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Imagine standing on a beach where the only footprints in the sand are yours. The places to visit on the Solomon Islands offer that kind of peaceful beauty. This South Pacific paradise is made up of over 900 islands, each one with its own charm. From dense rainforests and clear blue lagoons to war history and rich island culture, there is so much to see and experience here. If you enjoy real adventures and discovering places that still feel raw and wild, the Solomon Islands should be on your travel list.
11 Places To Visit On The Solomon Islands
If you are looking to go beyond the usual tourist spots and want something truly memorable, this list of the best places to visit on the Solomon islands will help you:
1. Honiara
Photo: Jenny Scott / Wikimedia Commons
Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands and the main gateway for travellers arriving in the country. It sits along the coast of Guadalcanal and mixes island life with traces of war history and modern-day culture. You can visit the Solomon Islands National Museum to learn about local traditions and see beautiful handmade items. For history buffs, the American War Memorial offers a quiet view over the ocean and a powerful look back at the battles fought here during World War II.
Location: Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands
Top Attractions: Solomon Islands National Museum, American War Memorial, Central Market
Activities: Historical sightseeing, diving, cultural tours
Best Time To Visit: May – October
2. Marovo Lagoon
Photo: Xplore Dive / Wikimedia Commons
Marovo Lagoon is one of the most beautiful natural places to visit on the Solomon Islands. It is also one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world. The lagoon is surrounded by lush forests, tiny islands, and calm turquoise waters. It is a dream come true for snorkellers, divers, and kayakers. The coral reefs here are vibrant, and the sea life is rich; you might see reef sharks, turtles, and schools of colourful fish. The villages around the lagoon are home to skilled woodcarvers who create beautiful handmade pieces.
Location: Western Province, near New Georgia Island
Activities: Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, village visits
Local Highlight: Traditional woodcarving by local artisans
3. Florida Islands (Nggela Islands)
Photo: Dominik Kiss / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
The Florida Islands, also known as the Nggela Islands, are a short boat ride from Honiara but feel like a hidden paradise. These islands are loved for their crystal-clear waters and colourful marine life. Snorkelling here is easy and rewarding; even near the shore, you can spot coral gardens, clownfish, and sea turtles. But it is not just about the water. There are hiking trails through green hills, quiet beaches with soft sand, and traditional villages where locals still live in simple bamboo huts.
Location: Central Province, northeast of Guadalcanal
Access: 1–2 hours by boat from Honiara
Activities: Snorkelling, hiking, village visits, beach walks
Popular Spots: Tulagi Island, Sandfly Passage, and Halavo Bay
4. Santa Isabel Island
Photo: Jess Loiterton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Santa Isabel Island is one of the longest islands in the Solomon Islands and is covered in thick rainforests, winding rivers, and rugged mountains. It is a perfect place if you enjoy trekking, birdwatching, or just being surrounded by nature. The trails here take you through untouched forests where you can hear nothing but birds and flowing streams. Rare birds like the Sanford’s sea eagle and the Solomon frogmouth can sometimes be seen if you are patient and quiet.
Location: Isabel Province, north-central Solomon Islands
Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, village stays
PopularWildlife: Solomon frogmouth, honeyeaters, and forest kingfishers
5. Munda
Photo: Snapwire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located on the island of New Georgia, Munda is best known for its connection to World War II. The area was once the site of major battles, and today, you can explore wrecked fighter planes, sunken ships, and even ammunition dumps scattered around the jungle and ocean floor. But history is just one part of Munda’s charm. It is also a top spot for diving. The nearby reefs and underwater caves are full of life, schools of fish, rays, and stunning corals.
Location: Western Province, New Georgia Island
Main Attractions: WWII relics, dive sites, Roviana Lagoon
Activities: Diving, fishing, historical tours
6. Kolombangara Island
Photo: Pok Rie / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kolombangara Island is a round, volcanic island with a towering mountain right at its centre. The island is covered in dense rainforest and is a dream spot for anyone who loves trekking and wildlife. The main attraction here is Mount Kolombangara, an extinct volcano with trails that lead through thick jungle, across streams, and all the way up to the rim. The higher you climb, the cooler it gets, and the views from the top are stunning; you can see other islands and the vast ocean stretching in every direction.
