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New Georgia Islands
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Explore the New Georgia Islands for coral lagoons, rainforest, village culture, World War Two history and boat-based adventures in the Solomon Islands.

The New Georgia Islands form a broad western Solomon Islands archipelago of volcanic islands, barrier reefs, lagoons and narrow channels. The group lies west of Guadalcanal and is one of the country’s most rewarding areas for travellers interested in marine landscapes, traditional island cultures, rainforest and the physical remains of the Pacific War. New Georgia itself is the principal island, while Kolombangara, Vella Lavella, Ranongga, Ghizo, Vangunu and numerous smaller islands create a varied maritime setting. Travel is shaped by water: villages, dive sites and beaches are often reached by outboard boat rather than by road.
Read more about New Georgia Islands
Munda, on the western side of New Georgia, is the main centre for the southern part of the group and a practical base for exploring nearby reefs, lagoons and wartime sites. Gizo, on Ghizo Island, is the principal commercial and tourism centre farther west, with links to surrounding islands and access to the vivid waters of the Vona Vona Lagoon area. In the south-east, Seghe provides an air connection and boat gateway for Marovo Lagoon and Vangunu. These centres are separated by substantial stretches of sea, so an itinerary usually works best when organised around one or two bases rather than attempting to cover every island quickly.
The marine environment is the defining attraction. Coral reefs, mangrove-lined shores, seagrass areas and sheltered lagoons support snorkelling, diving, kayaking, fishing and boat excursions. Marovo Lagoon, lying between New Georgia and Vangunu, is particularly notable for its immense scale, wooded islands and communities whose livelihoods remain closely connected to the sea. On land, dense tropical forest rises towards volcanic interiors. Kolombangara is a striking example: its almost circular island is dominated by a forested volcanic mountain, with difficult terrain and limited infrastructure that reward carefully planned walking rather than casual independent exploration.
The islands also carry a layered cultural history. Roviana-speaking communities around New Georgia and neighbouring islands maintain connections to customary land and sea territories, while other islands have their own languages, histories and village identities. Christian missions, colonial administration and changing economic activities altered older political and social systems, but customary knowledge, carving, canoe use, fishing and local environmental practices remain important to contemporary life. Visitors should approach villages and cultural sites through local guides or established accommodation rather than treating inhabited islands as open-air attractions.
The New Georgia group is equally significant in the history of the Second World War. Japanese airfields, American landing areas, shipwrecks and scattered military relics remain around Munda, Kolombangara, Vella Lavella and the intervening waters. Some sites are accessible only by boat or with specialist guides, and unexploded ordnance can remain a hazard away from established routes. The combination of powerful natural scenery, dispersed island communities and wartime history gives the New Georgia Islands a character quite different from the more urbanised surroundings of Honiara.

When is the best time to visit New Georgia Islands?

Best: January–March · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)30300
February (best)30320
March (best)30340
April30360
May30380
June29400
July29420
August29440
September29460
October29480
November30500
December30520

Getting to and around New Georgia Islands

How to get there

Most international visitors first reach Honiara on Guadalcanal, outside the New Georgia Islands, and then continue by domestic flight or boat. Munda Airport is on New Georgia, Nusatupe Airport serves the Gizo area from an island near Ghizo, and Seghe Airport serves the Marovo Lagoon and Vangunu area. Domestic services can be limited and subject to weather or operational changes, so confirm connections before committing to accommodation or boat transfers. Charter boats and locally arranged transfers are useful for smaller islands but should be booked through established local contacts.

Transportation

Travel within the group is primarily by outboard boat, with a limited road network around the larger settlements. Munda and Gizo have local road transport, while journeys to villages, reefs and lagoon islands normally require a boat and an experienced driver. Domestic flights link selected airstrips but do not replace sea transport for many communities. Roads can be rough outside town centres, and weather, tides and fuel availability affect boat journeys. Allow flexibility between connections and use local operators familiar with reefs, channels and landing places.

Top city travel guides in New Georgia Islands

The cities of New Georgia Islands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in New Georgia Islands

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in New Georgia Islands

The New Georgia Islands are primarily an outdoor and cultural destination, with attractions distributed across water rather than concentrated in formal visitor complexes. Coral reefs, lagoon passages and small offshore islands provide opportunities for snorkelling, diving, kayaking, fishing and wildlife observation, particularly around the Gizo, Vona Vona and Marovo areas. Munda offers access to New Georgia’s western coast, wartime sites and nearby marine environments, while Seghe is a practical starting point for exploring Marovo Lagoon and Vangunu. Forest walks and volcano landscapes appeal to experienced visitors who arrange local guides, especially on Kolombangara and other less-developed islands. World War Two remains include airfield landscapes, wrecks, landing areas and scattered military relics around Munda, Kolombangara and Vella Lavella. The most meaningful cultural experiences are locally organised visits to villages, carving traditions, canoe journeys and lagoon communities, where customary protocols matter. Facilities are modest outside the main centres, so the quality of an excursion depends heavily on local knowledge, suitable boats, weather conditions and respectful arrangements with communities.

