Overview
We (also referred to as Vella Lavella in some historical contexts, though 'We' refers to a specific administrative ward/area within the Western Province of the Solomon Islands) is a deeply rural part of one of the Pacific's least-visited countries. The broader Western Province in which it sits is defined by dense rainforest, coral-fringed coastlines, and communities that maintain strong ties to customary land ownership and traditional ways of life.
Visitors who reach this part of the Solomons typically do so as part of an adventure itinerary rather than a packaged tour. Infrastructure is extremely limited — there are no international-standard hotels, few formal restaurants, and road networks are minimal or absent. Travel here requires flexibility, local knowledge, and a willingness to accept conditions that differ substantially from conventional tourism destinations.
The surrounding seas are part of the Coral Triangle, making the Western Province broadly renowned for exceptional marine biodiversity. Whether We specifically offers accessible dive or snorkel sites should be verified with local operators based in Gizo, the provincial capital, before travel.
Community life is central to any experience in this area. Most residents depend on subsistence fishing, gardening (taro, sweet potato, cassava), and small-scale copra production. Visitors are guests in functioning village communities, and respectful, low-impact travel is essential.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
The Solomon Islands maintains its own visa and entry requirements, which can change. Do not rely on secondhand information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and confirm current requirements directly with the Solomon Islands Immigration & Citizenship Authority before booking travel.
Health Preparation
Malaria is present throughout the Solomon Islands, including rural provinces. Consult a travel medicine clinic well before departure — antimalarial prophylaxis, vaccinations (including hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunisations), and mosquito protection are strongly recommended. Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, oral rehydration salts, and any prescription medications in sufficient supply, as pharmacies in remote areas are absent or very limited.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is strongly advised. Medical facilities in rural Western Province are basic; serious cases require evacuation to Honiara or overseas. Verify that your policy covers remote Pacific destinations and water-based transport.
What to Bring
- Cash in Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD); ATMs are not available in remote areas — draw cash in Honiara or Gizo
- Water purification tablets or a filter
- High-SPF sun protection and strong insect repellent (DEET-based)
- Lightweight, modest clothing appropriate for conservative communities
- Offline maps (internet connectivity is unreliable or absent)
Getting There
International Entry Point
All international visitors arrive via Honiara's Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal, the only international gateway to the Solomon Islands. Airlines serving Honiara include Solomon Airlines and select regional carriers; verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or a travel agent.
Reaching Western Province
From Honiara, the primary onward route to Western Province is via Solomon Airlines domestic services to Gizo Airport (GZO) on Nusatupe Island, the main hub for the Western Province. Flight frequency is limited and schedules change; book domestic legs well in advance and build buffer days into your itinerary for weather or operational delays.
Reaching We
Beyond Gizo, access to smaller communities in Western Province is typically by small motorised boat ("banana boat" or speedboat) operated by locals or community transport. There is no scheduled public ferry to most remote wards. Arrange onward boat transport through guesthouses or contacts in Gizo, and confirm sea conditions with locals before departure. Travel times and fares vary; verify locally.
Always carry more cash than you expect to need for transport, as negotiation on the spot is common and card payments are not accepted.
Getting Around
Within We and the surrounding area, movement is almost entirely by small boat along the coast or on foot through village paths. There are no paved roads or formal transport services at this scale of settlement.
Local boat owners sometimes offer informal passenger services between villages; these can be arranged through community contacts or your accommodation host. Always check the condition of the vessel, availability of life jackets, and the weather forecast before embarking on any open-water journey — the region experiences sudden squalls, particularly outside the dry season.
Walking between nearby villages on foot paths is feasible but trails may be muddy, overgrown, or unclear without a local guide. Hiring a community guide — which also directly benefits local residents — is the practical and respectful way to navigate.
Where to Stay
Formal hotel accommodation does not exist in We. Visitors typically stay in basic community or family guesthouses, sometimes in village homes as paying guests through informal arrangements. Conditions are simple: expect shared facilities, pit latrines or basic composting toilets, rainwater collected for washing, and mosquito nets (bring your own as a backup).
The nearest town with more established guesthouses and small lodges is Gizo, which serves as a base for much of Western Province. Several small locally-owned guesthouses operate in and around Gizo; names and current availability should be confirmed through Solomon Islands Tourism Authority resources or recent traveler forums, as openings and closures are common in this market.
Whichever accommodation you use, always confirm arrangements and payment expectations clearly before arrival, preferably through a trusted intermediary or established contact. Tipping and gift-giving norms vary by community — ask your host what is appropriate.