Location: Western Province, north of Gizo
Main Feature: Mount Kolombangara (approx. 1,770 meters)
Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, eco-tours
Unique Wildlife: Kolombangara monarch, forest geckos, rare orchids
7. Lata (Vanikoro)
Photo: Lisa from Pexels / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lata is one of the most remote and peaceful places to visit on the Solomon Islands. Located on the island of Vanikoro in the Temotu Province, it feels completely untouched by the fast-paced world. You can spend your days walking along the shoreline, watching the waves roll in, or paddling through the calm waters in a kayak. The island is also home to stories from the past, including the famous shipwreck of French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, whose fleet vanished near Vanikoro in the 1700s.
Location: Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province (eastern Solomon Islands)
Activities: Kayaking, quiet beach walks, historical interest
8. Skull Island
Photo: Mihai Vlasceanu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Skull Island is one of the most unique and culturally significant places in the Solomon Islands. Tucked inside Vonavona Lagoon near Munda, this tiny island holds a piece of the region’s past that few places do. Long ago, it served as a sacred site where the skulls of chiefs and warriors were kept as part of headhunting traditions. Today, you can visit the shrines and see the preserved skulls arranged with respect. The local guides who take you there share powerful stories that help explain the customs and beliefs of earlier times.
Location: Vonavona Lagoon, Western Province, near Munda
Main Highlight: Sacred skull shrines of tribal chiefs and warriors
9. Kennedy Island (Plum Pudding Island)
Photo: Nash Belarus / Wikimedia Commons
Kennedy Island, also known as Plum Pudding Island, holds one of the most remarkable survival stories from World War II. This tiny island is where John F. Kennedy, then a young navy officer, swam to safety with his crew after their patrol boat was sunk in 1943. The story is told in vivid detail by local guides, who make the visit feel alive with history. The island itself is small and surrounded by calm, clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling.
Location: Near Gizo, Western Province
Main Highlight: Site of John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 rescue story
Activities: Snorkelling, swimming, guided historical tours
10. Rennell And Bellona Islands
Photo: Bob Krustev / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Rennell and Bellona are two raised coral atolls that offer one of the most untouched and natural experiences in the Solomon Islands. Rennell is home to Lake Tegano, the largest lake in the South Pacific and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and forest, and the water is calm, clear, and full of birdlife. Bellona, on the other hand, is smaller and more culturally focused, with traditional dances, crafts, and village life.
Location: Southern Solomon Islands, Rennell and Bellona Province
Activities: Canoeing, birdwatching, cultural village experiences
Wildlife: Endemic birds, orchids, and marine species
11. Gizo
Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb / Wikimedia Commons
Gizo is the most accessible town in the Western Province and one of the liveliest places to visit on the Solomon Islands. Gizo is surrounded by clear waters and coral reefs, making it a top spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Dive sites like Grand Central Station are famous for their strong currents and huge schools of fish, while the Toa Maru, a sunken Japanese transport ship from World War II, offers a haunting but beautiful wreck dive. The town itself has a laid-back vibe, with markets, beachside cafés, and friendly locals.
Location: Western Province, Solomon Islands
Popular Dive Sites: Grand Central Station, Toa Maru WWII wreck
Other Attractions: Local markets, nearby island tours, waterfront cafés
The places to visit on the Solomon Islands are unlike any other destination. From the war stories of Kennedy Island to the calm beauty of Marovo Lagoon, every place you visit adds something new to your journey. Some islands invite you to dive deep into the ocean, while others pull you into thick rainforests or quiet villages where the day slows down. Start planning your island-hopping adventure with TripXL.
Cover Photo: jiawei cui / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
