Munda, Solomon Islands Travel Guide

City Town on New Georgia island near WWII-era airfield

You go to Munda for its WWII wreck dives around New Georgia, reef snorkeling, and a corrugated airstrip that feels stuck in time. Visitors hunt for shellfish at village markets and catch boats to nearby lagoons.

Main image
Costs
$40-80/day (diving area prices)
Diver-targeted pricing; options range from budget lodges to resort packages.
Safety
Relatively safe for visitors
Generally safe; standard precautions for boats and remote travel apply.
Best Time
May-October (prime dive season)
Dry season offers calm seas and top diving visibility.
In This Guide
Local Time
1:23 AM
GMT+11
Weather
Overcast 77°F
Overcast
Population
3,144
Infrastructure & Convenience
Small airport, dive operators, boat services and modest tourist facilities.
Popularity
Popular among divers and WWII history enthusiasts visiting the New Georgia islands.
Known For
Munda Point airfield (WWII), diving and wrecks, snorkeling, surf spots, boat charters, local markets, fishing, island access
Munda Point airfield was a major Allied base after the 1943 New Georgia campaign in WWII.

Why Visit Munda, Solomon Islands? #

Munda combines significant World War II history with access to some of the Solomons’ best marine environments. The Munda Point airfield and wartime relics attract history-minded visitors, while boat trips to Marovo Lagoon provide expansive reef snorkelling, fishing and village visits. Local markets and dive shops in town keep the feel practical and island-focused, ideal for those who want both wreck-history and marine biodiversity.

Best Things to Do in Munda, Solomon Islands

All Attractions ›
1
Kolombangara
Volcanic Solomon Island with central rainforest and crater
Island
New Georgia
2
New Georgia
Solomon Islands island group noted for WWII battles
Island
New Georgia Islands
3
New Georgia Islands
Archipelago in Solomon Islands, notable WWII history
Islands
Rendova Island
4
Rendova Island
Solomon Island known for WWII history and diving
Island
Kennedy Island
5
Kennedy Island
Small island known for WWII history and beach
Island
Mount Veve
6
Mount Veve
Highest peak on Kolombangara Island, volcanic cone
Mountain
Arundel Island
7
Arundel Island
Island in the Florida Islands group, Solomon Islands
Island
8
Vonavona
Island in the Solomon Islands archipelago
Island

Munda, Solomon Islands Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Munda Market - Harbor-side market selling fresh fish, produce, and locally made souvenirs daily.
  • Munda Point airstrip WWII site - Historic airstrip with interpretive signs and nearby wartime remnants to explore.
  • Nusa Roviana access - Departure point for boat trips to nearby islands and Roviana Lagoon excursions.
Hidden Gems
  • Vonavona Lagoon snorkeling - Shallow channels with clear water perfect for reef snorkeling and mangrove exploration.
  • Skull Island viewpoint - A small local viewpoint recalling wartime history and panoramic coastal vistas.
  • Local dive operators' wreck tours - Operators run guided dives to WWII wrecks suitable for experienced recreational divers.
Day Trips
  • New Georgia Sound wreck diving - Boat excursions to famous WWII wrecks and submerged aircraft for certified divers.
  • Tetepare Island conservation visit - Conservation-focused boat trip to Tetepare for jungle trekking and marine life watching.

Best Time to Visit Munda, Solomon Islands #

Munda is best from May to October when trade winds calm the waters and diving is excellent. Avoid peak wet/cyclone months if you want uninterrupted travel.

Rainy Season
November - April · 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Heavy rains make roads rough and some resorts close; sea conditions become choppy, but marine life viewing can be superb after storms.
Dry Season
May - October · 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
Stable trade winds bring sunnier, calmer seas - ideal for diving, snorkeling and island-hopping; expect pleasantly hot, humid days with less rain.
Cyclone Season
January - March · 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
Peak cyclone risk January-March means possible cancellations and rough seas; travel insurance recommended, and watch weather closely if you must visit.

Best Time to Visit Munda, Solomon Islands #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

February

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

March

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

May

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

June

Weather

1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

July

Weather

1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

August

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

September

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

November

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

December

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

How to Get to Munda, Solomon Islands

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Munda, Solomon Islands #

Munda is a small hub with a compact centre that’s easy to walk. Motorbike taxis, small pickups and boat transfers are used for local travel and island hopping. Munda has an airport with connections to other Solomon Islands hubs; if diving or resort transfers are on your agenda, arrange them in advance.

Where to Stay in Munda, Solomon Islands #

Budget
Town / harbor area - $20-80/night
Munda caters to divers with simple guesthouses and budget lodges. Many operators prefer direct bookings; facilities are practical rather than polished.
Mid-Range
Near beach and dive operators - $60-150/night
Mid-range options include small dive lodges and beachfront bungalows. Expect comfortable, locally run properties rather than international-brand hotels.
Luxury
Limited luxury inventory - $120-300+/night
Munda lacks large luxury resorts. High-end travellers usually book private charters or premium dive-package lodges with upgraded services.

Where to Eat in Munda, Solomon Islands #

New Georgia seafood
Munda's cuisine highlights tuna, reef fish and garden staples. Local lodges serve fresh seafood with simple Pacific seasonings for visitors and divers.
Market and lodge meals
Small markets and lodge kitchens offer grilled fish, root vegetables and tropical fruit. Meals are relaxed and focused on fresh ingredients.

Nightlife in Munda, Solomon Islands #

Evening activity in Munda is low-key: resort bars and a few local pubs provide the main options, often informal and geared to divers and resort guests. Don’t expect a busy nightlife scene-most visitors come for daytime diving and island excursions.

Shopping in Munda, Solomon Islands #

Shopping in Munda is focused on basic supplies, dive shops and a few souvenir stalls. Resorts and dive operators sell gear and local crafts in limited quantities. For broader shopping choices plan to visit larger towns or bring goods with you.

Nearby Cities #

Noro, Solomon Islands
14 km away
Gizo, Solomon Islands
Gizo, Solomon Islands
53 km away