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Savo Island Volcano
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Savo Island Volcano is a potentially active stratovolcano situated approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Honiara. The volcano defines the entirety of the nearly circular island, which spans about six kilometers in diameter. Historically, Savo is recognized for its violent and unpredictable eruptions, with the last significant activity recorded during the mid-19th century. The island's geography features steep, densely forested ridges, active fumaroles, and steaming hot springs found both inland and along the coast. Indigenous residents have adapted to this geothermal environment, traditionally using the natural steam vents for cooking. A unique biological attraction of Savo is the nesting grounds of the megapode bird; these birds utilize the sun-warmed volcanic sand to incubate their eggs, which are a carefully managed local resource. Despite the ongoing volcanic hazard, the island remains inhabited and is a popular destination for geologists and adventurous hikers. Monitoring of the volcano is a critical priority for national disaster management authorities, as a major eruption could potentially trigger tsunamis across Ironbottom Sound toward the capital.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: Monagho Church · Sesepi Church · Kaogele 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
Getting there
A short, scenic boat ride from Honiara takes you to Savo Island, where local villagers will organize an essential guide to safely lead you into the active volcanic crater.
Best season
The dry season from May to October is optimal, providing safer footing along the muddy trail and reducing the risk of sudden flash floods in the narrow gorge.
Terrain & paths
The path follows a hot stream up a narrow, rocky gorge, passing through dense vegetation before opening into a barren, steaming crater area with very unstable ground.
What to bring
Wear sturdy shoes that can handle walking through warm water and mud, carry plenty of drinking water to combat the extreme heat, and bring sun protection.
Parking
Transport is strictly by boat from the mainland; there are no cars on Savo Island, so visitors start the hike directly from the coastal villages where they dock.
Safety
Because the volcano is active and features boiling hot springs and venting fumaroles, stepping off the path is highly dangerous; a local guide is absolutely mandatory.
Time needed
The entire round trip from the coastal village to the crater and back generally takes between two and four hours, making it a manageable, albeit sweaty, half-day excursion.
Geography
Facts
- The last major eruption of Savo occurred between 1840 and 1850.
- The island's highest peak reaches an elevation of 485 meters.
- Local communities use geothermal steam vents for traditional pit cooking.
- Megapode birds dig burrows up to 3 feet deep in the warm volcanic sand.
- The island is famous for being the site of several major WWII naval battles nearby.
- Savo is classified as a high-risk volcano due to its proximity to 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 Island Volcano (3)
Kaogele Church
Church on Savo Island, a place of worship.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the volcano on Savo island still active?
It is considered dormant but still shows signs of geothermal activity.
Can you climb the summit?
Yes, with a local guide a hike to the crater is possible.
How do I get to Savo Island?
There are regular boat connections from Honiara.
Is there any danger there?
Only hike with a guide; while the volcano is quiet, the nature is wild.
How long does the tour take?
The climb takes about 3 to 5 hours depending on the route and pace.
Savo Island Volcano: where is it located?
Savo Island Volcano is located in Solomon Islands.
Savo Island Volcano: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monagho Church, Sesepi Church, Kaogele Church.
Savo Island Volcano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Savo Island Volcano: why is it worth visiting?
Savo Island Volcano is a potentially active stratovolcano situated approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Honiara.
Explore with Plizio
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Nearby cities
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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.
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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.
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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.
Savo Crater
The Savo Crater forms the center of the volcanic island of Savo north of Guadalcanal.
Vilu War Museum
An impressive open-air museum on Guadalcanal featuring well-preserved WWII aircraft wrecks and memorials.
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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Lavoro Conservation Area
Lavoro protects one of the last primary rainforests in northwestern Guadalcanal.