Gizo, Western Province
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Location
Gizo is the capital of the Western Province and is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands. Gizo has a small landing strip on the nearby island of Nusatupe to the north east of the town, making it relatively developed compared to other settlements in the general area.
Gizo is situated on Ghizo Island approximately 380 kilometres west-northwest of the capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, and is just southwest of the larger island of Kolombangara. Gizo is located beside Ghizo Island's only sea port and is only a five minute boat ride away from Solomon Airline's domestic airport which offers daily flights connecting to Solomon Islands capital, Honiara. The flight from the capital takes about one and a half hours.
Nusatupe Airport (GZO)
Western
Dash 8 (DH8-102), Twin otter (DH6)
Transfers from Gizo Airport are available by boat at $100 per person (subject to change), and Gizo Hotel guests have complimentary transfers.
Western province: 81,214 (2010 census estimates)
The main industries for Gizo are tourism, and the local produce market.
Gizo Hospital - Phone: +677 60 224
Royal Solomon Islands Police - Phone: (+677) 60966
Main transport options include a boat or by vehicle on Gizo itself. There are also a number of taxi services in Gizo.
There are taxis available in Gizo.
Broadband and dial-up services are available in Gizo.
Mobile phones and SIM cards are available from the Telekom office in Gizo.
ANZ Bank and BSP Bank in Gizo has an ATM with Cirrus and Maestro.
Tours and Activities
WWII Tours in Gizo
For those interested in history and the legacy of World War II in the heart of the Solomons, from Gizo you can visit an American tank, a Japanese Gun Fort and partially submerged shipwrecks.
Ghizo Island Tour
Explore the scenic Gizo coastline. Visit Saeraghi Village and Gizo's most famous beach. Stop at various villages along the way and see firsthand the traditional lifestyle that many still lead.
Birdwatching in Gizo
For those twitchers wanting to find species of birds only seen in the Solomon Island arrangements can be made. You will visit Ghizo Island and its surrounding areas and discover its endemic species.
Diving in Gizo
There are over 15 world class dive sites around the Gizo area ranging from manta ray dives, coral dives, and famous World War II relics including the renowned Toa Maru No. 2 Dive plus a host of Japanese and American fighter planes dive sites.
Surfing in Gizo
Great breaks can be found off Gizo. The best time for surf in Gizo is between November and April. There are two areas which are Titiana Village which is a left hander for goofy footers and Paeloge which has barrelling waves great for right handers.
Fishing in Gizo
Some of the best fishing grounds in the Pacific are no more than 30 minutes by outboard motor from Gizo. With excellent fishing year round you will not be disappointed organising a day out on the water.
Attractions
Njari Island
One of the Solomons most significant ecological sites, discover Njari Island and enjoy a swim, snorkel or relax surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a chef-prepared BBQ lunch.
Kennedy Island
Explore this small Island where US president John F Kennedy and the crew of PT109 were ship wrecked during WWII. There is great snorkelling, hammocks to relax on and an area for a BBQ if you want to take a picnic.
Kolombangara Hiking
Kolombangara is a dormant or semi-extinct volcano last active around 10,000 years ago. Climb one of Kolombangara Island’s mountains to experience panoramic views across Gizo and the Vona Vona lagoon. There are various hikes to take which accommodate people at all levels.
Accommodation
Fatboys Resort
A stay at Fatboys is island living at its finest where traditional meets western style convenience. The bar, restaurant and public lounge area is 100 meters out from the island over crystal clear waters. There are bungalows for couples and accommodation that offers more versatility for families.The property is only 10 minutes boat ride from Gizo Airport.
Imagination Island
The owners of the property visited Gizo and had been told that the beautiful Island in the middle of the lagoon was being taken over by the sea. They created an oasis of eco-bungalows, rooms and water activities with a fun bar and restaurant area, where you can relax in hammocks or swing in chairs. The property is only 5 minutes boat ride from Gizo Airport.
Oravae Cottage
Escaping to your own private island has never been easier and the team at Oravae are there to ensure that all distractions from home are forgotten. There is a main cottage and two separate bungalows that can be used for a family, close group or couple if they just want to indulge in the experience of having an island home to themselves. The island is only 10 minutes boat ride from Gizo Airport.
