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15 Most Instagrammable Places in Solomon Islands for 2025 (A Local’s Perspective)

Discover the 15 most Instagrammable spots in the Solomon Islands for 2025. From pristine beaches to hidden WWII relics, this local's guide reveals the perfect photo locations most travelers miss.

Discover Solomon Islands’ Hidden Photo Spots

The first time I visited the Solomon Islands in 2016, I made a rookie mistake. While wandering through a local market in Honiara, I pulled out my camera to capture the vibrant piles of fresh produce. The immediate tension in the air was palpable – I’d failed to ask permission first, a cultural faux pas I still cringe about. After apologizing and spending time chatting with the vendors (and buying far too many coconuts as goodwill), I learned my first lesson about photography in this Pacific paradise.

Nine visits later, the Solomon Islands has become my photographic obsession. Unlike the heavily filtered scenes of Bora Bora or Fiji dominating your Instagram feed, the Solomons offer authenticity that’s increasingly rare in travel photography. From turquoise lagoons to WWII wrecks reclaimed by nature, these islands are a photographer’s dream waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, I’ll share the 15 most photogenic locations across the Solomon Islands that will transform your Instagram feed in 2025, along with the cultural context and practical tips you won’t find in standard guidebooks. Mi lukim iu fala (See you soon) in paradise!

Marovo Lagoon: World’s Largest Saltwater Lagoon

If there’s one place in the Solomons that’s guaranteed to earn you envious comments, it’s Marovo Lagoon. This UNESCO World Heritage site in the Western Province is the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, stretching over 700 square kilometers of crystal-clear water dotted with hundreds of jungle-covered islands.

During my third visit in 2019, I discovered that the best photographs come at dawn when the water is perfectly still, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding rainforest. For the ultimate shot, arrange with your accommodation (I recommend Wilderness Lodge) for an early morning canoe ride with a local guide.

💡 Photographer’s Tip: The best light hits between 6:00-7:30 AM. Bring a polarizing filter to cut glare and enhance the incredible blues and greens beneath the surface.

Cost-Saving Insider Tip

Rather than booking expensive tours from Honiara, fly directly to Seghe airstrip (from SBD$1,500/~$180 USD) and negotiate with local boat operators for lagoon transportation. You’ll save at least SBD$3,000 (~$360 USD) and have a more authentic experience. Just be sure to bring enough cash as there are no ATMs in this remote region.

Tenaru Falls: Jungle Waterfall Paradise

Located about an hour’s drive from Honiara on Guadalcanal, Tenaru Falls delivers that perfect jungle waterfall shot that performs exceptionally well on social media. The falls cascade about 60 meters down a sheer rock face into a deep, swimmable pool surrounded by lush rainforest.

What makes this location special is how the light filters through the canopy around midday, creating dramatic light rays in your photos if there’s a bit of mist or humidity (which is almost guaranteed in the Solomons).

The hike to reach the falls is moderately challenging, taking about 45 minutes through dense jungle. I learned the hard way that standard hiking shoes aren’t sufficient here – after slipping twice on muddy sections during the 2023 rainy season, I now recommend proper traction boots.

Photography Setup

  • Use a tripod for long exposure shots (1-3 seconds) to create that silky water effect
  • Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe inevitable spray from your lens
  • A wide-angle lens (16-24mm) captures the full grandeur of the falls
  • Consider a waterproof camera bag – I ruined a lens on my first visit when an unexpected downpour hit

You’ll need to pay a small fee (SBD$100/~$12 USD per person) to the local landowners who maintain the trail. This is non-negotiable and goes directly to the community, so please respect this practice.

Bonegi Beach: WWII Wrecks for Underwater Photography

Just 10km west of Honiara lies one of the most unique photographic opportunities in the South Pacific. Bonegi Beach features two Japanese transport ships from WWII (known locally as Bonegi I and Bonegi II) that now rest in shallow water just meters from shore.

The contrast between rusting metal, colorful coral, and tropical fish creates underwater images that stand out dramatically on social media feeds. What makes these wrecks special is their accessibility – unlike most wreck diving sites worldwide, these can be photographed while snorkeling.

During my latest visit in early 2024, I noticed significant changes in coral growth compared to my first documentation in 2017. Nature continues to reclaim these war relics, with vibrant soft corals creating an ever-evolving canvas.

🚨 Safety Alert: While beautiful, these wrecks have sharp edges. Always wear a rashguard or wetsuit when swimming close to the structures, and never enter the wrecks without proper diving certification and equipment.

Best Times for Photography

Time Advantages Challenges
9:00-11:00 AM Best lighting for underwater visibility Can get crowded with local tours
3:00-5:00 PM Beautiful backlit shots of the exposed portions Lower underwater visibility
Weekdays Fewer visitors disturbing the water Less authentic local activity

Unlike most beaches in the Solomons, Bonegi has basic facilities including small food vendors selling kokoda (Solomon Islands ceviche) for around SBD$50 (~$6 USD) – perfect for a post-photography refuel.