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Best landmarks in New Georgia Islands

The Munda airfield landscape is one of the New Georgia Islands’ most recognisable historical landmarks, linking the modern settlement to the 1943 Allied campaign and the Japanese military presence that preceded it. Around the western islands, surviving wartime structures, wrecks and memorial sites form a dispersed maritime heritage rather than a single museum complex. Kolombangara’s forested volcanic mountain dominates the island’s profile and is a powerful natural landmark, visible across surrounding channels and coastal waters. Marovo Lagoon is another defining geographical feature: its broad saltwater expanse, reef barriers, wooded islands and narrow passages create a landscape central to the identity of surrounding communities. The lagoons and channels around Ghizo, Vona Vona and New Georgia are marked by village shorelines, coral islets and traditional canoe routes. Some culturally important sites associated with former chiefly and ritual systems are locally known but are not ordinary sightseeing stops; access should be arranged through community members and respected according to customary rules.

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Explore New Georgia Islands on the map

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Best restaurants in New Georgia Islands

Dining in the New Georgia Islands is shaped by island supply chains, local fishing and the facilities available at guesthouses, lodges and town-based hotels. Fresh fish, shellfish where locally available, coconut, root crops such as cassava and sweet potato, bananas, tropical fruit and garden greens commonly appear in home-style meals. In Munda and Gizo, visitors can find a broader choice of hotel and café cooking, while smaller islands generally offer meals arranged by accommodation rather than a separate restaurant scene. Rice, tinned goods and imported staples are also part of everyday island provisioning. Marovo and other lagoon communities may provide food based on the day’s catch and garden produce, but menus and meal times should be arranged in advance. Markets and small shops can be useful for snacks, although supply varies with boat arrivals. Visitors with dietary requirements should communicate them before travelling, as remote kitchens have limited substitutes and refrigeration may be inconsistent.

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Best bars in New Georgia Islands

Nightlife in the New Georgia Islands is low-key and concentrated in Munda and Gizo, where hotel bars, small local establishments and informal evening gatherings provide more choice than in outlying villages. The dominant evening experience is usually conversation, music, a meal or time by the waterfront rather than a late nightclub circuit. Guesthouses and lodges may serve beer or spirits if available, but supplies, licensing arrangements and closing practices vary. In rural and lagoon communities, evenings often centre on the accommodation or village setting, with darkness and limited electricity shaping the pace of the night. Visitors should drink moderately, respect local and church-based expectations, and arrange transport rather than attempting to navigate unfamiliar roads or waters after dark. Live music and community events may occur, but they are not a dependable scheduled nightlife product and should be treated as local occasions rather than assumed attractions.

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Best nightclubs in New Georgia Islands

Nightlife in the New Georgia Islands is low-key and concentrated in Munda and Gizo, where hotel bars, small local establishments and informal evening gatherings provide more choice than in outlying villages. The dominant evening experience is usually conversation, music, a meal or time by the waterfront rather than a late nightclub circuit. Guesthouses and lodges may serve beer or spirits if available, but supplies, licensing arrangements and closing practices vary. In rural and lagoon communities, evenings often centre on the accommodation or village setting, with darkness and limited electricity shaping the pace of the night. Visitors should drink moderately, respect local and church-based expectations, and arrange transport rather than attempting to navigate unfamiliar roads or waters after dark. Live music and community events may occur, but they are not a dependable scheduled nightlife product and should be treated as local occasions rather than assumed attractions.

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Best shops in New Georgia Islands

Shopping in the New Georgia Islands is practical and small-scale, with the widest choice in Gizo and Munda. Town shops and markets stock everyday provisions, drinks, clothing and basic travel supplies, while accommodation providers may help visitors obtain locally made carvings, woven items or other handicrafts. Canoe and wood-carving traditions are important across the Solomon Islands, but designs and meanings vary between communities, so ask about provenance and cultural significance rather than treating every object as a generic souvenir. Fish, garden produce and fruit may be sold locally when available, although supplies depend on weather, transport and harvests. In lagoon villages, purchases should be arranged respectfully and directly with makers or hosts, with fair prices agreed before a transaction. Bring sufficient essentials from Honiara or a larger island if travelling onwards, since remote communities have limited retail choice and imported goods can be irregular.

