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Tulagi
ℹ️Practical info — Tulagi
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take the boat from Honiara in the morning, as the sea can get rougher later in the day.
- Explore Tulagi's historical significance as the former capital; ask about tours to the WWII relics.
- There are no real taxis on the small island, so be prepared to explore most places on foot.
- ATMs are rare or unreliable, so be sure to bring plenty of cash from Honiara.
- Mosquito repellent is crucial, especially in the evening and near the mangrove areas.
🍽 Food
Several of the lodges in Tulagi serve excellent freshly caught reef fish.
Grab fresh fruit or baked snacks from the small stalls near the main boat landing.
Ask at your accommodation for local mud crab, which is particularly delicious here.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A small market where you can find local produce, betel nut, and fresh vegetables.
You can sometimes find small shell necklaces or wood carvings made by the locals.
Walk along the water's edge; sunset features a fantastic view of the surrounding islands.
A short walk up the hills provides peaceful views over the old harbor and the Florida Islands.
Water temperature…
Tulagi is the capital of the Central Province in the Solomon Islands, located on a small island off the coast of Florida Island. The town holds profound historical significance, having served as the capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate from 1893 until 1942. Its sheltered deep-water harbor made it a prime strategic location, leading to its occupation by Japanese forces in May 1942. During World War II, it was the site of fierce combat when U.S. Marines recaptured it in August 1942 as part of the Guadalcanal campaign. The extensive damage sustained during the war eventually led to the transfer of the capital status to Honiara in 1952. Today, Tulagi is a hub for the fishing industry and a renowned destination for wreck diving, with many sunken ships and planes nearby in Iron Bottom Sound. The town retains traces of its colonial past, including the ruins of former government buildings and residences. As the administrative center for the Florida and Russell Islands, it continues to play an important role in provincial governance. Its quiet, historical character features a stark contrast to its turbulent wartime history.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: HMNZS Moa (T233) · Diocese of Central Solomons · Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo
- Nearby: Koli Point (33 km)
- Population: ~1.750 (2026)
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 |
Geography
Facts
- Tulagi served as the national capital from 1893 to 1942.
- The town is the administrative center of the Central Province.
- Japanese forces occupied Tulagi in May 1942 during WWII.
- The area is a famous destination for historical wreck diving.
- It officially lost its capital status to Honiara in 1952.
- Tulagi's harbor is one of the best-protected deep-water sites in the region.
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Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tulagi (3)
Frequently asked questions
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Tulagi: where is it located?
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