Solomon Islands: Nature, Culture and Unique Experiences

Nature and World Heritage in East Rennell

In East Rennell, distinctive natural features meet a remarkable World Heritage story. The area includes brackish Lake Tegano, with its rugged limestone islands and many endemic species, including an endemic sea snake. At 15,000 ha, it is the largest lake in the insular Pacific. The history of its inscription is also remarkable: East Rennell was the first natural site to be added to the World Heritage List under customary ownership and customary management. Both the natural environment and the form of management are among the distinctive features of this place.

Hikes and the Underwater World

On Kolombangara, a two-day trek leads from the coastal plains over steep slopes to the crater rim of the 1,770-metre-high, cone-shaped volcano. Overnight stays are in a camp in the rainforest. Plan this multi-day tour as a separate part of your trip and check the arrangements locally.

Diving in the Solomon Islands offers the chance to explore shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks and submarines. For travellers interested in maritime relics, this opens up a different perspective on the islands: the underwater experience includes various types of vehicles, rather than being limited to just one kind.

A shorter guided hike leads from Paraninju Inland Mountain Lodge to a waterfall. A local guide accompanies you; depending on your fitness, the walk takes around 30 to 45 minutes each way. Allow time for the return journey and check local conditions in advance.

Art, Music and History

Modern paintings at the National Art Gallery in Honiara offer a specific point of interest for art lovers; check current access arrangements before visiting. Traditional music in the Solomon Islands includes group and solo vocals, as well as ensembles with slit drums and panpipes. Voices and instruments together shape the country’s musical traditions.

Local guides offer tours to the World War II museum and to significant sites such as the American memorial at Skyline Ridge and the Japanese Solomons Peace memorial. Tour offerings may change, so check current providers before your trip.

A day trip covers historical sites on Tulagi and four sites off the island, including Tanambogo and Gavutu. The sites on Tulagi and the other stops form different parts of the excursion; check current availability and departure arrangements in advance.

Encounters and Trip Planning

At Hotomai Cultural Village in Central Guadalcanal, visitors can take part in traditional weaving, cooking and gardening. There are also performances of traditional songs and dances. The experience combines hands-on activities with performances, offering several different ways to engage with the culture.

On the cocoa tour, you can taste ripe cocoa pods on the tree and observe the cocoa harvest. Confirm directly with the provider that the tour is currently running.

Honiara International Airport on Guadalcanal is the Solomon Islands’ main arrival point. Solomon Airlines serves 20 domestic destinations. Check current destinations and flight schedules when planning, as the route network may change.

There are different trip formats to consider when planning your time: the two-day trek on Kolombangara, the day trip to historical sites on and off Tulagi, and the waterfall walk, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes each way. This lets you compare nature and history experiences by the time they require before putting together your activities.

Discover more destinations: Honiara, Gizo, Isabel, Western Province, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, American Samoa.

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