The Solomon Islands aren’t built for mass tourism. If you’re after rooftop infinity pools and room service, you’re about 20 years (and one country) too early. But if you’re into waking up to the sound of dugout canoes gliding past your overwater bungalow, or rinsing off a jungle hike with rainwater while parrots and cicadas argue in the trees outside, then this might just be your kind of place.
Over several weeks hopping around remote corners like Rendova, Marovo Lagoon, and Gizo, we stayed in everything from solar-powered eco lodges to overwater dive resorts. Some had cold showers, some had no Wi-Fi, and honestly, most were better for it.
This guide is my personal account of what it’s actually like to stay in the Solomon Islands. I’ll walk you through the types of places you’ll find, what they cost, and what to expect when it comes to things like comfort, amenities, and hospitality. If you’re wondering whether this kind of travel is for you, the kind where your host might take you spearfishing before dinner, then this should give you a pretty clear picture.
Overview: What’s Accommodation in the Solomon Islands Really Like?
- Tourism is centered in the Western Province, think Gizo, Munda, Marovo Lagoon, and remote islands. This is where you’ll find the best diving, surfing, and authentic cultural stays. If you’re deciding where to stay in the Solomon Islands, start there.
- Lodging options are varied: expect everything from solar-powered eco lodges and family-run guesthouses to rustic overwater dive resorts. Don’t expect the polished finish of a Fijian chain hotel or Balinese boutique places here are proudly independent and honestly refreshing.
- Getting to the Solomons is still a bit of an adventure. Tourism is growing, but it’s not on autopilot. The recent airport upgrade at Munda now means you can fly direct from Brisbane on an Airbus, which makes things a lot easier. There are also regular connections from Fiji and Papua New Guinea, but most travelers still arrive via Honiara.
- Prices range from $40 to $200+ per night, but the value comes from real experiences: fresh-caught fish for dinner, local stories, and waking up with the sun.
- Expect some quirks: patchy Wi-Fi (Starlink is making its wave), rainwater showers, power from a solar panel or the odd generator, and a genuine connection with your hosts. If you want turn-down service, this isn’t your place, but if you want to try mangrove fruit curry after your guided walk, you’re in the right spot.
- Most accommodations in the Solomon Islands will organize your local adventures, such as diving, village visits, fishing trips, and hikes, often with someone who actually grew up on the island, rather than booking with multinationals.
Solomon Islands Eco Lodges
In the Solomon Islands, especially out in the Western Province, eco lodging isn’t a marketing gimmick, it’s just how things are done.
Most of the islands don’t have grid electricity, Wi-Fi, or much in the way of infrastructure, so the lodges here are eco by necessity.
Think bungalows built from local timber, rainwater tanks for showers, and off-the-grid solar setups keeping the lights on (when the sun’s out, anyway). It’s “forced eco” in the best way possible, and honestly, I'm here for it. Below are a few standouts from my own travels.
Titiru Eco Lodge - Rendova Island
Titiru Eco Lodge was founded in 2012 by the late Kilo Paza, a Rendova local who set out to create a lodge that would support his community and share real island culture with guests. Today, it’s run by his two sons, who carry on the same mission: keep things local, keep things real.
You’ll find Titiru tucked into Saqiri Cove, surrounded by mangroves and native bushland. The bungalows are basic and built from local materials, overwater or set in the trees with solar fans, mosquito nets, and cold-water showers.
My arrival at Titiru was something I’ll never forget. We were greeted with a full cultural reenactment with locals in traditional dress, a welcome drink, and fourteen different hands-on demonstrations of Rendova life, from cooking and crafts to music and ancient fishing techniques.
It felt more like being welcomed into a village than checking into a hotel, and every bit was thoughtful, authentic, and genuinely eye-opening.
Meals are simple, hearty, and shared with staff and other guests. We ate fresh fish, root veg, and whatever’s growing or swimming nearby.
Activities include paddling dugout canoes, mangrove hikes, village visits, even night crabbing and live bamboo band performances. When I stayed, the owners and staff went out of their way to make us part of the place, not just another guest passing through.
Facilities are basic: solar power, rainwater, no aircon. But the view over the sea from the overwater bungalows make you forget all about that. It’s a true launchpad for exploring Rendova and the Western Province, and one of the most welcoming, grounded places I’ve stayed anywhere in the Pacific.
Imbu Rano Lodge – Kolombangara Island
The Solomon Islands aren't all about coconut-lined beaches and coral reefs. If you want to wake up above the clouds, surrounded by dense rainforest and volcanic ridges, Imbu Rano Lodge is the place.
