Trekking, Walking & Hiking in the Solomon Islands
Trekking in the Solomon Islands is an adventure not to be missed. We have something to suit every fitness level and timeframe – from a short stroll along marked trails to a multi-day guided hike through remote jungle.
We recommend taking a guide for most walks in the Solomons. Our beautiful islands are off the beaten track and a guide will be able to navigate you on the best trails and will be up to date on trail conditions. They can also organise village stays and facilitate any fees that need to be paid to local property owners.
Waterfalls
From Honiara, one of the most well-known hikes is to Mataniko Falls. The Manatiko River was key in the Battle of Guadalcanal and you may see lots of remnants from WWII along this track. It takes about 2 hours to reach the falls and you need to be reasonably fit for this walk. There are some great swimming holes once you get there and there are also lots of caves to explore. Floating back to the village may be an option depending on the river level.
About 20km from Honiara near Vura Village, the Borare Cascades are gorgeous. The hike is about 1 hour from where you can park your car and you’ll be rewarded with a rocky waterfall that flows into a long series of beautiful pools where you can spend the day swimming.
Coastal
One of the most stunning walks in the Solomon Islands is the Gatokae Weather Coast. On this 3-day and 2-night hike, accessible from Seghe, you’ll see the most stunning remote and rugged landscape. You’ll see 2900-foot mountains that plunge into the water, mountain valleys as well as waterfalls and kastom sites. Each night you’ll stay in a village where you can learn about the headhunting history and village life. And for some of the walk you’ll have front row seats to the spectacular sight of night-time lava fireworks if the submarine volcano - Kavachi - is erupting (from a safe distance of course!).
Fly with Solomon Airlines from Honiara to Seghe in Marovo Lagoon and then take a boat transfer.
Mountains and volcanoes
The Solomons are surprisingly mountainous and we have both active and extinct volcanoes.
Mt Mariu is a 3-day and 2-night trek, accessible from Seghe, through gardens and rainforests before climbing 2,400 feet to see spectacular views over the gorgeous Marovo Lagoon. Walking through the mossy cloud forest can be both eerie and sublime. This is a strenuous walk that requires a high level of fitness and is best avoided from mid-June through to mid-October due to weather.
Solomon Airlines can fly you from Honiara to Seghe and then transfer by boat to your accommodation.
For the more adventurous, Tinakula is the most active volcano in the Solomons. This volcano is in a very remote part of the Solomons and you may be able to have the unforgettable experience of climbing the old lava flows. We have 2 flights a week from Honiara to Santa Cruz.
Kolombangara in the Western Province is an almost perfectly round volcano 15 km in diameter accessible from Gizo. The name roughly translates to ‘water lord’ and references the rainfall that the island receives. You’ll walk through jungle and rainforest and if it rains, rivers will appear in front of your eyes! The local communities on the island can provide you with expert guides. Solomon Airlines has flights to Gizo and then you can take a local fast boat to Ringgi.
Tours and Activities
Go West Tours
Based at Agnes Gateway Hotel, Go West offers fully guided half and full day tours throughout the area. Off the beaten track adventures, cultural experiences, historical site visits, fishing and charter trips. You can also design your own experience.
Rainforest Walks in Suavanao
There are many walks to take all with something special on offer such as waterfalls, rock pools and wildlife galore. The walks can vary in difficulty and it is advised to have a moderate amount of fitness to take on the challenge.
Birdwatching in Kirakira
Makira Island is home to the most endemic species in the Solomon Islands. Trails around Kirakira are easily accessible for most. A long and steep trek to the Hauta Conservation area and inland mountains, staying in nearby villages on the way, will delight serious birders with species such as the Makira Thrush, Makira Leaf Warbler, Shade Warbler, Whiteheaded Fruit Dove.
Tulagi Tours & Travel
For first time visitors to Tulagi and with so much to see and do, it is best explored with a local guide. Tulagi Tours are not only well known for their informative World War II walking tours of Tulagi, but they can also organise visits to the surrounding islands, village visits, cultural tours, cultural entertainment, fishing charters and more.
Bush Walking on Taro Island
Explore Choiseul Province’s rich flora and fauna and visit the places where cannibals once roamed. The lush forests of Choiseul Province was also the home of the Kuvojo, a pigeon (Microgoura Meeki) endemic to the province and presumed extinct. Tours are available on request.
Hiking in Fera
Track for an hour south east of Buala and experience the Thitiro Falls, or see the Sana River fall straight down into the sea. Climb Mt Kubonitu, the highest peak on Isabel, standing 1392 metres above sea level, and enjoy spectacular views of the area. The Marutho River springs from the mountain and meets the ocean at Hofi. The summit can be reached with the help of guides from nearby Tirotogna and Bara village.
