Gizo: Gateway to Solomon Islands' Natural Wonders

• HelloAllo
  [AH-loh]
• GoodbyeKwanara
  [kwah-NAH-rah]
• YesAe
  [AY]
• NoEi
  [AY]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
• Thank youTangio
  [TANG-ee-oh]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [SOH-ree]
• How are you?Hao hemi yu?
  [hao HEH-mee yoo]
• Fine. And you?Nais. Na yu?
  [NAH-ees. nah yoo]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [yoo SAH-vey tohk-tohk lawng ING-lish]
• I don't understandMi no save undastanem
  [mee noh SAH-vey oon-dah-stah-nehm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laekem lukim menyu, plis
  [mee LY-kem LOO-keem MEH-nyoo, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaik kaikai bilong han
  [mee noh KAH-ee-kah-ee BEE-lawng hahn]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laekem pai, plis
  [mee LY-kem pie, plees]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go awe!
  [goh AH-weh]
• Call the Police!Kole Polis!
  [KOH-leh POH-liss]
• Call a doctor!Kole dokta!
  [KOH-leh DOHK-tah]
• I'm lostMi lusim
  [mee LOO-seem]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laekem baim...
  [mee LY-kem bai-eem]
• I'm just lookingMi jes lukluk
  [mee jess LOOK-look]
• How much is it?Hao moa?
  [hao moh-ah]
• That's too expensiveIu tumas espensiv
  [yoo TOO-mahs ehs-PEHN-seev]
• Can you lower the price?Yu save fo daunim praes?
  [yoo SAH-vey foh DOWN-eem PRICE?]

• What time is it?Hao taem nao?
  [hao tah-em now]
• It's one o'clockEm wan o'klok
  [em WAHN oh-KLOHK]
• Half past (10)Long haf 10
  [lawng hahf ten]
• MorningMonin
  [MOH-neen]
• AfternoonAftanun
  [ahf-tah-NOON]
• EveningIvinin
  [ee-VEE-neen]
• YesterdayIstade
  [ees-TAH-deh]
• TodayTede
  [TEH-deh]
• TomorrowTumoro
  [too-MOH-roh]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Foa
  [foh-ah]
• 5Faiv
  [fah-eev]
• 6Sikis
  [SEE-kees]
• 7Seven
  [SEH-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [ayt]
• 9Nain
  [nah-een]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wara hemi ...?
  [WAH-rah HEH-mee]
• What's the address?Hao nom nomas?
  [hao nohm NOH-mahs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save fo soem mi (long map)?
  [yoo sah-vey foh SOH-em mee]
• When's the next (bus)?Hao taem bus i go kam?
  [hao tah-em boos ee goh kahm]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wahn tee-keht lohng]

Before European contact, Gizo and its surrounding islands were inhabited by Melanesian people. These early settlers lived in small, self-sufficient communities, practicing subsistence farming and fishing. They had rich oral traditions, intricate woodcarvings, and unique customs that defined their way of life.

In the late 16th century, Spanish explorers were among the first Europeans to chart the Solomon Islands. Álvaro de Mendaña y Neira, a notable Spanish navigator, led expeditions in 1568 and 1595. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that European interest in the islands surged, primarily for trade and missionary work.

The Solomon Islands became a British protectorate in 1893. Gizo, with its strategic location, grew in importance as a trading post and administrative center. The British established infrastructure, including roads and government buildings, influencing the local economy and way of life. Missionaries also arrived, introducing Christianity which gradually took root in the local culture.

Gizo played a significant role during World War II. The island was occupied by Japanese forces but later became a key battleground for Allied forces during the Pacific campaign. The waters around Gizo saw numerous naval battles, including the famous sinking of the PT-109 boat commanded by future U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The remnants of war, such as sunken ships and aircraft, now serve as popular diving sites.

After World War II, Gizo slowly rebuilt its infrastructure. The town became a hub for fishing, logging, and copra production. The local government invested in education and healthcare, improving the quality of life for its residents. Gizo's natural beauty and rich history began attracting tourists, further boosting the local economy.

Today, Gizo is a vibrant town that blends tradition with modernity. It serves as the capital of the Western Province and is known for its bustling market, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Gizo continues to thrive as a center for tourism, offering visitors a chance to explore its historical sites, coral reefs, and lush forests.

Gizo is accessible primarily by air and sea. The closest international gateway is Honiara International Airport (HIR) in the capital city of Honiara. From Honiara, you can catch a domestic flight to Gizo's Nusatupe Airport (GZO), operated by Solomon Airlines. The flight takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by sea using public ferries or private boat charters from Honiara, although this journey can take much longer, ranging from 12 to 24 hours depending on sea conditions.

Gizo is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the surrounding areas, local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. Boat taxis are also a common mode of transport for traveling between islands. If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car or a scooter from local rental agencies. Be aware that roads can be uneven and driving conditions may be challenging for those unfamiliar with the area.

The official currency in the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Gizo, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Honiara to ensure you have enough funds for your stay.

Gizo is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Gizo does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. Gizo has a local police station and a hospital that can handle medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are local pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before entering a church or religious site. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Don't raise your voice or behave aggressively. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A simple 'hello' or 'good morning' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gizo like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Solomon Islands goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby islands and coral reefs, which offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. For a unique experience, visit during one of the local festivals to witness traditional music, dance, and customs.