Overview
Barakoma is a small coastal settlement on the southeastern tip of Vella Lavella Island in the Western Province of Solomon Islands. It is primarily known for its airstrip — one of the few access points into this otherwise isolated part of the country — rather than as a destination in its own right.
Vella Lavella itself is a volcanic island with dense rainforest interior, fringing reefs, and a largely rural population. Barakoma sits at the interface between the sea and the jungle, giving it a quiet, unhurried atmosphere that reflects life throughout much of rural Solomon Islands.
The area carries significant World War II history. The island was the site of the Battle of Vella Lavella in 1943, and remnants of that conflict — wrecks, airstrip infrastructure, and scattered artefacts — remain part of the landscape and local memory. Travelers who come here are typically divers, WWII history enthusiasts, or those seeking genuine off-the-beaten-path experiences in the Pacific.
Before You Go
Visas
Solomon Islands has its own entry requirements. For current visa and entry rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Solomon Islands Immigration Authority website. Requirements can change; verify before booking.
Health
Malaria is present in Solomon Islands, including in the Western Province. Consult a travel medicine clinic well before departure about prophylaxis, vaccinations, and other precautions. Dengue fever is also a risk. Bring a well-stocked personal first-aid kit, as medical facilities in Barakoma and on Vella Lavella are very limited.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for mosquito protection after dusk
- High-SPF sunscreen and a hat
- Cash in Solomon Islands Dollars — ATMs do not exist in Barakoma; carry sufficient funds from Honiara or Gizo
- Dry bags for any boat travel
- Reef-safe sunscreen if diving or snorkeling
- A basic supply of any prescription medications you require
Getting There
By Air
Barakoma has a small airstrip (airport code: BAS) served by domestic flights within Solomon Islands. Solomon Airlines has historically operated services connecting Barakoma to Honiara (the national capital) and to Gizo, the Western Province hub. Flight schedules and availability are subject to change; verify current routes and timetables directly with the airline or a local travel agent before planning your trip.
Via Gizo
For many travelers, Gizo serves as the practical staging point. From Gizo you can arrange boat transport across to Vella Lavella. Local boats and occasional charter vessels make this crossing, but schedules are informal and weather-dependent. Confirm arrangements locally.
Important Note on Connections
Solomon Islands domestic aviation operates small aircraft and schedules can shift with little notice. Build buffer days into your itinerary to account for delays, cancellations, or weather holds — this is standard practice throughout the country.
Getting Around
Barakoma itself is a small settlement navigable on foot. Movement around Vella Lavella beyond the immediate village area requires boat transport or walking along rough tracks. There is no formal taxi or bus system.
Local outboard motor boats (commonly called 'banana boats') are the main way to reach other coastal villages on Vella Lavella and nearby islands. Negotiate fares and confirm arrangements before departure. Fuel availability can be unpredictable in remote areas, so discuss this with your boat operator.
If you plan to explore inland areas of Vella Lavella, engaging a local guide is strongly recommended for navigation and safety.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Barakoma is limited to basic guesthouses or community homestays. Facilities are simple: expect shared bathrooms, no air conditioning, intermittent electricity (if any), and a reliance on rainwater or wells. Comfort expectations need to be calibrated accordingly.
Because accommodation is scarce and capacity small, it is important to arrange your stay in advance, either through a local contact, a Solomon Islands-based travel agent, or operators in Gizo familiar with Vella Lavella. Arriving without a confirmed arrangement risks being without lodging.
Some travelers choose to use Gizo as their base and make day or overnight excursions to Vella Lavella by boat, which may be a more practical option depending on your itinerary.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
The waters around Vella Lavella offer coral reefs, diverse marine life, and WWII underwater wrecks. Visibility and conditions vary seasonally; the May–October period generally brings calmer, clearer water. There are no large commercial dive operators based in Barakoma itself — visitors typically arrange diving through operators in Gizo or via liveaboard vessels visiting the region. Verify locally what options are available during your stay.
WWII History
Vella Lavella saw significant fighting during the Solomons campaign of 1943. The landscape retains physical traces of that period, including remnants of the wartime airstrip infrastructure and, reportedly, scattered wreckage in the jungle and offshore. Local community members can sometimes serve as informal guides to sites of historical significance. Treat all sites with respect.
Village Life and Nature
Simply spending time in a Melanesian coastal village, observing daily fishing and subsistence farming routines, and walking the island's coastal fringes offers a genuine window into rural Pacific life. Birdwatching can be rewarding given the island's forested interior, which hosts species endemic or native to the Western Solomons. Always seek permission before entering village land or gardens.
Food & Drink
Expect very basic food options in Barakoma. There are no restaurants in the conventional sense. Meals are most commonly arranged through guesthouses or community lodges, where hosts typically prepare local staples: rice, root vegetables such as cassava and taro, fresh fish, and coconut-based dishes.
Fresh fruit — including bananas, pawpaw, and pineapple — is often available seasonally. Packaged foods and basic provisions may be sold at small trade stores, but availability is unreliable. Carry sufficient snack supplies from Gizo or Honiara.
Safe drinking water is not guaranteed from taps or rainwater catchments. Carry water purification tablets or a filter, or rely on sealed bottled water brought from a larger centre. Avoid drinking untreated water.
Practical Information
Money
There are no ATMs or banking facilities in Barakoma. Carry all cash you will need in Solomon Islands Dollars, sourced in Honiara or Gizo before arrival. Credit cards are not accepted.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage in rural Western Province is patchy. Do not rely on consistent phone or data connectivity. Download offline maps and any essential information before leaving areas with reliable internet.
Electricity
Power supply in Barakoma, if available at all, is typically from a generator with limited operating hours. Bring a power bank for charging devices.
Emergency Services
Formal emergency services — police, medical, fire — are not readily available in Barakoma. The nearest meaningful medical facility is in Gizo. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Honiara would likely be required. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended for any visit to remote Solomon Islands.
Emergency Contacts
Verify current emergency contact numbers locally and with your accommodation host upon arrival, as national numbers should be confirmed through official sources before travel.
Safety
Barakoma and Vella Lavella are generally considered safe, low-crime environments. The primary safety concerns are environmental: tropical disease (malaria, dengue), rough sea crossings in small open boats, remote location with limited emergency response, and the physical demands of travel in a humid tropical climate.
Always tell someone your plans before undertaking boat trips or jungle walks. Sea conditions can change rapidly; do not pressure boat operators to travel in unsafe weather.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Solomon Islands before departing. While the Western Province is generally stable, it is prudent to stay informed.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Vella Lavella's population is predominantly Melanesian, with strong ties to customary land ownership, community decision-making, and traditional practices. Christianity — in various denominations — plays a significant role in community life.
Visitors should dress modestly when in villages (covered shoulders and knees are appreciated, particularly for women). Ask permission before photographing people or community spaces. The concept of 'kastom' (custom) governs many aspects of local life; showing genuine curiosity and respect will be appreciated far more than any gift or tip.
Barakoma and Vella Lavella communities have had relatively limited exposure to tourism compared to more visited parts of Solomon Islands. Approach interactions with patience, humility, and a willingness to slow down to local rhythms.