Kennedy Island: Historical Beauty Spot

This tiny island in the Western Province carries significant historical weight as the place where future US President John F. Kennedy and his PT-109 crew swam after their boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. Today, it’s also one of the most picturesque islands in the Solomons, with a perfect ring of white sand surrounding a small jungle interior.

What makes this location Instagram gold is the startling contrast between the perfectly white beach, the azure waters, and the historical monument. The small size of the island allows for creative compositions incorporating the entire landmass.

During my 2022 visit, I discovered the best angle is from the small wooden jetty on the western side, shooting back toward the island during the golden hour (around 5:30 PM). This requires staying longer than most tour groups, so arrange private transportation or be prepared to negotiate for a later pickup.

Sustainable Tourism Tip

The island experiences issues with plastic waste washing ashore. I now make it a habit to bring a small bag and collect trash during my photography sessions. Not only does this create cleaner backgrounds for your photos, but it also builds goodwill with local guides who are increasingly concerned about environmental impacts.

Access to Kennedy Island requires a boat from Gizo (approximately SBD$800/~$95 USD return trip). Split this with other travelers to reduce costs and environmental impact.

Skull Island: Ethically Photographing Cultural Sites

Perhaps the most controversial yet undeniably compelling photographic location in the Solomons is Skull Island (Vonavona Lagoon). This small island houses the skull shrines of former tribal chiefs and enemy warriors, creating haunting imagery unlike anything in your typical tropical paradise feed.

After my first misguided visit in 2017, where I approached photography too casually, I’ve learned that proper cultural respect is essential. Now I always:

  1. Arrange visits through respected local guides who can perform proper cultural introductions
  2. Bring a small offering of tobacco or betel nut for customary presentations
  3. Ask specific permission before photographing individual shrines
  4. Never touch or move any items for “better composition”
  5. Share copies of images with community representatives

The most striking compositions juxtapose the white skulls against the dark wooden shrines and lush vegetation. A 50mm prime lens helps create portraits that are respectful rather than sensationalistic.

⚠️ Cultural Note: While these photos generate significant engagement online, always provide context in your captions. Explain the cultural significance rather than positioning these sites as merely “creepy” attractions. The concept of kastom (custom) is deeply important in Solomon Islands culture.

Langa Langa Lagoon: The Artificial Islands

Off the coast of Malaita Island lies a photographer’s dream landscape that few outsiders have documented. The people of Langa Langa Lagoon have constructed entire islands by hand, piling coral stones over centuries to create habitable land. The result is a network of small islands connected by wooden footbridges that create striking geometric patterns when photographed from above.

My most successful images came from hiring a local fishing boat and photographing during the rising tide when water completely surrounds each coral platform. The communities live directly over the water, with houses on stilts and daily life unfolding just inches above the lagoon surface.

Photography Challenges

Visiting Langa Langa requires cultural sensitivity and preparation. The region is known for maintaining strong traditional practices, and photography permissions must be explicitly granted. In 2021, I made the mistake of assuming my guide had secured all necessary permissions, resulting in an uncomfortable standoff that was only resolved after lengthy negotiations.

I recommend:

  • Working with guides specifically from Auki (the provincial capital)
  • Budgeting SBD$200-300 (~$24-36 USD) for community contributions
  • Bringing printed photographs from previous travels to share with locals
  • Using a drone only after explicit permission from village chiefs (and being prepared for this to be declined)

The photographic reward is worth the effort – images of these hand-built islands consistently become my most-shared content from the Solomons, particularly when showing children paddling small canoes between the artificial islets.

Uepi Island: Where Lagoon Meets Deep Ocean

Some locations earn their Instagram fame through dramatic natural contrasts, and Uepi Island delivers this in spectacular fashion. Positioned on the edge of Marovo Lagoon, this small private island sits at the boundary where the shallow lagoon abruptly meets the deep Pacific Ocean.

The most compelling photographs capture this dramatic edge – from one side of the narrow island, you can frame the calm turquoise lagoon, while just meters away, the deep blue Pacific drops thousands of meters into the New Georgia Sound (nicknamed “The Slot” during WWII).

When I visited in 2023, I discovered that the single most photogenic spot is the resort’s jetty, where reef sharks gather to be fed at scheduled times. By positioning yourself at the end of the jetty facing back toward the island, you can capture split-level photos showing sharks below and the tropical landscape above.

Staying at Uepi Island Resort isn’t cheap (starting around SBD$2,500/~$300 USD per night), but it provides exclusive access to this photographic sweet spot.