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New Georgia Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar, coded SBD. Card and electronic payment facilities are concentrated in larger hotels and commercial centres such as Gizo and Munda, while smaller accommodation providers, boats, shops and villages generally rely on cash. Carry clean, modest-denomination Solomon Islands notes and keep money dry during boat travel. Foreign currency exchange is more limited away from major centres, and communications or electricity interruptions can affect electronic payments.
Safety
The main practical risks are associated with marine travel, tropical weather, remote healthcare and unfamiliar roads rather than conventional sightseeing. Wear a properly fitted life jacket in small boats, check weather conditions and avoid travelling exposed channels in deteriorating seas. Use local guidance for diving, snorkelling and forest walking, and take sun, heat, insects and dehydration seriously. Do not approach abandoned military equipment, enter unstable wartime structures or disturb suspected unexploded ordnance. Keep valuables discreet and follow current national travel advice.
Emergency Situations
Emergency response is limited in remote islands and may depend on local police, clinics, boat operators and community networks. Dial 999 for police assistance where a telephone connection is available, explain the island or lagoon location clearly, and ask for the appropriate emergency service. Coastguard-style or medical evacuation support may require coordination through police, health authorities, an operator or an insurer. Carry essential medicines, a first-aid kit and emergency contact details, and confirm how to summon help before leaving a main settlement.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in villages and around churches, ask permission before entering land or photographing people, and follow any local request concerning sacred or customary places. Use established paths and guides around archaeological and wartime sites, and never remove shells, artefacts or military objects. In villages, observe local expectations about where to walk, swim or anchor, and avoid assuming that an apparently empty beach is unowned. Tipping is not a universal obligation, but fair payment for guides, boat crews and locally provided services is appropriate when agreed.
Local Tips
Build extra time into every itinerary because flights, boats, weather and mechanical problems can interrupt a carefully planned schedule. Ask accommodation providers about fuel, freshwater, communications and the best tide for excursions. Marovo Lagoon is best understood through a locally arranged village, reef or canoe experience, while Munda and Gizo are useful bases for different parts of the group rather than interchangeable gateways. Bring a reusable water bottle, dry bags and basic snacks for longer boat journeys, and learn a few greetings or courtesy phrases from your host community.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloOla[O-la]
GoodbyeSia[See-ah]
YesAeo[Ah-eh-oh]
NoAla[Ah-lah]
Please/You're welcomeTaku[Tah-koo]
Thank youTaku te[Tah-koo teh]
Excuse me/SorrySori[So-ree]
How are you?Ola, aeo mo?[O-la, ah-eh-oh moh?]
Fine. And you?Sia, aeo mo?[See-ah, ah-eh-oh moh?]
Do you speak English?Aeo tok English?[Ah-eh-oh tok In-glish?]
I don't understandMi no save[Mee noh sah-veh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi likim lukim menu, taku[Mee lee-keem loo-keem meh-noo, tah-koo]
I don't eat meatMi no kakae meat[Mee noh kah-kah-eh meat]
Cheers!Bila![Bee-lah!]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi likim pai, taku[Mee lee-keem pie, tah-koo]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Go away![Go away!]
Call the Police!Kol Police![Kol Po-lees!]
Call a doctor!Kol doktor![Kol dok-tor!]
I'm lostMi los[Mee loss]
I'm illMi sik[Mee seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mi likim buy...[Mee lee-keem bye...]
I'm just lookingMi stap lukim[Mee stap loo-keem]
How much is it?Ita wanem price?[Ee-tah wah-nem price?]
That's too expensiveIta tumas expensive[Ee-tah too-mas ex-pen-siv]
Can you lower the price?Aeo save reduce price?[Ah-eh-oh sah-veh re-dooce price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wata taim?[Wah-tah time?]
It's one o'clockIta wan o'clock[Ee-tah wahn o-clock]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[Half past (10)]
MorningMornin[Mor-ning]
AfternoonAftanun[Af-tah-noon]
EveningIvening[Ee-vening]
YesterdayYesta[Yes-tah]
TodayTude[Too-day]
TomorrowTumoro[Too-mo-roh]
1Wan[Wahn]
2Tu[Too]
3Tri[Tree]
4Foa[Fo-ah]
5Faiv[Fahiv]
6Siks[Siks]
7Sev[Sev]
8Eit[Ait]
9Nayn[Nayn]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wea a/the...?[Weh ah/the...?]
What's the address?Wata address?[Wah-tah ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Aeo save show mi (on the map)?[Ah-eh-oh sah-veh show mee (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?Wen naekst (bus)?[Wen next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (to ....)[Wahn ti-ket (to ....)]

History of New Georgia Islands

Early Settlement and Austronesian Seafaring

The New Georgia Islands were settled over many centuries by communities whose lives were adapted to a landscape of forested islands, reefs and lagoons. Austronesian languages and seafaring traditions became part of the region’s cultural history, alongside older Melanesian practices and later local developments. Archaeological evidence across the Solomon Islands points to long histories of movement, exchange and settlement rather than isolated island communities. Canoes, reef knowledge, gardening, fishing and customary systems of land and sea ownership remain important legacies of this deep past.

