into the province's rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the captivating natural wonders, fishing in serene waters, or discovering the history of the Solomon Islands, Gizo and its surrounding islands are a haven for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Things to Do in the Western Province

Skull Island Day Trip (from Munda) 

Location: Skull Island (locally known as Nusa Kunda), near Munda, New Georgia, Solomon Islands.
Access: 30-minute boat ride from Munda; must be accompanied by a local chief.

History of Skull Island

The island’s original inhabitants were traders and headhunters who displayed skulls on poles in front of their homes. Instead of traditional burials, bodies were left upright until only bones remained, after which the skull was removed. Chiefs held special status, with their skulls given places of honor for worship. In the early 20th century, missionaries ordered the relocation of all skulls to what is now Skull Island, where they remain preserved in shrines.

Important Notes:

• Visiting requires a chief to perform a ritual before entry.

• Tours are arranged from Munda, Agnes Lodge definitely organises tours them but other hotels should do too.

Agnes Lodge

Location: T: (677) 62133
Email: mundamagic@agneslodge.com.sb
Website: www.agneslodge.com.sb

Agnes Lodge is located just a 3-minute stroll from Munda Airport on the waterfront. The lodge features 30 cottages and rooms with fans and private facilities. On-site facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and laundry service. A dive center is adjacent to the lodge, and tours are available, including to Skull Island. Credit cards are accepted.

Diving

The Solomon Islands' reputation as a premier diving destination is well-deserved. With an abundance of dive sites suited to all levels of experience, this is a diver’s paradise. Even if you’ve never dived before, the warm, crystal-clear waters offer the perfect environment to learn. Dive alongside WWII wrecks, explore shallow and deep coral gardens, and encounter vibrant fish species, sharks, turtles, mantas, and friendly hammerhead sharks.

Dive Gizo & Adventure Sports Gizo

Location: PO Box 2, Gizo, Western Province
Phone: (677) 60253
Email: divegizo@solomon.com.sb
Website: www.divegizo.com

Solomon Water Sports

Location: PO Box 144, Gizo, Western Province
Phone: (677) 60646
Email: relax@sanbisresort.com
Website: www.solomonwatersports.com

Uepi Island Resort

Phone: (61 3) 9787 7904
Email: info@uepi.com
Website: www.uepi.com

Liveaboard Diving

Explore the Solomon Islands' rich underwater world aboard one of the liveaboard boats based in Honiara. During your trip, you’ll dive in world-renowned sites and discover hidden treasures, both natural and cultural. Expect to visit villages where you’ll meet the friendly locals, buy handmade souvenirs, and try your hand at fishing for kingfish, tuna, or wahoo.

Bilikiki Cruises

Canada Office: PO Box 656, Iroquois Falls, Ontario, Canada
Phone: (1) 416 800 1676 / Toll-Free in North America (USA/Canada): 1800 663 5363
Email: bilikiki@bilikiki.com
Honiara Office: PO Box 876, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Phone: (677) 20412
Email: bilikiki@bilikiki.com.sb
Website: www.bilikiki.com

Sport Fishing

The Western Province offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. Cast your line along sheer drop-offs for Spanish mackerel, wahoo, and dogtooth tuna, or fish for giant trevally and red bass in the surf. For serious anglers, try your hand at catching Pacific sailfish, blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna. In the jungle rivers, fish for mangrove jack, estuary cod, and other unique species.

Mavo Lodge

Location: Ramata Island, North New Georgia
Email: mavocolodge@hotmail.com

Zipolo Habu Resort

Location: PO Box 165, Munda, Vona Vona Lagoon
Phone: (677) 61178
Email: zipolo@solomon.com.sb
Website: www.zipolohabu.com.sb

Uepi Island Resort

Phone: (61 3) 9787 7904
Email: info@uepi.com
Website: www.uepi.com

Treks and Adventure

Kolombangara Island, just 50 minutes by boat from Gizo, offers a variety of hiking trails through lush volcanic forests teeming with birdlife. You can arrange guides and stay overnight in local village lodges for an immersive adventure.

Kolombangara Island Biodiversity Conservation Association (KIBCA)

Location: Ringgi Cove, Kolombangara Island
Phone: (677) 60987 or (677) 740 1198
Email: coordinator@kibca.org
Website: www.kibca.org

Kayaking

Kayaking in the Western Province is an unforgettable experience. Glide across turquoise waters, passing coral reefs and marine life beneath you. Whether you're seeking a peaceful paddle or an active adventure, kayaking here gives you a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the Solomon Islands.

Kayak Solomons

Location: Marovo Lagoon, Western Province
**C/O PO Box 149, Mount Eliza, Vic 3930, Australia
Phone: (613) 9787 7904
Email: info@uepi.com
Website: www.uepi.com

Surfing

The Solomon Islands is a hidden surfing paradise, with uncrowded waves in a pristine setting. Be among the first to surf uncharted breaks in one of the world’s last surfing frontiers. The best surf conditions occur from November to April when the North Pacific awakens.