Things to See & Do
Marine Environments
Western Province sits within the Coral Triangle and the surrounding reefs are reported to support high marine biodiversity. Snorkelling off accessible beaches or reef edges may be possible depending on local conditions. Scuba diving operations are based in Gizo; verify which operators are currently active and whether day trips to more remote sites are offered.
World War II History
The broader Western Province is historically significant as a theatre of intense WWII Pacific combat. Wrecks, relics, and memorial sites are scattered across the province. The most well-known historical connection in the area is the PT-109 incident involving John F. Kennedy, which occurred in Blackett Strait near Vella Lavella. Local guides in Gizo can advise on accessible historical sites.
Village and Cultural Visits
Engaging with local communities — attending a church service if invited, observing traditional crafts, or simply sharing a meal — can be among the most meaningful experiences in this part of the Solomons. Always seek permission before photographing people or entering village spaces, and follow the lead of your host regarding customs.
Nature and Birdwatching
The rainforests of Western Province support endemic and regionally significant bird species. Birdwatching is underdeveloped as a formal activity here but opportunities exist for patient and knowledgeable birders travelling with local guides.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or food outlets in remote wards like We. Meals are provided by your accommodation host or through community arrangements, typically home-cooked from local produce: fresh fish, root vegetables (taro, cassava, sweet potato), rice, and coconut-based preparations are staples. Food is generally wholesome and fresh but dietary variety is limited.
Always drink bottled or purified water. Do not drink untreated rainwater, river water, or tap water without purification. Carry water purification supplies as a backup even if your host provides drinking water.
In Gizo, a small number of locally-run eateries and market stalls offer meals and fresh produce. Market days bring additional variety. Confirm what is available on arrival — hours and availability shift with supply and season.
Practical Information
Money
The Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) is the only currency accepted. ATMs exist in Honiara and Gizo but are not reliable — card transactions are not possible in remote areas. Carry sufficient SBD cash from Honiara before travelling into Western Province.
Connectivity
Mobile network coverage (Our Telekom and Bmobile are the main carriers) is patchy in rural Western Province and may be absent in We. Do not plan any itinerary that depends on mobile data or phone calls from remote locations. Download offline maps, translation tools, and emergency information before leaving Honiara or Gizo.
Electricity
Mains power is not available in most remote village areas. Solar panels or generators may provide limited power at guesthouses. Bring a power bank and charge devices whenever mains power is accessible.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency service numbers and medical evacuation contacts should be verified before departure — consult your travel insurance provider, your country's embassy or consulate in the Solomon Islands (verify locally whether consular representation exists), and the Solomon Islands government's official channels. Numbers circulating online may be outdated.
Photography and Permissions
Always ask before taking photographs of people, villages, ceremonies, or sacred sites. Some communities charge a small custom fee for photography; respect any refusal without negotiation.
Safety
The Solomon Islands is generally considered a low-crime destination in rural areas, and communities in Western Province are typically welcoming to respectful visitors. Petty crime risk increases in Honiara; standard urban precautions apply there.
The primary safety concerns in remote Western Province are environmental and logistical: unpredictable sea conditions, limited medical access, malaria and other tropical diseases, and the absence of search-and-rescue infrastructure. Do not underestimate these risks. Share your itinerary with someone reliable before departing for remote areas, and establish a check-in schedule.
Natural hazards including cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis affect the Solomon Islands. The region sits in a seismically active zone. Familiarise yourself with tsunami evacuation guidance (move to high ground immediately after a strong earthquake; do not wait for an official warning) and monitor weather forecasts actively during cyclone season (approximately November to April).
Check your home government's current travel advisory for the Solomon Islands before departure, as advisories reflect up-to-date security and health assessments.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Solomon Islands society, including communities in Western Province, is predominantly Christian (various denominations) layered over deep customary traditions relating to land, family lineage, and community governance. Both sets of values coexist and shape daily life.
Modest dress is important, particularly in villages: shoulders and knees should generally be covered, especially when visiting churches or attending community events. Swimwear should be confined to beach or dive contexts away from village centres.
Customary land ownership is a foundational concept — land is not simply a resource but carries deep ancestral and communal meaning. Visitors should never enter gardens, forests, or reefs near a community without explicit permission, as these may be customary resources governed by specific rules.
Greetings and patience are valued. Taking time to exchange pleasantries, accepting hospitality (such as betel nut, though you may politely decline), and showing genuine interest in community life will make interactions warmer and more meaningful. Avoid rushing or displaying impatience with the pace of rural life.