Roviana and Regional Chiefdoms

Before colonial rule, western New Georgia contained influential local political systems, including those associated with Roviana Lagoon and neighbouring islands. Leaders controlled networks of villages, gardens, reefs and trading relationships, while warfare and acts of headhunting formed part of the political history recorded by later observers. These practices should be understood within the region’s own social and political context rather than reduced to colonial descriptions. Archaeological and cultural sites around lagoons and islands still reflect the importance of earlier chiefly power and ritual life.

Missionaries and the British Protectorate

Christian missionaries became active in the western Solomon Islands during the nineteenth century, followed by growing involvement from colonial officials, traders and labour recruiters. Britain declared a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in 1893, bringing the New Georgia group into a wider colonial administrative system. Mission stations, churches, schools and new commercial relationships altered local authority and settlement patterns, while colonial campaigns helped suppress inter-community warfare and headhunting. The period also introduced cash-based activities and new connections with other islands.

Copra, Timber and Island Economies

During the colonial and post-colonial periods, copra, coconut cultivation, fishing and timber became important components of the New Georgia Islands’ economy. These activities linked remote communities to export markets but also made island livelihoods vulnerable to changing prices, transport costs and outside control of resources. Logging has been particularly consequential in parts of the Solomon Islands, where roads, shore facilities and forest clearance have affected customary land and marine environments. Today, subsistence gardening, fishing, small-scale commerce and tourism continue alongside these wider economic pressures.

The Japanese Advance and Allied Campaigns

The New Georgia Islands became a major theatre of the Pacific War after Japanese forces occupied parts of the Solomon Islands and developed military positions, including the airfield at Munda. In 1943, Allied forces launched the New Georgia campaign to capture Munda and reduce Japanese control of the central Solomons. Fighting also took place around Kolombangara, Vella Lavella, Rendova and the surrounding waters. Villages and local communities were drawn into the conflict, while ships, aircraft and equipment were lost across the islands. Relics and wrecks remain visible reminders of this period.

Munda and Vella Lavella in the Later War

The capture of Munda’s airfield in August 1943 gave Allied forces an important base for operations farther west. Fighting continued around Kolombangara and Vella Lavella as Japanese forces withdrew and Allied units advanced through the island chain. The campaign involved difficult jungle terrain, intense naval activity and complex movements between islands. Its legacy is now encountered through airfield remains, memorials, wrecks and oral histories rather than through a single preserved battlefield. Guided access is important because wartime debris and unexploded ordnance can still present risks.

Independence and Contemporary Island Life

The Solomon Islands became independent from Britain in 1978, and the New Georgia group thereafter developed within a national system combining elected government with strong customary relationships to land and sea. Provincial administration, church institutions, fisheries, logging, transport links and tourism have all influenced the islands’ recent history. Communities continue to negotiate the balance between economic opportunity, customary ownership and environmental protection. For visitors, this history is apparent in the contrast between modern airstrips and outboard boats, remote villages, wartime landscapes and enduring lagoon-based livelihoods.

New Georgia Islands in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of New Georgia Islands

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Solomon Islands
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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to New Georgia Islands

Download Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app for New Georgia Islands. Discover attractions, landmarks, and restaurants with ease and book everything in one place.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore New Georgia Islands with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. Discover top attractions, landmarks, and local tips. Plan and book your trip effortlessly—all for free.

  • History of New Georgia Islands
  • Travel essentials for visiting New Georgia Islands
  • Curated local tips to experience destinations like a local
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • "Near me" feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to the enchanting New Georgia Islands, part of the Solomon Islands, where adventure meets serenity. With Evendo, your journey to this tropical paradise is made seamless and immersive. This 100% free app-based travel guide provides detailed information on top attractions like the majestic Marovo Lagoon, the historic Skull Island, and the breathtaking Munda. Navigate through vibrant markets, serene beaches, and lush rainforests with ease. Feeling hungry? Discover exquisite dining options such as Agnes Gateway Hotel Restaurant and Leaf Haus Café, offering local delicacies that tantalize your taste buds.

Evendo doesn’t just stop at providing information; it lets you book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Imagine exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef or taking a cultural tour to learn about the rich history of the Solomon Islands—all without the hassle of planning. The app features maps, contact details, and local tips to make sure you get the most out of your visit. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach to relax on or an adventurous hike through the jungle, Evendo has got you covered.

Download Evendo today and transform your trip to the New Georgia Islands into an unforgettable adventure. With global coverage, Evendo is your go-to travel companion, not just in the Solomon Islands but also in over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Experience the world like never before, with all the information you need right at your fingertips.

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