Rennell IslandAbout Rennell Island
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 334 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 374 mm | - | - | 1.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 310 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 266 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 238 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 29° | 25° | 215 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 20° - 29° | 24° | 237 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 280 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 270 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 22° - 31° | 27° | 225 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 22° - 31° | 27° | 220 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 253 mm | - | - | 1.4 m/s | - | - |
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.