Simbo Island Lodge
For those with an adventurous spirit, walk and climb your way to the craters edge and watch locals cook megapode eggs in thermal ponds. The views of the volcanic cliffs and the lush jungle are breathtaking. Simbo Lodge offers private double and single shared accommodation options.
Yawana Dive & Bungalows
This budget accommodation caters to only a small number of guests at any one time. There is a traditional bungalow, the larger Den house or the Bunkroom which has single beds. The dive shop is on-site and convenient for those who want to get straight into the water once you wake up.
Rekona Lodge
This family-owned business is conveniently positioned near the main shops in a quiet and elevated position. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, offering shared facilities, rooms with fans or air-conditioning and views over the lagoon. The friendly staff will help you feel at home and can organise transfers, diving, fishing, rainforest walks, island and village visits.
Gizo Hotel
The Gizo Hotel is a 5-minute boat ride from the airport and conveniently located directly opposite the boat docking ramp in Gizo town. It’s also very close to shops, the main market and ATM facilities. All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned. The property features a small centralised pool and a great bar and restaurant that looks out towards the lagoon.
Urilolo Lodge
Located on Saeraghi beach, on the Western side of Gizo. Clean and comfortable bungalow made in the traditional style including basic kitchen facilities, with crystal clear water, sunset views, and activities on your doorstep. Safe for swimming and trips for fishing, hiking, diving and island hopping are possible.
Golden Cowrie Resort
Fully equipped bungalow accommodation located only 15 minutes away by boat from Gizo Airport on your own private island. Remotely situated, yet easily accessible, the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with all things tropical and natural with white sandy beach, crystal clear waters, and room servicing and catering supported by the popular Gizo Hotel.
Hambere Village Stay
Experience an authentic and relaxing cultural stay with the local Venti family surrounded by the nature of Kolombangara. Stay comfortably in two bungalows overlooking the lagoon and enjoy their traditional way of life. Be a part of daily village activities including cooking, gardening, and storytelling, or venture on your own on bushwalks or local canoes.
Phoebe's Rest House
Located in Malakerawa in Gizo, just 10 minutes from Gizo airstrip via boat and taxi. Phoebe’s offers a classic local Gizo hospitality experience, with a hilltop sea view location and walking distance from the markets and Gizo jetty. The hotel offers 4 Standard rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Uriaupo Beach Resort
Located in Lambu Lambu Village, in South East Vella La Vella about 45 minutes transfer from Gizo airstrip. Uriaupo Beach Resort offers a private and isolated location, where you can simply relax and enjoy the local village hospitality. The resort offers a Bungalow and 7 Family Unit rooms and activities including custom dance, village tours, lake and island tours.
Kilupania Resort
Located on Epaga Island, just 5 minutes by boat from Gizo airstrip, Kilupania is one of Solomon Islands newest accommodation options with ocean views, a beautiful white sandy beach and sites for snorkelling and fishing nearby. Their self-contained bungalow includes 1 double and 1 single bed, a kitchen, stove, bathroom and shower, and a restaurant and bar on site.
Ocean View Lodge
Located on the Jah Mountain hillside overlooking Gizo Harbour, this homestyle accommodation offers a quiet retreat about 25 minutes from Gizo Airport, with a mix of Standard and Family rooms and Self-Contained Units. Guests can access shared self-catering kitchen and lounge facilities, and transport to Gizo waterfront hotspots, perfect for snorkelling and beach picnics.
Sanbis Resort
After just a 7 minute boat ride from Gizo Airport you will arrive to warm smiles and a well stocked bar on the dock. Each traditional style bungalow has its own private beach with stunning views across the lagoon. Whether you try the numerous water sports on offer or just relax there will be no escaping the beauty of Sanbis.
Imbu Rano Lodge
The amazing biodiverstity surrounding Imbu Rano Lodge guarantees a unique and relaxing experience. Located inland, overlooking the valleys leading to Mt Rano's crater on Kolombangara Island, Imbu Rano Lodge provides birdwatchers and nature devotees easy access to upland forests and its amazing flora and fauna.