Birdwatching in Fera
Fera is the perfect starting point for birdwatchers, before they make the trip up the hills to seek out the Black-faced Pitta, Fearful Owl or Solomons Frogmouth. Other species that can be seen include the Imitator Goshawk, Sanford’s Sea-eagle, Woodford Rail, Solomon Boobook and Myzomela. Read more at the link.
Waterfall Tours in Honiara
The hike up to the Mataniko Falls takes between 1-2 hours and begins from Lili village, behind New Chinatown and approximately 10-15 minutes from Honiara. The spectacular Tenaru Falls is an hour's drive and a three-hour hike from Henderson Airport. These two hikes will give you an appreciation of the terrain and what the Allied and Japanese soldiers went through during World War II.
Wildlife on Rennell Island
A nature paradise and home to several endemic species, including the Rennell Starling, the Bare-eyed White-eye, the Rennell Shrikebill and the Rennell Fantail. The province also has 730 insect species, an endemic orchid near Lake Tegano, two endemic species of Pandanus, the Rennell flying fox and an endemic lake sea snake.
Attractions
Riba Cave in Auki
East of Auki is this remote and pristine cave, with stalagmites, large subterranean chambers and an underground river flowing through it. Perfect for active trekkers, it is completely natural in setting and you will require sturdy shoes. You can reach the cave by taxi and walk 5 minutes to the entrance but it is best to go with a guide. Auki is a 30 minute flight from Honiara.
Kwaibala Waterfall in Auki
About 3kms from Auki, along the Kwaibala River, the hike to the waterfall is moderate and will take you 20-30 minutes, passing through various villages on the way to the falls. You will have the chance to jump into rock pools also. A highlight for the adventurous is jumping from the top of the falls to the clear pool below.
Osi Lake near Auki
In the Northern part of Auki, Osi Lake is a place in which nature thrives and is especially populated with colonies of sea birds. Take your time, explore the lake in a dugout canoe and take in the beauty of this natural ecosystem. A guide can be organised and a kastom (cultural) fee may be required. Get to know the local villagers and feel at home exploring.
Tinakula Volcano
North of Nendo Island and 50 km to the west of the Reef Island group is the dormant volcano, Tinakula. Rising 2000ft from the ocean, the first recorded eruption of the volcano was in 1595 when Álvaro de Mendaña sailed past it. Periodic eruptions from the volcano are visible from the Reef Islands, and excursions are possible with a motorised boat.
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.
Lake Tegano at Rennell Island
Explore this World Heritage Listed lake with its abundant wildlife unique to the area or see the remains of Catalina seaplanes used in World War II, some being in shallow waters. There are also about 200 islets and various caves in the area, streams to swim in, and opportunities to canoe on the lake using traditional dugout canoes or sea kayaking organised through nearby accommodation.
Tapuna Caves at Bellona Island
The Tapuna Caves have an incredible history. This is where the original inhabitants of Bellona (Hiti) used to live.
One Bay at Bellona Island
One Bay is the most beautiful part of Bellona Island with a mile long beach, shallow beautiful water, and a calm blue water. Perfect for relaxing and swimming.
Ahanga at Bellona Island
The West end of Bellona and the lowest part of Bellona Island is Ahanga. With white sand and a beautiful setting, you can also see the most incredible sunsets from here.
Accommodation
Mavo Lodge
In traditional style, lodgings are spacious and clean with a rustic feel. There are two twin rooms in the main lodge and two beach bungalows. Keep refreshed with a stocked bar whilst enjoying freshly cooked meals of seafood, locally grown vegetables and fruit. Enjoy fishing, river walks, waterfalls, and explore caves and reefs.
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.
Parangiju Mountain Lodge
This traditional property is hidden in the hills located in Central Guadalcanal. Amongst the rainforest, about an hour's drive from Honiara, enjoy the spectacular views, food, and local hikes. Tenaru Falls and the Bat caves are a very popular hike and a worthwhile three-hour round trip.
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.
Aotaha Cave Lodge
Come and stay in a place where time stops. Aotaha is a fascinating cave located on the foot of the highest point of Bellona Island. Its a refreshingly different experience for those with an adventurous spirit. The on-site accommodation is basic however includes meals and the experience is truly unique, peaceful and off the tourist trail.
Papatura Island Retreat
Enjoy Papatura Island Retreat, Solomon’s oldest holiday destination and Santa Isabel’s first world standard tourism project. Relax in your beachfront bungalow with warm tropical waters lapping the white sand beach on metres from your deck. Papatura boasts excellent fishing and awesome surfing, world class reefs for snorkelling, some great tropical rainforest walks and a true culture experience unspoilt by mass tourism. Papatura Island Retreat is your island getaway and is quickly being known as one of the Pacific’s most sought after secret spots to step off the map and leave behind the worries of the modern world. Pure isolation.