Perched 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) up on Kolombangara Island’s crater rim, this off-the-grid eco lodge started as a research outpost and now welcomes travelers keen on real jungle adventure. It’s remote, wild, and still run as a joint project by local conservation groups and Eagon Pacific’s forestry team.
Getting here is half the adventure: after a boat ride from Munda or Gizo to Ringgi Station, you’ll jump in the back of a LandCruiser for a steep climb through rainforest and old logging trails. You can expect muddy tracks, waterfalls, parrots, and a serious change in climate as you gain altitude.
The lodge itself is simple but comfortable. Three double rooms with proper beds, mosquito nets, and forest views. There’s solar power for charging gear, a shared kitchen where staff whip up hot meals (you’ll want them after hiking), and the main feature, an incredible deck overlooking the cloud forest toward Mt Veve.
My stay here was all about hiking and unplugging. The staff were friendly and knew the island well. Our guides led us on jungle hikes to waterfall pools and crater viewpoints, pointing out rare birds and wild palms planted by wartime villagers. Evenings meant warming up by the fire pit and listening to the forest come alive after dark.
Imbu Rano is not a luxury lodge, but it’s exactly the kind of place you come for when you want something real and raw. Come for jungle air, honest food, and some of the best high-elevation trekking in the Solomon Islands.
Zipolo Habu Resort - Lola Island
Zipolo Habu has been a Western Province favorite for years and is a classic Solomon Islands eco lodge with a serious fishing pedigree. The name says it all: “zipolo” is a plant Roviana locals carry for fishing luck, and “habu” means fish. So yes, this is the fishing lodge in the Solomons, and if you’re even remotely interested in casting a line, it’s the spot.
Lola Island sits just off Vona Vona Lagoon, about 30 minutes by boat from Munda. There’s never been any commercial fishing here. For centuries, locals have fished these waters with lines from dugout canoes or by spear.
The lack of nets or trawlers means the reefs are loaded. It’s honestly one of the best places for sport and reef fishing in the Pacific, and the lodge staff know exactly where to take you for big GTs, coral trout, or a fresh dinner catch.
The owners call this place their lost childhood dream. And it certainly feels like that when you first step off the weathered jetty and into a shaded wooden bar and restaurant built under giant trees, with traditional carvings everywhere you look.
They’ve recently built new beachfront bungalows that are more like eco villas with a full lounge room, separate bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. I only stayed one night, but we managed to squeeze in a fishing trip with local guides, a boat ride to explore Skull Island (a wild and worthwhile stop), and a visit to one of the best right-hand surf breaks I’ve seen totally empty, not a surfer or surfing lodge in sight.
If you’re after a spot that combines adventure, real local culture, and a focus on sustainable fishing, Zipolo Habu is the place.
Imagination Island Eco Resort
Imagination Island Eco Resort is just a ten-minute boat ride from Gizo, but it feels worlds away. I only stopped in for lunch and a quick snorkel, but the place had a buzz to it with a laid-back, eco-conscious hangout with a young crowd playing cards, sharing beers, and swinging in hammocks overlooking the reef.
The resort sits right on the water, with rustic overwater bungalows built from local timber, bamboo, and cane. There’s a crocodile skull mounted at the bar, which somehow fits perfectly with the offbeat island vibe. The whole place runs on solar, uses composting toilets, and goes out of its way to keep the island clean.
Snorkeling straight off the jetty is top notch: healthy coral, loads of reef fish, and we even spotted small black-tip sharks cruising by. Rumor has it that manta rays and turtles swing through regularly as well. I only spent an afternoon here, but if you want easy access from Gizo, a social crowd, and an authentic island eco-lodge, Imagination Island is well worth a stop.
Dive Resorts in the Solomon Islands
If you’re coming to the Solomons, chances are it’s for the fishing, the laid-back pace, or the diving. While there are hundreds of dive sites, the thing is, you're not going to have any decision paralysis on booking your Solomon Islands dive resort, because there are only a handful to choose from.
I’ve dived all over the world as a dive master, and the Solomon Islands reminded me exactly why I got into it in the first place.
We had entire WWII wrecks and vibrant coral walls all to ourselves. There are Japanese transport ships lying upright in 30 meters (98 ft) of water, fully intact fighter planes on sandbanks at 20 meters (65 ft), and reefs where you can drift for hundreds of meters without seeing another soul.
It’s the kind of diving where you feel like an explorer, not a customer.
