Vella Lavella

Vella Lavella is an island in the Solomon Islands archipelago in the South Pacific, inhabited and covered largely by tropical forest. It lies among the New Georgia island group within the Western Province of the country.

The island offers beaches, reefs and forested interior terrain; visitors may encounter local villages, subsistence agriculture and natural coastal environments. Marine activities such as snorkeling and diving are available around reef areas.

During World War II the island was the scene of military operations in 1943, and wartime history remains an element of its appeal for some visitors. Present-day access and services are limited and travel is typically arranged via inter-island transport.

Geographically it sits in the Solomon Islands’ Western Province in the southwest Pacific, among other mid-sized islands of the New Georgia group.

• WWII history: Site of fighting during the Pacific campaign in 1943, and still contains wartime relics and memorials in places.

Vella Lavella is reached only by sea or private charter from other Solomon Islands islands. The normal approach is to fly from Honiara (Honiara International) to Munda (Munda Airport, New Georgia) on a domestic carrier, then take a local inter-island boat from Munda to Vella Lavella. Alternatively you can arrange a charter boat directly from Honiara; there are no regular paved roads to the island from other islands.

• Plan to arrive by boat in the early morning when seas are calmer and visibility is best for snorkeling and landing at remote beaches.
• Arrange a local guide or contact the main village before you go-guides can show WWII sites and inland trails that independent visitors often miss.
• Because inter-island transport and services are infrequent, book your boat/transfer and basic accommodation in advance and carry enough local cash for village purchases.