Plizio Visual Lab
Shortland Islands
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Shortland Islands, located in the far northwest of the Solomon Islands near the border with Papua New Guinea, were of immense strategic importance during World War II. Japanese forces seized the archipelago in early 1942, establishing significant military installations on the main island of Alu and nearby Poporang. Shortland Harbor became a vital forward base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, serving as a hub for seaplanes and destroyers that formed part of the "Tokyo Express" to reinforce troops on Guadalcanal. Because of their proximity to the major Japanese base at Bougainville, the islands were subjected to frequent Allied air raids throughout 1943 and 1944. Despite heavy aerial bombardment and naval shelling, the Japanese garrison maintained control until the end of the war in August 1945. Modern-day Shortland remains a repository of wartime history, with numerous aircraft wrecks and sunken vessels lying in its coral lagoons and hidden bunkers remaining in the dense jungle.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Ballalae (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 264 | 296 | 282 | 270 | 383 | 371 | 356 | 349 | 278 | 288 | 237 | 230 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Shortland Islands are mostly uninhabited as a group and only limitedly accessible. Some islands can be visited by local boat, and remnants of the Japanese base are freely visible at certain spots.
Typical hours
There are no official opening hours as the islands have no tourism management. An early morning arrival is recommended to have enough daylight for exploration and the return trip.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed, especially of the decaying bunkers and airfield remains. However, old military relics should be treated with respect - avoid entering or damaging the structures.
Time needed
Viewing the main remains on one of the main islands typically takes one to two hours. Add the boat journey to and from, which can take half a day in total.
Combine with
Combine a trip to the Shortland Islands with a dive to the war wrecks off the coast. Nearby islands such as Mono or Treasury also offer further historical and natural attractions.
Getting there
The Shortland Islands are best reached by chartered boat from Gizo or from Choiseul Island. The crossing can take several hours depending on weather and distance - plan accordingly.
Insider tip
Check in advance at the local tourist office in Gizo about current permits and guides. There are no facilities on the islands - so bring enough food and water for the whole day.
Geography
Facts
- Japanese forces officially occupied the Shortland Islands on March 30, 1942.
- Shortland Harbor was a primary assembly point for the Japanese fleet before the Battle of the Coral Sea.
- Poporang Island was home to a major base for Kawanishi H6K flying boats.
- Allied air forces carried out over 100 documented bombing raids on the islands between 1943 and 1944.
- The islands were never taken by Allied ground forces, remaining in Japanese hands until the surrender.
- The surrounding waters contain the remains of several Japanese destroyers and merchant ships.
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 nearby
Frequently asked questions
How to get there?
Accessible only by boat or small charter flights.
Best time to visit?
May to October for more stable weather.
Are there accommodations?
There are very basic guesthouses, book well in advance.
What to do there?
Diving, snorkeling, and exploring WWII history.
Are there restrooms?
Only in the guesthouses, none in the wild.
Shortland Islands: where is it located?
Shortland Islands is located in Solomon Islands.
Shortland Islands: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Shortland Islands: why is it worth visiting?
The Shortland Islands, located in the far northwest of the Solomon Islands near the border with Papua New Guinea, were of immense strategic importance during World War II.
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.
Maru
Maru is a coastal community near Gizo, known for its traditional fishing practices.
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.
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.
🗺️
Munda Logistics Center
Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.
Taro
Taro is the capital of Choiseul Province, located on a small island in Choiseul Bay.
Taro Island Trade Post
Taro Island is the capital of Choiseul Province.
🗺️
Ballalae
Ballalae is an island community in the Shortland archipelago, famous for its WWII relics.
Mono
Mono is the largest settlement on the Treasury Islands, located in the far west of the Solomon Islands.
Moli
Moli is a settlement on Moli Island, located just off the coast of Choiseul.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
Treasury Islands
An isolated group of islands south of Bougainville.
🗺️
Stirling Island
A coral island in the Treasury group, captured by Allies in October 1943 and developed into a significant air base.
Nature
🗺️
Mount Paneti
Mount Paneti is the highest point on Vella Lavella in the New Georgia group.
Mount Kaichui
Mount Kaichui is one of the most prominent peaks on Choiseul Island.
Mount Maetambe
Mount Maetambe is the highest elevation on Choiseul Island in the northwest Solomon Islands.
🗺️
Mt Maetambe
Mount Maetambe on Choiseul is a significant protected area for lowland rainforest.
Mount Sambe
Mount Sambe is the highest peak on Ranongga Island in the western Solomon Islands.
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.
🗺️
Lofung Border Trade Post
Lofung is a strategic outpost for trade with the neighboring Bougainville province.
🗺️
Faisi Island
An island in the Shortlands that served as an administrative center before the war and a major Japanese base during it.
🗺️
Ballalae Island
An island in the Shortland group famous for its Japanese airstrip and numerous WWII aircraft wrecks scattered across it.
🗺️
Mono Island
The largest of the Treasury Islands.
Choiseul Raid Memorial
A memorial point on Choiseul commemorating the successful diversionary raid by Marines in October 1943.
🗺️
Choiseul Bay Monument
This monument in Choiseul Bay commemorates the island residents who resisted during the Pacific War.