Batuna

Batuna is located on the coast of Vangunu Island at the edge of the world-famous Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Established in the early 20th century as the primary Seventh-day Adventist mission station in the region, it grew into a significant hub for education and vocational training. Batuna is particularly renowned for its long-standing tradition of wooden boat building, producing vessels that are vital for inter-island navigation. The local community is deeply integrated into the conservation efforts of the Marovo Lagoon, which is recognized as one of the largest coral lagoon systems globally. The environment surrounding Batuna is characterized by lush mangroves and coral reefs hosting immense marine biodiversity. Beyond education and shipbuilding, sustainable forestry and the production of intricate wood carvings play key roles in the local economy. Batuna remains a cultural and religious anchor, blending modern technical skills with deep faith and environmental stewardship.

Nearby cities

Honiara

The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.

Point Cruz Business District

This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.

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Kokumbona

A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Gizo

Gizo is the administrative center of the Western Province and is known for its tourism importance.

Gizo Town

The administrative center of the Western Province.

Maru

Maru is a coastal community near Gizo, known for its traditional fishing practices.

Buala

Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.

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Munda Logistics Center

Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.

Munda

Munda is the largest settlement on the island of New Georgia.

Lambeti

A village near Munda that was the scene of heavy fighting as Allied forces advanced toward the Munda airstrip in 1943.

Marovo Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon, a UNESCO candidate featuring hundreds of islands and world-class biodiversity.

Nggatokae Island

A pristine volcanic island in the southeastern New Georgia Islands, a paradise for divers and nature enthusiasts.

Seghe

Seghe is an important transport hub located at the southern tip of New Georgia Island in the Western Province.

Uepi

Uepi is a small island settlement on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, known for world-class diving tourism.

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Kaevanga

Kaevanga is a rural settlement in the Western Province, known for its agricultural production.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council

The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.

Marovo Lagoon Cultural Sites

Marovo Lagoon is home to numerous traditional woodcarving villages and historic shrines.

Marovo Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon.

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Kavachi Submarine Volcano

Kavachi is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the Pacific.

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Skull Island

This small island in the Vona Vona Lagoon houses a shrine with skulls of former chiefs and warriors.

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Vona Vona Lagoon Monuments

The lagoon is rich in historical sites, including war wrecks and traditional graves.

Nature

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Mount Vangunu

Mount Vangunu is the central volcanic cone of the island with the same name in the New Georgia group.

Zaira Conservation Area

The Zaira Conservation Area on Vangunu is known for its pristine coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites.

Uepi Island

This small barrier reef island in Marovo Lagoon offers access to deep oceanic trenches and vibrant coral gardens.

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Kavachi Volcano

This submarine volcano in the New Georgia Islands is one of the most active in the Southwest Pacific.

Tetepare Island

Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the South Pacific and a major conservation area.

Roviana Lagoon

Roviana Lagoon features extensive coral reefs and is a center of Melanesian culture.

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Mount Rendova

Mount Rendova dominates the silhouette of Rendova Island in the Western Province.

More places

Noro

Noro is a major industrial town in the Western Province known for its deep-water port.

Wickham Anchorage

An anchorage on Vangunu Island captured in 1943 to intercept Japanese supply lines to the New Georgia islands.

Seghe Airstrip

An airfield at the southern tip of New Georgia, captured by Allied forces in 1943 to support the offensive on Munda.

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Viru Harbour

Viru Harbour is a natural deep-water port on New Georgia Island, playing an important role in the local economy.

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Viru Timber Port

Viru Harbour is a major export port for the timber industry in Western Province.

Viru Harbor

A deep natural harbor on New Georgia captured by US Marines in July 1943 during a difficult overland march.

Blanche Channel

A channel between New Georgia and Rendova.

Rendova Island

An island across from Munda captured by US forces in June 1943 to position heavy artillery for the assault on Munda Airstrip.