Skull Island

Skull Island, known locally as Nusa Kunda, is one of the most mystical sites in the Solomon Islands, located in the heart of the Vonavona Lagoon. Travelers are drawn here by the deep-seated tribal traditions and the remnants of the region's infamous headhunting past. The island features an open-air shrine where the skulls of former chiefs and warriors are preserved, adorned with shell money and ritual offerings. It is not merely a historical site but a living sacred space for local communities, believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits. Reaching the island is an adventure in itself, typically involving a boat trip from Munda or Gizo across the turquoise lagoon, passing by numerous tiny, untouched islets. A local guide is mandatory, as they must seek permission from the spiritual guardians before visitors can step ashore. While the island is small, the atmosphere is heavy with history and commands silence and respect. The surrounding waters are also excellent for snorkeling, revealing animated coral gardens. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October, when the seas are calm and the weather is predictable. Visitors should dress modestly as a sign of respect for the site's cultural significance. For food, Munda has excellent local seafood and traditional staples like taro and sweet potato. Skull Island provides a hauntingly beautiful spiritual journey that provides a unique perspective on Melanesian heritage.

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.

Lambeti

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

Munda

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

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Munda Logistics Center

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

Taro Island Trade Post

Taro Island is the capital of Choiseul Province.

Taro

Taro is the capital of Choiseul Province, located on a small island in Choiseul Bay.

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Lola Island

A peaceful retreat in the Vonavona Lagoon, home to the Zipolo Habu Resort and famous for its fishing and surfing.

Buni

Buni is a coastal settlement in the Western Province, known for its scenic beauty.

Ringgi Cove

Ringgi Cove is a settlement on the west coast of Kolombangara, serving as a base for forestry operations.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council

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

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Vona Vona Lagoon Monuments

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

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Skull Island

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

Kennedy Island

John F.

Nature

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Vonavona Lagoon

This shallow lagoon is famous for its dense mangrove forests and crystal-clear waters with corals.

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.

Choiseul Bay

Choiseul Bay is the main port and entry point for Choiseul Province in the country's northwest.

Bairoko Harbor

A heavily fortified Japanese harbor on New Georgia that US forces initially failed to capture in July 1943 despite heavy attacks.

Munda Airstrip

A strategic airfield on New Georgia built by the Japanese and captured by Americans.

Munda Airfield Monument

Munda Airfield was the site of intense combat.

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Munda Wharf

Munda Wharf is the primary access point to the Roviana Lagoon.

Noro Cannery

The factory in the Western Province is the hub of tuna processing.

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Peter Joseph WWII Museum

This private museum in Munda displays an impressive collection of WWII relics.