Fatboys Resort – Mbabanga Island
If I had to pick one place to spend the most time in the Solomons, it’s Fatboys. Set on Mbabanga Island just a ten-minute boat ride from Gizo, this long-standing favorite nails the sweet spot between real island comfort and easy access to some of the best diving in the Pacific.
Fatboys has always been known for its relaxed overwater bungalows and that iconic jetty restaurant stretching 100 meters out to sea. But the recent addition of a proper on-site dive shop pushes it into “must-stay” territory if you’re into diving or snorkeling.
I’ve never turned up at a dive shop and had to pull the inserts out of the fins myself as the gear here is genuinely brand new, and easily the best I’ve used anywhere. Dives run daily to WWII wrecks, reefs, and coral walls, and there’s no crowding. Most days, you’ll have the boat to yourself or with just a few other divers.
But it’s not just about diving. The bungalows are spacious, breezy, and built from local timber and sago palm. They're spacious, feature open-air bathrooms, mosquito-netted beds, and private balconies with reef views.
There’s Wi-Fi at the restaurant thanks to Starlink, but you won’t miss it much if you’re out kayaking, paddleboarding, or just exploring the lagoon. Don’t skip the “wine down” sunset trips to the sandbar, which is easily one of the most memorable evenings I had in the Solomons.
Meals at Fatboys revolve around what’s fresh. We ate a lot of crayfish and pan-fried reef fish with root vegetables, cooked in coconut milk. Things run on Solomon time, so patience is a virtue, but it fits the rhythm of the place.
Agnes Gateway Hotel – Munda
Agnes Gateway Hotel is a cornerstone of Munda’s hospitality scene, offering a blend of comfort, history, and access to world-class diving. Situated right on the waterfront of Roviana Lagoon, just a short walk from Munda Airport, it serves as an ideal base for travelers exploring the Western Province
I didn’t get a chance to dive with them, but the operation is well-regarded. Magical Munda has helped put Munda on the map for wreck and reef diving, with guided trips to nearby WWII wrecks and vibrant coral gardens that are just a short boat ride from the pier.
The waters around Munda boast spectacular walls dropping off to over 600 meters, teeming with marine life including various species of reef sharks, hammerheads, eagle rays, and barracudas. Macro enthusiasts can delight in sightings of pygmy seahorses and fiery dartfish. Additionally, the area is rich in WWII history, with numerous wrecks such as fighter planes and bombers scattered across the seabed.
The hotel itself is one of the most professionally run operations I've found in the Solomons, with a range of rooms from simple doubles to family suites with balconies. The Munda Bar, overlooking the lagoon, is a popular spot to unwind and watch the sunset, and we even joined in on karaoke on our last night before flying back to Brisbane.
What really stood out for me at Agnes was the food. The restaurant serves up consistently good meals, and the coconut fish was the best thing I ate in the Solomons hands down. If you’re flying in or out of Munda, or just want a comfortable base with sea views, cold beers, and easy access to diving, Agnes Gateway Hotel is a solid pick.
Tip: If you’re staying in Munda, make time to visit Barney’s Peter Joseph WWII Museum. This place started as Barney’s personal obsession with digging up WWII relics in his backyard and the hills behind his house. Over the years, his collection grew to include everything from airplane engines to dog tags, and eventually, Tourism Solomons helped him build a shed to properly showcase it all.
Convenient Place to Stay Before & After Your Trip to the Solomon Islands
For anyone heading to the Western Province, I highly recommend flying directly into Munda. It’s the easiest, most convenient way to reach this part of the Solomons, with regular flights from Honiara and even direct services from Brisbane.
You land right in the heart of the region’s adventure hub.
That’s where Qua Roviana Guest House comes in. It was both the first and last place I stayed and it's just a five-minute walk from Munda Airport, literally down the end of the road, and right in front of the village pier. Whether you’re arriving, catching a flight out, or just need a night to regroup before heading out to the lagoons, you can’t beat the location.
This is a friendly, family-run spot that feels like a home away from home. The rooms are air-conditioned, clean, and great value. I'm not recommending it as an eco-lodge or dive resort in the Solomon Islands, but as an ideal place to stay for a short stopover or overnight stay.
To get to your room, you pass through a beautiful communal living area and kitchen, with polished local timber and traditional carvings giving the place real Western Province character. The owners are always happy to help with directions or local tips, making the whole process smooth from the minute you arrive. If you want convenience, affordability, and a genuinely welcoming start or finish to your trip, Qua Roviana is the way to go.
