Uepi

Uepi is a small barrier island located on the outer edge of the Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. The site is world-famous for its extraordinary position on the brink of a deep oceanic trench, resulting in spectacular marine biodiversity. Geographically, Uepi separates the calm lagoon waters from the deep 'The Slot' (New Georgia Sound), creating currents that bring vital nutrients to a healthy coral ecosystem. The island is covered in dense tropical rainforest and fringed by white sandy beaches. Historically, Uepi served as a strategic lookout post during World War II and is now a flagship for sustainable tourism in the region. The underwater world provides encounters with sharks, rays, and schools of pelagic fish directly from the shoreline. Culturally, Uepi is closely linked to the neighboring villages of Seghe and Munda, with the local resort staff drawn from the surrounding community. Efforts to protect the reefs have turned Uepi into one of the premier diving and snorkeling destinations in the South Pacific. The island embodies the well-suited of a pristine natural paradise maintained through responsible management.

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.

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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.

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Munda Logistics Center

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

Munda

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

Lambeti

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

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.

Seghe

Seghe is an important transport hub located at the southern tip of New Georgia Island in the Western Province.

Marovo Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon, a UNESCO candidate featuring hundreds of islands and world-class biodiversity.

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Batuna

Batuna is a Seventh-day Adventist mission station in the Marovo Lagoon, known for its vocational training.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council

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

Marovo Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon.

Marovo Lagoon Cultural Sites

Marovo Lagoon is home to numerous traditional woodcarving villages and historic shrines.

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Skull Island

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

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Kavachi Submarine Volcano

Kavachi is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the Pacific.

Nature

Uepi Island

This small barrier reef island in Marovo Lagoon offers access to deep oceanic trenches and vibrant coral gardens.

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Mount Vangunu

Mount Vangunu is the central volcanic cone of the island with the same name in the New Georgia group.

Zaira Conservation Area

The Zaira Conservation Area on Vangunu is known for its pristine coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites.

Tetepare Island

Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the South Pacific and a major conservation area.

Roviana Lagoon

Roviana Lagoon features extensive coral reefs and is a center of Melanesian culture.

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Kavachi Volcano

This submarine volcano in the New Georgia Islands is one of the most active in the Southwest Pacific.

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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.

Seghe Airstrip

An airfield at the southern tip of New Georgia, captured by Allied forces in 1943 to support the offensive on Munda.

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Viru Harbour

Viru Harbour is a natural deep-water port on New Georgia Island, playing an important role in the local economy.

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Viru Timber Port

Viru Harbour is a major export port for the timber industry in Western Province.

Viru Harbor

A deep natural harbor on New Georgia captured by US Marines in July 1943 during a difficult overland march.

Wickham Anchorage

An anchorage on Vangunu Island captured in 1943 to intercept Japanese supply lines to the New Georgia islands.

Blanche Channel

A channel between New Georgia and Rendova.