Plizio Visual Lab
Savo Crater
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
Savo Crater is the active volcanic center of Savo Island, located northwest of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The entire island is essentially a stratovolcano whose summit crater bears witness to violent eruptions in the past. Volcanic activity on Savo has been documented since the 16th century, with the most recent major eruptions occurring between 1830 and 1850. The crater and surrounding areas are characterized by geothermal phenomena such as hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots, which are used by locals for cooking and medicinal purposes. A unique feature of the island is the nesting sites of the megapode bird, which incubates its eggs in the warm volcanic ash. Residents of Savo live in constant adaptation to the volcanic hazard, while the fertile volcanic soil allows for productive agriculture.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: Monagho Church · Bonala Church · Leboni Church
- Nearby: Visale (22 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 284 | 282 | 271 | 215 | 201 | 187 | 195 | 167 | 169 | 193 | 194 | 218 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Savo Crater is generally accessible, but the climb requires good physical fitness and often the company of a local guide. The volcanic landscape is open to explore, but active fumaroles and unstable ground demand caution.
Typical hours
There are no fixed opening hours - the crater is accessible around the clock, but a daytime hike is strongly advised for safety. Plan the ascent early in the morning to avoid heat and possible rain showers.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the area, but be careful not to damage fumarolic vents or hot springs. A wide-angle lens is recommended for impressive shots of the crater and surrounding landscape.
Time needed
A hike to and around the crater takes between two and four hours depending on route and fitness. Allow extra time for breaks and for observing geothermal activity.
Combine with
Combine the crater hike with a visit to the hot springs on Savo's east coast or a snorkeling trip to the nearby reefs. Savo village also features cultural insights into island life.
Getting there
Savo is reached by public or private boat from Honiara or Guadalcanal - the crossing takes about one hour. On site there are no marked trails, so hiring a guide is highly recommended.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots and bring plenty of water - the volcanic heat can be extreme. A hat and sun protection are essential, as is a rain jacket for sudden showers.
Geography
Facts
- Savo is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 485 meters.
- The last major eruption was recorded between 1847 and 1850.
- Geothermal springs in the crater reach temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius.
- The island is located in Ironbottom Sound, a famous site of naval battles.
- Megapode birds use the volcano's ground heat to incubate their eggs.
- Volcanic monitoring is conducted regularly by geologists from Honiara.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Savo Crater (3)
Leboni Church
Leboni Church is a Christian church on Savo Island, Solomon Islands.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Savo crater active?
It is considered dormant, not currently active.
Can one descend into the crater?
This is only safely possible with an experienced local guide.
Are there hot springs there?
Yes, there is geothermal activity in the area.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for half a day to a full day.
Is the place photogenic?
Very, the landscape is unique.
Savo Crater: where is it located?
Savo Crater is located in Solomon Islands.
Savo Crater: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monagho Church, Bonala Church, Leboni Church.
Savo Crater: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Savo Crater: why is it worth visiting?
Savo Crater is the active volcanic center of Savo Island, located northwest of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Solomon Islands →
Nearby cities
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
🗺️
Kokumbona
A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Lungga
Lungga is an industrial and residential settlement on the eastern edge of Honiara, located by the river of the same name.
Auki Market Center
Auki is the economic center of Malaita Province.
Auki
Auki is the capital of Malaita Province and one of the largest towns in the country.
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
A-Tulagi
The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.
Tulagi
Tulagi was the former capital of the British Protectorate and is now the capital of the Central Province.
Tulagi Island
The former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.
Visale
Visale is a historical Catholic mission station on the western tip of Guadalcanal, featuring a prominent church.
🗺️
Aruligo
Aruligo is a growing rural community northwest of Honiara, known for its agriculture.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
Vilu War Museum
An impressive open-air museum on Guadalcanal featuring well-preserved WWII aircraft wrecks and memorials.
🗺️
Ironbottom Sound Memorial
This stretch of water between Guadalcanal and Savo is an underwater memorial to dozens of sunken ships.
Bonegi II Wreck
The Bonegi II is a Japanese transport ship lying just meters from the shore.
Vilu P-38 Wreck
A well-preserved P-38 Lightning wreck at the Vilu Museum, representing the aerial combat over Guadalcanal.
Point Cruz
A small peninsula in central Honiara.
Lungga Plain
The Lungga Plain is the most significant lowland area on Guadalcanal, formed by the deposits of the Lungga River.
Honiara Central Market
Honiara's bustling marketplace located at the historic Point Cruz area, serving as the economic heart of the city.
More places
Savo Island Volcano
The volcano on Savo Island is a prominent geographical landmark.
Savo Island
A volcanic island north of Guadalcanal that gave its name to one of the worst naval defeats in US history.
Savo Island Wrecks
The waters surrounding Savo Island are the final resting place of numerous warships sunk during the disastrous night battle of 1942.
Ironbottom Sound
The body of water between Guadalcanal and Savo Island, named for the dozens of ships sunk here.
Mount Gallego
Mount Gallego is an extinct volcano in northwestern Guadalcanal.
🗺️
Aruligo Copra Mill
The mill near Aruligo processes coconuts into oil and copra meal.
Bonegi Beach
A popular beach west of Honiara, famous for two large Japanese shipwrecks resting in shallow water just offshore.
Vilu War Museum
An open-air museum west of Honiara featuring an impressive collection of WWII aircraft wrecks, artillery, and memorials.