Things to Do in Western Province, Solomon Islands

Western Province is the largest and most remote province of the Solomon Islands, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Melanesian culture and pristine natural environments. The province encompasses numerous islands including Choiseul, Shortland Islands, and parts of New Georgia, each featuring untouched rainforests, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. This region remains largely undeveloped for tourism, making it a perfect destination for adventurous travelers seeking genuine cultural experiences and world-class diving opportunities. The provincial capital, Gizo, serves as the main hub and gateway to the region's scattered islands and remote villages. Here, visitors can experience traditional kastom culture, witness ancient fishing and hunting practices, and explore some of the Pacific's most biodiverse marine environments. The province played a significant role during World War II, with numerous historical sites and artifacts scattered throughout the islands, adding a compelling historical dimension to any visit.

Top Things to Do in Western Province

World War II Historical Sites Exploration

Discover numerous WWII relics, aircraft wrecks, and historical sites scattered throughout the province, including Japanese bunkers and Allied landing sites. The region saw intense fighting during the Pacific campaign, and many artifacts remain preserved in the tropical environment. Local guides can provide fascinating insights into wartime events and their impact on local communities.

Booking Tip: Arrange tours through local guesthouses or community guides for $50-80 per day. Best visited during dry season (April-October) when sites are more accessible. Look for guides with family connections to wartime events for authentic stories.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

Stay with local families in traditional villages to experience authentic Melanesian culture, including traditional fishing methods, handicraft making, and kastom ceremonies. Visitors can participate in daily activities like sago palm processing, traditional cooking, and learning about local medicinal plants. This provides an unparalleled opportunity to understand indigenous ways of life that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village chiefs or local tourism committees, typically costing $30-50 per person per day including meals and accommodation. Respect local customs and bring small gifts like school supplies. Best to arrange 2-3 days minimum for meaningful cultural exchange.

Pristine Coral Reef Diving and Snorkeling

Explore some of the world's most pristine coral reefs with exceptional visibility and incredible biodiversity. The waters around Western Province feature untouched hard and soft coral gardens, abundant tropical fish species, and excellent chances of encountering larger marine life including sharks, rays, and turtles. Many dive sites remain virtually unexplored by commercial tourism.

Booking Tip: Book through Gizo-based dive operators for $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best conditions April-November with visibility up to 40 meters. Choose operators with local knowledge and proper safety certifications.

Remote Island Hopping Adventures

Charter boats or join local transport to explore the province's numerous uninhabited islands and hidden lagoons. Each island offers unique landscapes, from volcanic formations to pristine beaches and mangrove systems. Many islands feature secluded beaches perfect for camping and offer excellent opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.

Booking Tip: Charter local boats for $100-200 per day or join scheduled inter-island transport for $20-40 per trip. Bring camping gear and supplies as facilities are minimal. Plan for 3-5 days to properly explore multiple islands.

Traditional Fishing and Hunting Experiences

Join local fishermen and hunters to learn traditional techniques including spear fishing, net fishing in lagoons, and hunting for wild pigs and birds in the rainforest. These activities provide insight into sustainable subsistence practices that have supported island communities for generations. Participants often share in preparing and eating the catch using traditional cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village contacts for $40-60 per day including meals. Early morning starts are typical for best results. Ensure you're physically fit for jungle trekking and comfortable with traditional hunting methods.

Getting There

Western Province is primarily accessed through Gizo Airport, which receives regular flights from Honiara on Solomon Airlines. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours and operates several times per week. Alternatively, cargo boats and passenger ferries connect the province to Honiara, though journeys can take 12-18 hours depending on weather and stops. Some visitors also arrive via charter flights or private boats from Papua New Guinea, as the province shares maritime borders with PNG.

Getting Around

Transportation within Western Province relies heavily on boats, as the scattered island geography makes water transport essential. Local operators provide scheduled services between major islands, while smaller outboard motor boats can be chartered for remote destinations. On larger islands like Choiseul, basic road networks exist with occasional truck or bus services. Walking is common for short distances, and many villages are accessible only by foot paths through the rainforest.

Where to Stay

Gizo Town Center

Kolombangara Island

Choiseul Island Villages

Shortland Islands

Remote Island Camping

Traditional Village Homestays

Food & Dining

Dining in Western Province centers around fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional root vegetables like taro and sweet potato. Most meals are prepared using traditional methods including earth ovens and open fires. Gizo offers a few simple restaurants serving local dishes and basic international food, while village stays typically include traditional meals prepared by host families. Fresh fish, coconut crab, and tropical fruits are abundant, and visitors often participate in food preparation as part of the cultural experience.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Western Province is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is lower and sea conditions are generally calmer for boat travel and diving. This period offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities and inter-island transportation. However, the tropical climate means temperatures remain warm year-round (24-30°C), and brief rain showers can occur anytime. The wet season (November-March) brings heavier rainfall and rougher seas, though this period can offer excellent fishing and lush rainforest conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring plenty of cash as ATMs and card facilities are extremely limited outside Gizo

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are difficult to find locally

Learn basic Pijin phrases as English proficiency varies significantly in remote villages

Things to Do in Western Province