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Temotu Province, Solomon Islands - Things to Do in Temotu Province

Things to Do in Temotu Province

Temotu Province, Solomon Islands - Complete Travel Guide

Temotu Province is the easternmost and most remote province of the Solomon Islands, comprising scattered volcanic islands and coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The province includes the Santa Cruz Islands, Reef Islands, Duff Islands, and the tiny Polynesian outliers of Tikopia and Anuta. This pristine region offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Melanesian and Polynesian cultures, with communities that have maintained their ancestral ways of life for centuries. The province's isolation has preserved its natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a unique destination for adventurous travelers seeking untouched coral reefs, traditional handicrafts, and genuine cultural exchanges. Lata on Nendö (Santa Cruz Island) serves as the provincial capital and main entry point, while the outer islands offer some of the most remote and culturally rich experiences in the Pacific. Visitors can witness traditional feather money production, participate in kastom ceremonies, and explore some of the world's most pristine marine environments.

Top Things to Do in Temotu Province

Traditional Feather Money Workshop Experience

Participate in the creation of traditional red feather money (tevau) on Santa Cruz Island, one of the world's last remaining shell and feather currencies still in use. Local artisans demonstrate the intricate process of binding tiny red feathers from the scarlet honeyeater bird onto coils of vegetable fiber. This UNESCO-recognized cultural practice offers deep insights into traditional Pacific Island economics and craftsmanship.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local cultural centers in Lata for around $30-50 per person. Best experienced during dry season (May-October) when feathers are most readily available. Look for authentic experiences with master craftsmen rather than tourist demonstrations.

Tikopia Island Cultural Immersion

Visit the remote Polynesian island of Tikopia, home to one of the Pacific's most intact traditional societies. Experience authentic Polynesian culture, witness traditional fishing methods, and participate in community activities with the island's 1,200 residents. The island maintains strict traditional governance and sustainable resource management practices that have preserved their way of life for over 3,000 years.

Booking Tip: Requires advance permission from island chiefs and costs $100-200 per day including accommodation and meals. Best arranged through Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau 2-3 months ahead. Travel only possible during calm seas (April-October).

Reef Islands Snorkeling and Diving

Explore the pristine coral reefs surrounding the Reef Islands, featuring untouched hard and soft coral gardens teeming with tropical fish species. The crystal-clear waters offer visibility up to 40 meters, making it ideal for both snorkeling and diving. These remote reefs have minimal human impact and showcase some of the Pacific's most diverse marine ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Charter boats from Lata cost $150-300 per day for groups up to 8 people. Bring your own snorkel gear as rental options are limited. Best conditions during dry season with calm seas and optimal visibility.

Anuta Island Traditional Navigation Experience

Learn traditional Polynesian navigation techniques on tiny Anuta Island, where residents still practice ancient wayfinding methods using stars, currents, and wave patterns. Participate in traditional canoe sailing and discover how Pacific Islanders navigated vast ocean distances without modern instruments. The island's 300 residents maintain one of the most traditional lifestyles in the Pacific.

Booking Tip: Arrange through provincial government office in Lata for $80-120 per person per day. Requires several days' stay minimum due to irregular transport. Best visited April-September when weather permits safe canoe sailing.

Santa Cruz Island Volcano and Hot Springs Trek

Hike through tropical rainforest to reach active volcanic areas and natural hot springs on Nendö Island. The trek passes through diverse ecosystems, traditional villages, and offers spectacular views of neighboring islands. Natural hot springs provide a relaxing end to the challenging hike through some of the province's most pristine wilderness areas.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides in Lata for $40-60 per day plus transportation costs. Bring sturdy hiking boots and rain gear. Best attempted during dry season (May-October) when trails are more accessible and weather is stable.

Getting There

Temotu Province is accessible primarily through Solomon Airlines flights from Honiara to Lata Airport (Santa Cruz Island), with flights operating 2-3 times per week depending on weather conditions. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around $200-300 one way. Alternatively, cargo ships and smaller vessels provide irregular service from Honiara, taking 2-3 days but offering a more adventurous and economical option at around $50-80 per person. Inter-island travel within the province relies on small boats, canoes, and occasional chartered flights, requiring flexibility and advance planning due to weather-dependent schedules.

Getting Around

Transportation within Temotu Province is limited and weather-dependent, with small motorboats being the primary means of inter-island travel. Local operators in Lata provide boat charters for $100-200 per day depending on distance and group size. On larger islands like Santa Cruz, basic road networks connect main villages, with local trucks and occasional taxis available for hire. Walking remains the most reliable way to explore individual islands, with local guides essential for navigation and cultural protocol. Most outer islands like Tikopia and Anuta have no motorized transport, relying entirely on walking paths and traditional canoes.

Where to Stay

Lata town center
Santa Cruz Island coastal areas
Reef Islands guesthouses
Tikopia village homestays
Anuta community accommodation
Duff Islands local lodging

Food & Dining

Dining in Temotu Province centers around fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional root vegetables prepared in earth ovens or over open fires. Local markets in Lata offer the widest variety of fresh produce, while most meals on outer islands are provided by host families or guesthouses featuring locally caught fish, taro, sweet potato, and coconut-based dishes. Traditional foods like lap lap (grated root vegetables wrapped in banana leaves) and fresh tropical fruits provide authentic culinary experiences. Visitors should expect simple, locally-sourced meals with limited international cuisine options, making it essential to embrace traditional Pacific Island flavors and cooking methods.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Solomon Islands

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Le Bernardin

4.6 /5
(4023 reviews) 4

La Tartaruga

4.6 /5
(608 reviews) 2
liquor_store store

La Villa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(498 reviews)

Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande

4.9 /5
(349 reviews)

La Vela Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(360 reviews)

HOTTO

4.5 /5
(244 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Temotu Province is during the dry season from May to October, when weather is more predictable, seas are calmer for inter-island travel, and hiking conditions are optimal. This period offers the most reliable transportation schedules and clearer skies for outdoor activities. The wet season (November-April) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and potential cyclones that can disrupt travel plans and make some islands inaccessible. However, the wet season also brings lush vegetation and fewer tourists for those willing to accept weather-related uncertainties and potential travel delays.

Insider Tips

Bring cash (Solomon Islands dollars) as there are no ATMs or card payment facilities in the province
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are unavailable locally
Learn basic cultural protocols before visiting outer islands, as traditional customs are strictly observed and visitor behavior reflects on the entire foreign community

Explore Activities in Temotu Province