Hidden in amongst the turquoise waters and peaceful lagoons in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands lies a small island called Gizo.  Gizo, like all of the Solomon Islands, remains virtually untouched by the mayhem of tourism, and away from town centre, life goes on as it did 500 years ago. The unique ambience of Gizo reflects the real charm of an old seaside shanty town.

The Western Province is perhaps the most visited region of the Solomons. It is home to many Melanesian and some Kiribati (settlers from the Gilbert Islands in the 1950's and 60's) tribes who appreciate and welcome visitors. The main two languages are Pigeon and English, although there are many other local languages spoken, too. 

Gizo is the capital of the Western Province and is a tropical treasure-trove blessed with sun drenched lagoons, white sandy beaches fringed with endless coconut palms, coral caves and volcanic islands. Gizo is a quiet peaceful town, but has all the facilities needed by visitors, such as banks (ANZ, NBSI), luxury hotels, guesthouses and backpacker accommodation, bars, restaurants, custom dancing and arts available (the region is famous for its carvings such as ebony marine carvings inlaid with nautilus shell). It also boasts a splendid market, sports fishing boat hire and even surfing areas.

The waterfront markets for food and fresh fish are very active in the morning.  Colourful longboats, which are standard transport in this part of the world, pull up to the beach (not suitable for swimming) to unload produce and passengers.  Walking down the tree-shaded lanes and past the market, you will see the old buildings of the Provincial offices, and at the other end of town is a small Chinatown dominating the commercial centre.  Some of the buildings still standing were WWII aircraft hangers and barracks. Expect to find the odd rusting derelict vessel or car on the waterfront and lots of pleasantly inquisitive local faces.

The waters around Gizo evoke vivid memories of the heavy fighting of WWII;  sit at the bar at night and listen to stories about the wrecks and the rescue of John F Kennedy (who later became President of the United States) and the famous PT 109 crew, aerial battles over Vella Lavella, the “Tokyo Express” steaming down the “Slot”.  Wrecked ships and downed aircraft are still being discovered in the west. 

Watersports are the main attraction, with world class diving, plus game and sport fishing is available.On your way to dive sites you will pass thatched fishing villages, a rain forest with small streams, and vast areas of untouched off-shore reefs surrounded by aqua-blue waters teaming with colour and life.