Rennell Island
Island Largest raised coral atoll with unique biodiversity
A large raised coral atoll in Rennell and Bellona Province, home to Lake Tegano (a UNESCO site); divers, birdwatchers and travelers seek remote snorkeling, traditional island culture and lagoon scenery.
Rennell Island is the largest island in the Rennell and Bellona Province of the Solomon Islands and is noted for its raised coral-reef geology and unique island ecosystems. The island contains one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world and a large central lake.
The island’s major feature is Lake Tegano, which occupies a central basin and supports distinctive freshwater and coastal wetland habitats. Visitors come for remote island scenery, traditional Polynesian village culture, and biodiversity found in intact forest and coastal systems.
East Rennell was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural values, with protections focused on the lake and surrounding forest. Human settlement on Rennell is sparse and concentrated in coastal villages.
Rennell lies in the far south of the Solomon Islands archipelago in the South Pacific. The island is remote from the national capital and is reached by infrequent sea or air services.
- World Heritage: East Rennell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for intact raised coral atoll ecosystems and the large central lake that supports endemic species.
What to See #
- East Rennell (Lake Tegano): East Rennell contains Lake Tegano, a large brackish lake central to the island's ecology and the reason the area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- West Rennell: West Rennell comprises more densely settled coastal belts and lowland forest areas used for small-scale agriculture and villages.
How to Get to Rennell Island #
Rennell Island is reached from Honiara (capital of Solomon Islands) primarily by domestic flight to Rennell’s airport or by irregular sea transport. Flights are scheduled by Solomon Airlines and charter services; travel times and frequency vary.
Tips for Visiting Rennell Island #
- Bring a locally accredited guide for reef diving or lagoon trips - Rennell's reefs and Lake Tegano require careful navigation.
- Respect local customary land access rules - visitors should register with island authorities.
- Plan for long travel times: accessing Rennell from Honiara involves domestic flight or charter arrangements.
Best Time to Visit Rennell Island #
The dry season (approx. Apr-Nov) is best for sea travel and diving; avoid cyclone season.
Weather & Climate near Rennell Island #
Rennell Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3222 mm/year), wettest in February.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (334 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (374 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (310 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (266 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (238 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (215 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (237 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (280 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (270 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (225 mm).
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November
November is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (220 mm).
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December
December is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (253 mm).
