Only a 90 minute flight from Honiara, Gizo is a tropical treasure trove blessed with sun-drenched lagoons, volcanic islands and pristine waters. As the capital of the Western Province and the second largest town in the Solomon Islands, Gizo evokes vivid memories of the heavy fighting of World War II. Stories abound about the rescue of John F. Kennedy, who later became President of the United States, the PT 109 crew as well as the fierce aerial battles over Vella Lavella. It is one of the most visited regions in the Solomon Islands.
Although not large, Ghizo Island is your traditional South Pacific island. The main street of Gizo town runs along the waterfront lined with small stores, restaurants and an open-air market. This is a great base to explore the Solomon Islands on active adventure trips like scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, trekking and more.
Gizo Geographical Information
Gizo is located on Ghizo Island in the Western Province, approximately 380 kilometres west-northwest of Honiara and just southwest of the larger island of Kolombangara.
Flights to Gizo depart Honiara daily and take approximately 90 minutes. Gizo Domestic Airport is a small landing strip on the nearby island of Nusatupe to the northeast of town which is a 5 minute boat ride from the away.
Things to do in Gizo
The reef and wreck diving around Gizo is considered to be world class with “must dive” sites such as Grand Central Station for its prolific fish life and corals and the wreck of Toa Maru, a 135 metre long Japanese transport ship sunk during WWII.
Snorkelling & Beaches
There are a number of great beaches and picnic spots suitable for snorkelling trips. Snorkellers will be enthralled by the tropical fish life and colourful corals submerged just below the surface of the warm, clear waters around the islands.
Surfing
The Solomon Islands receives available swell from the south, generated mostly by cyclones and deep low pressure systems forming off the coast of Australia. The north of the island chain also receives typhoon swells almost year round making Gizo one of the top surfing destinations in the Solomons. All surf breaks in the Western Province are coral reef breaks and most require a boat to reach them. Surf conditions are ideal for intermediate to advanced riders. The best time to surf is November through to April.
Island Tours
Full or half day Island trips and cultural trips are available. Bush walk, climb the volcanic crater, kayak, snorkel, beach comb, visit cultural shrines and villages.
Simbo Island is famous for its active volcano and natural habitat of the unique megapode birds and man-made hatcheries.
Kolombangara Island has an interesting WWII history and spectacular views across Gizo and Vonavona lagoon from the mountainside of its dormant volcano.
Step back in time to the head hunting days, travelling through the picturesque Vonavona lagoon to Skull Island, a shrine devoted to the skulls of Rendova Chiefs and vanquished warriors.
World War II Tours
Visit a Japanese gun fort and/or a Japanese underground hospital, see an American tank and partially submerged wrecks. Visit Kennedy Island where US President JF Kennedy was shipwrecked during WW II.
When to Travel to Gizo
The equatorial climate is relatively consistent and humid year round. The average daytime temperature is 28˚C and the water temperature is about 29˚C. Although seasons are not pronounced, June through to August is the cooler period. The north-westerly winds of November through to April bring more frequent rainfall, however it is rare to get more than 2-3 days of rain in a row. A gentle south east trade wind prevails from April to October. November has the least amount of wind.
The best time for surfing is November to April.
Gizo Hotels and Resorts
 |
Fatboys Resort
On Mbabanga Island (15 minute boat ride from Gizo) |
Budget: $$$ Pool: No Beach/Beachfront: Yes Bar: 1 Restaurant: 1 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: No Gym: No Spa: No Onsite Dive Centre: No |
 |
Oravae Cottage
Private island stay 20 minute boat ride from Gizo |
Budget: $$ Pool: No Beach/ Beachfront: Yes Bar: No Restaurant: No |
Wifi: No Onsite Shop: No Gym: No Spa: No Onsite Dive Centre: No |
 |
Sanbis Resort
On Mbabanga Island (13 minute boat ride from Gizo) |
Budget: $$$ Pool: No Beach/ Beachfront: Yes Bar: 2 Restaurant: 2 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: No Gym: No Spa: No Onsite Dive Centre: Yes |
- Geographical Information
-
Gizo Geographical Information
Gizo is located on Ghizo Island in the Western Province, approximately 380 kilometres west-northwest of Honiara and just southwest of the larger island of Kolombangara.
Flights to Gizo depart Honiara daily and take approximately 90 minutes. Gizo Domestic Airport is a small landing strip on the nearby island of Nusatupe to the northeast of town which is a 5 minute boat ride from the away.
- Activities
-
Things to do in Gizo
The reef and wreck diving around Gizo is considered to be world class with “must dive” sites such as Grand Central Station for its prolific fish life and corals and the wreck of Toa Maru, a 135 metre long Japanese transport ship sunk during WWII.
Snorkelling & Beaches
There are a number of great beaches and picnic spots suitable for snorkelling trips. Snorkellers will be enthralled by the tropical fish life and colourful corals submerged just below the surface of the warm, clear waters around the islands.Surfing
The Solomon Islands receives available swell from the south, generated mostly by cyclones and deep low pressure systems forming off the coast of Australia. The north of the island chain also receives typhoon swells almost year round making Gizo one of the top surfing destinations in the Solomons. All surf breaks in the Western Province are coral reef breaks and most require a boat to reach them. Surf conditions are ideal for intermediate to advanced riders. The best time to surf is November through to April.Island Tours
Full or half day Island trips and cultural trips are available. Bush walk, climb the volcanic crater, kayak, snorkel, beach comb, visit cultural shrines and villages.Simbo Island is famous for its active volcano and natural habitat of the unique megapode birds and man-made hatcheries.
Kolombangara Island has an interesting WWII history and spectacular views across Gizo and Vonavona lagoon from the mountainside of its dormant volcano.
Step back in time to the head hunting days, travelling through the picturesque Vonavona lagoon to Skull Island, a shrine devoted to the skulls of Rendova Chiefs and vanquished warriors.
World War II Tours
Visit a Japanese gun fort and/or a Japanese underground hospital, see an American tank and partially submerged wrecks. Visit Kennedy Island where US President JF Kennedy was shipwrecked during WW II. - When to Travel
-
When to Travel to Gizo
The equatorial climate is relatively consistent and humid year round. The average daytime temperature is 28˚C and the water temperature is about 29˚C. Although seasons are not pronounced, June through to August is the cooler period. The north-westerly winds of November through to April bring more frequent rainfall, however it is rare to get more than 2-3 days of rain in a row. A gentle south east trade wind prevails from April to October. November has the least amount of wind.
The best time for surfing is November to April.
- Hotels and Resorts
-
Gizo Hotels and Resorts
Fatboys Resort On Mbabanga Island (15 minute boat ride from Gizo)
Budget: $$$
Pool: No
Beach/Beachfront: Yes
Bar: 1
Restaurant: 1Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: No
Gym: No
Spa: No
Onsite Dive Centre: NoOravae Cottage Private island stay 20 minute boat ride from Gizo
Budget: $$
Pool: No
Beach/ Beachfront: Yes
Bar: No
Restaurant: NoWifi: No
Onsite Shop: No
Gym: No
Spa: No
Onsite Dive Centre: NoSanbis Resort On Mbabanga Island (13 minute boat ride from Gizo)
Budget: $$$
Pool: No
Beach/ Beachfront: Yes
Bar: 2
Restaurant: 2Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: No
Gym: No
Spa: No
Onsite Dive Centre: Yes