Surf Solomons

Location: PO Box 1854, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Phone: (677) 22086
Email: info@surfsolomons.com
Website: www.surfsolomons.com

Oravae Cottage

Location: Sepo Island, Gizo, Solomon Islands
Phone: (677) 7400774, 7690026, 7102288
Email: nb.oravae@gmail.com

Sanbis Resort

Location: Mbabanga Island, Gizo
Phone: (677) 74 43109
Email: relax@sanbisresort.com
Website: www.sanbisresort.com

Zipolo Habu Resort

Location: Lola Island, Vonavona Lagoon, PO Box 165, Munda, Western Province
Phone: (677) 62178
Email: zipolo@solomon.com.sb
Website: www.zipolohabu.com.sb

World War II Tours

The Western Province is rich in WWII history, with numerous battlefield sites and wrecks scattered throughout the area. Explore the wreck of PT109 off Kennedy Island, where U.S. President John F. Kennedy was marooned. Discover ship and aircraft wrecks above and below the water as you trace the footsteps of history.

Dive Gizo & Adventure Sports

Phone: (677) 60253
Email: divegizo@solomon.com.sb
Website: www.divegizo.com

Go West Tours 

Based at: Agnes Lodge
Phone: (677) 62133 or 62190
Email: mundamagic@solomon.com.sb
Website: www.agneslodge.com.sb

Birdwatching

The Western Province is a birdwatcher’s dream, with an abundance of unique species. Explore the bird-rich areas of Vella Lavella, Ranongga, Kolombangara, and Tetepare Island, or take guided birdwatching tours around Marovo Lagoon and Gatakae.

Kolombangara Island Biodiversity Conservation Association (KIBCA)

Location: Ringgi Cove, Kolombangara Island
Phone: (677) 60987
Email: coordinator@kibca.org
Website: www.kibca.org

Dive Gizo & Adventure Sports 

Phone: (677) 60253
Email: divegizo@solomon.com.sb
Website: www.divegizo.com

Tetepare Eco-Lodge 

Location: Tetepare Island, Roviana Lagoon
Phone: (677) 62163
Email: teteparebookings@gmail.com

Hiking in Nggatokae Island

Climb Mt Mariu (2,900ft peak of Gatokae Island)

The Ultimate Trek to Mariu Summit

Mt Mariu is a 3-day and 2-night trek, accessible from Seghe, through gardens and rainforests before climbing 2,400 feet to see spectacular views over the gorgeous Marovo Lagoon. Walking through the mossy cloud forest can be both eerie and sublime. This is a strenuous walk that requires a high level of fitness and is best avoided from mid-June through to mid-October due to weather. You can fly to Seghe with Solomon Airlines. 

Trek Overview

• • • Duration: 2 ½ days / 2 nights

    • Difficulty: Strenuous – high fitness level required

    • Climate: Hot and humid in the lowlands, cooler at higher elevations

Day 1: Into the Heart of the Rainforest

You'll generally start after lunch, although this hike isn't well known so you can decide this with your guide. You set off to start on a three-hour hike through subsistence gardens and the dense lowland rainforest. The first night is spent camping in the pristine Kavolavata River Valley, where the sounds of nature will lull you to sleep. This serene riverside campsite is the perfect place to rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.

Day 2: The Big Climb

Rising early, you’ll start your challenging 2,400-foot ascent through the ever-changing forest. As you climb, the air cools, and by midday, you’ll reach a ridge offering spectacular views of Marovo Lagoon—a perfect spot for lunch and a well-earned break. The final push to the summit involves some scrambling through cloud forest, but the effort is worth it. Arriving at the peak just in time for sunset, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mt. Vangunu caldera and the surrounding islands.

The Cloud Forest Phenomenon

Thanks to the oceanic location of the peak, mossy montane or 'cloud' forest forms usually at a low altitude, enveloping the summit in mist and moisture, although the summit can be cloudy sometimes too. 

Day 3: A Stunning Descent

After a cool and misty night on the summit, wake up early to catch the clearest morning views before beginning your descent. The return hike is long but rewarding, offering panoramic glimpses of Peava, Borokua, and the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean.

What to Expect

• • • Physical Challenge: Be prepared for a strenuous hike, especially during the last few hours of ascent where scrambling is required.

    • Weather Conditions:

      • Lowlands: Hot and humid with slippery trails.

      • Summit: Can range from warm (25°C) and dry to cold (10°C) and damp when clouds roll in.

    • Best Time to Go: Avoid the mid-June to mid-October southeast tradewind season unless you want a full-on wet and cold cloud forest adventure!

If you’re up for the challenge, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the thrill of conquering one of the Solomon Islands’ most spectacular peaks.

Kavolavata River Valley Hike

Explore an untouched tropical rainforest in the remote interior of Gatokae Island. This scenic trek follows a pristine river valley and takes approximately three hours each way on mostly level terrain, with some muddy and slippery sections. A moderate level of fitness is required.

Trip Options:

• 1. 1. Day Trip (Morning): Start early and return for a late lunch at Wilderness.

     2. Day Trip (Afternoon - Recommended): Leave after an early lunch and return just before dark.

     3. Full-Day Adventure: Bring a picnic and take your time exploring.

     4. Overnight Camping: Camp beside the jungle river for a true wilderness experience.

Wild, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful—this hike is perfect for nature lovers looking to experience Gatokae Island’s untouched landscapes.