Enjoy the diving paradise of the Solomon Islands! 6 recommended tourist spots

Do you know where the Solomon Islands are located? The Solomon Islands refer to a group of over 1,000 islands in Melanesia in the South Pacific. Geographically, they are located northeast of Australia and east of Papua New Guinea.

If you’ve heard of the fierce battles of World War II or the island of Guadalcanal mentioned in “The Eternal Zero,” then this might ring a bell. The untouched nature of the Solomon Islands still holds many sites that bear traces of war. Including those, what kind of sightseeing spots can you find in the Solomon Islands? Let’s take a look at some recommended spots!

1. Lake Tegano (East Rennell)

At the southern tip of the Solomon Islands is Rennell Island. The eastern part of this island, known as East Rennell, is recognized for its natural environment, including coral reefs and tropical rainforests, and is registered as a World Heritage site. This area is home to many unique plants used by locals as medicinal herbs or to make canoes from trees.

Most of East Rennell is taken up by Lake Tegano. This is a rare lake where freshwater and seawater mix, and many aspects of it remain a mystery. Around 200 islands float on the lake's surface, all made of coral limestone. Beneath the surface, unique Rennell fish swim—yet their ecosystem remains largely unknown. Here, you can have a mysterious experience snorkeling or diving in a vast underwater cave!

Note that this area, while a World Heritage site, is also registered as a World Heritage in Danger. When visiting, be respectful of the surrounding ecosystem and absolutely avoid leaving trash behind!

2. Kennedy Island

Why is it named this way? Because this is the very island that John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, swam to! During World War II, the ship commanded by Lieutenant Kennedy collided with the Japanese destroyer Amagiri and sank. The crew drifted to this uninhabited island.

Located in the western Solomon Islands in the New Georgia Islands, this island is still uninhabited today, but you’ll find a small shrine dedicated to Kennedy. Due to its name and historical significance, it has become a tourist destination for history enthusiasts. To get there, take a boat from Gizo Island—about a 40-minute ride from Gizo town.

3. Honiara Central Market

Established with support from Japan, the Honiara Central Market serves as the kitchen for the people living in the Solomon Islands' capital, Honiara. Visit the market and you’ll find a wide variety of fruits! Everything is fresh, but the pineapples, in particular, are sweet and highly recommended. Be sure to try them!

Besides fruits, there are plenty of vegetables and fish, including some rare ones that are fun to look at. You can also enjoy local cuisine, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals. Coconut drinks and fish and chips are said to be popular items.

You’ll also find clothes, crafts, and other unique items—perfect for souvenirs. The market opens at 6 a.m. every day, so why not make it a stop during your morning walk?

4. Wrecked Ships of Cape Tassafaronga

Guadalcanal Island, a stage for World War II, was once the site of intense battles. Today, several sites still bear the scars of war and are considered negative heritage.

Located on the northwest of Guadalcanal Island, Cape Tassafaronga is where two Japanese transport ships, the Kinugawa Maru and the Hirokawa Maru, were sunk by U.S. forces and remain abandoned. The bow of the Kinugawa Maru actually sticks out of the sea and can be seen from Bongi Beach.

Note that you need to pay a village entry fee to visit, so check beforehand. These shipwrecks are also popular dive sites teeming with beautiful fish. The Solomon Islands offer many such places where you can learn about history through diving.

5. Tenaru Waterfall

Here, you can swim in a clear, emerald-green basin at the foot of a stunning waterfall! Surrounded by nature and overflowing with negative ions, it’s the perfect place to refresh your body and mind—sure to wash away all your travel fatigue.

It takes about 2 hours one way, crossing rivers and trekking through jungle, so be sure to hire a guide or join a tour. It’s a full-day hiking adventure, with exciting experiences along the way. If you're confident in your physical fitness, it will surely be a memorable challenge! Since paths can get muddy depending on the weather, don’t forget to wear waterproof clothing and boots that can get wet.

6. Marovo Lagoon

If you love diving and snorkeling, the Solomon Islands are a dream come true—with the entire region known as a diving paradise. Among them, Marovo Lagoon, the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, is a must-visit.

Located in the southeast of the New Georgia Islands, this lagoon has a rare double barrier reef and is home to diverse ecosystems. You can spot schools of bumphead parrotfish, bigeye trevally, and even dozens of manta rays… With a bit of luck, you might even swim with a dugong!

With shipwrecks and other unusual underwater sights, you won’t get bored even if you stay for several days. An experience like this would be a lifelong memory to boast about!

◎ Summary

In the Solomon Islands, you can have a rare and precious experience of feeling the legacy of war while diving beneath the sea. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Japan, but even with a bit of travel time, it’s worth the trip! Let the sunlight, clear blue ocean, and untouched nature heal you. Make sure to visit the Solomon Islands!

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Enjoy the diving paradise of the Solomon Islands! 6 recommended tourist spots