Iron Bottom Sound and WWII Wrecks
The strait between Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands was renamed Iron Bottom Sound after the ferocious naval battles of 1942-43. Over 200 ships and 690 aircraft went to the bottom here. You can dive on Japanese destroyers and American cruisers alike, many in remarkably intact condition, draped in coral and populated by enormous schools of fish. The Bonegi Beach wrecks near Honiara — the Hirokawa Maru and Kinugawa Maru — are among the most accessible, their hulls breaking the surface at low tide.
Marovo Lagoon
One of the world's largest saltwater lagoons, Marovo sits in the Western Province between New Georgia and Vangunu islands. The reef systems here are extraordinary — dense coral gardens, wall dives, and an abundance of pelagic life. Marovo is also known for its woodcarving tradition; local artisans produce intricate work that's among the best in the Pacific. A handful of eco-lodges offer access to the lagoon and surrounding villages.
Munda and the New Georgia Islands
Munda, on New Georgia Island, is a main base for diving the Western Province. The surrounding waters hold at least 11 diveable WWII wrecks, along with pristine reef and some of the best fishing in the Pacific. The Roviana Lagoon nearby has significant historical importance as a former headhunting base and later a key Allied airbase.
Rennell Island
The largest raised coral atoll in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rennell is remote and genuinely wild. Lake Tegano in the east is a brackish inland lake formed from a former lagoon, home to species found nowhere else. It takes effort to get here — a flight from Honiara and then local transport — but for those interested in birdwatching and untouched landscapes, it's remarkable.
Honiara Market
The central market in Honiara is the social and commercial heart of the capital. Fresh produce from across the islands, betel nut sellers, carved shells, and the full spectrum of daily life. Arrive early for the best selection and the busiest atmosphere.
Kastom Villages
Throughout the islands, particularly on Malaita, communities maintain traditional practices that predate colonisation. Some villages welcome visitors — with advance arrangement and a contribution — to observe ceremonies, dances, and ways of life that have changed little over centuries. This isn't performance tourism; it requires respect and genuine curiosity.