A secluded island resort located off the coast of Guadalcanal, offering an authentic tropical island escape. The resort features traditional-style bungalows with modern comforts, pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and a peaceful atmosphere. Accessible by boat transfer, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from Honiara.
Tavanipupu Island Resort occupies its own private island within Marau Sound, a sheltered lagoon system at the eastern tip of Guadalcanal Province, roughly 90 minutes by speedboat from Honiara. The island gained international recognition in 2012 when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent two nights there during the Diamond Jubilee Pacific tour, cementing its reputation as one of the Solomon Islands' most desirable retreats.
The resort grounds cover a compact coral island fringed by white-sand beaches and surrounded by intact reef systems. Six traditional-style thatched bungalows are spaced generously along the beach and through the palm grove, each fitted with air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, and open verandas overlooking the lagoon. The architecture draws on Melanesian building forms while meeting solid standards of comfort, with four-poster beds and quality linens.
Dining centres on an open-sided restaurant and bar that serves fresh seafood caught daily — coral trout, red bass, and crayfish are frequent specials — alongside grilled meats and tropical salads. Most guests take full-board packages; the kitchen accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.
The house reef directly off the beach provides excellent snorkelling with abundant staghorn coral, clownfish, reef sharks, and sea turtles. The resort's dive centre offers guided dives to deeper sites around Marau Sound, including walls, pinnacles, and seasonal pelagic encounters. Sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for lagoon exploration. Game fishing charters for blue marlin and yellowfin tuna can be arranged in the open water beyond Marau Sound.
Service is personal, with a low staff-to-guest ratio ensuring attentive assistance throughout each stay. All-inclusive packages covering meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and selected activities offer solid value for a remote island property. Transfers are coordinated from Henderson International Airport or Honiara's main wharf, and the resort can assist with domestic flight bookings.
Amenities
- beachfront bungalows
- restaurant
- bar
- diving center
- snorkeling
- kayaks
- fishing
- private beach
- boat transfers
- all-inclusive packages available
Location
Tavanipupu Private Island, Marau Sound, Guadalcanal Province
-9.7456, 161.2234 View on map
Highlights
- Private island setting in Marau Sound lagoon, accessible only by boat transfer from Honiara
- Direct house reef snorkelling with coral trout, sea turtles, and reef sharks from the beach
- Operated dive centre offering guided dives to walls, pinnacles, and pelagic sites around Marau Sound
- Thatched beachfront bungalows with air conditioning and verandas overlooking the lagoon
- Fresh daily seafood — crayfish, coral trout, red bass — served in the open-sided restaurant
Tips for visiting
- Book boat transfers in advance; the resort coordinates pickups from Henderson Airport or Honiara wharf, but timing depends on tides and weather
- Full-board packages are strongly recommended as there are no other food options on the island
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent — the remote setting means limited resupply options
- Dive certification holders should email the dive centre before arrival to reserve equipment and confirm available sites
- The dry season (May to October) brings calmer seas and better underwater visibility for diving and snorkelling
When to visit
May to October (dry season) for calmest seas, best diving visibility, and lowest rainfall. November to April brings higher humidity, some tropical rain, and occasionally rough crossing conditions.
Accessibility
Island access requires a 90-minute boat transfer; no vehicle access to the island. Terrain is flat sand and compacted coral paths. Steps may be present at jetty entry points. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the resort directly before booking.