Money-Saving Alternative

If Uepi’s rates exceed your budget, I’ve found that arranging a day trip from Seghe is possible for about SBD$1,000 (~$120 USD). You won’t have the same golden hour or early morning light, but midday still offers excellent visibility for the signature lagoon-meets-ocean shots. Tanggio tumas (thank you very much) to the local boatman named Rasta who showed me this workaround on my second visit!

Mataniko Falls: The Underground River Experience

Some of the most engaging travel photography shows experiences that viewers didn’t know were possible. That’s why Mataniko Falls remains one of my favorite shoots in the Solomons – it features a series of waterfalls flowing through caves, and visitors can actually swim through the underground river system.

Located about 45 minutes from Honiara, this adventure requires moderate fitness and basic swimming ability. The photographic payoff comes when you capture the light beams streaming through openings in the cave ceiling, illuminating the turquoise water below.

I learned through painful experience that traditional camera gear is challenging here. After nearly losing a DSLR during a 2019 visit, I now recommend GoPro or similar waterproof cameras with high dynamic range capabilities. The newest models handle the extreme light contrasts between the dark caves and bright skylights remarkably well.

🔦 Essential Gear: Waterproof headlamp, water shoes with good grip, dry bag for any electronics, and a guide! This is not a self-guided adventure.

Local guides charge around SBD$350 (~$42 USD) per person, which includes transportation from Honiara. The standard route follows the river downstream through several cave sections and emerges at a jungle pool perfect for cooling off.

Tetepare Island: The Last Wild Island

For photographers seeking truly unique content, Tetepare Island represents the holy grail. As the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific, it offers pristine beaches without footprints, ancient megapode bird nesting grounds, and critically endangered leatherback turtle nesting sites.

My first visit in 2018 was a complete failure – I arrived during the wrong season and found the research station closed. Returning in 2021 during the November-April window, I captured some of my most compelling Solomon Islands content, including night photography of turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean.

What makes Tetepare photos perform well on social is their rarity – very few travelers make it to this conservation success story. The island is managed by the Tetepare Descendants’ Association, who operate a small ecolodge that can accommodate just 10-12 guests.

Photography Planning Tips

Accommodations are basic (shared rooms with solar power) and cost around SBD$850 (~$102 USD) per night including meals and guided activities. Book at least 3-4 months in advance through their Honiara office.

The key photography opportunities include:

  • Nesting leatherback turtles (December-February, night photography)
  • Dugong feeding in seagrass beds (early morning, year-round)
  • Endemic Tetepare white-eye birds (challenging but rewarding wildlife photography)
  • Pristine coral gardens accessible directly from shore

The most unique shots come from the west-facing beaches at sunset, where the lack of human development creates a primeval scene straight from a time before human settlement.

Roderick Bay: The Abandoned Cruise Ship

For photographers seeking unusual juxtapositions, Roderick Bay in the Florida Islands offers something truly unique – the rusting hulk of the MS World Discoverer, a cruise ship that ran aground in 2000 and was subsequently abandoned.

What makes this location photographically compelling is the contrast between the decaying maritime giant and the pristine tropical setting. Local villagers have adapted to the presence of the wreck, sometimes using it as a diving platform, which creates fascinating human interest shots.

My first attempt to photograph the wreck in 2019 taught me an important lesson – the site looks completely different depending on tide levels. At high tide, water surrounds the ship dramatically; at low tide, more of the rusting structure is exposed. After three visits, I’ve found that mid-tide during the golden hour (around 5:00 PM) provides the most dynamic lighting.

Drone Photography Considerations

This is one of the few locations in the Solomons where drone photography truly shines, as the aerial perspective shows how the massive ship is nestled into the small bay. However, drone operations require special consideration:

  1. Always seek permission from the village chief first (customary offering of SBD$100/~$12 USD is appropriate)
  2. Limit flight time to minimize disruption to community life
  3. Be aware that children may follow your drone along the beach (incorporate this into your composition rather than considering it an annoyance)
  4. Share your results with the community – I bring a portable printer on return visits

Access requires a boat from Honiara (around SBD$2,500/~$300 USD for a full-day charter), but you can significantly reduce costs by joining one of the regular tours organized by Tulagi Dive.

Savo Island: Volcanic Hot Springs

Just a short boat ride from Honiara lies Savo Island, an active volcanic island where geothermal activity creates steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. This geological wonderland offers dramatic photography opportunities, especially when the natural steam catches the early morning or late afternoon light.

My favorite compositions juxtapose the primal energy of the geothermal features with the lush tropical vegetation that surrounds them. The mud pools, in particular, create abstract patterns that perform surprisingly well on social media.

During my 2020 visit, I watched local residents cooking megapode eggs (laid in the volcanically heated ground) in the hot springs – a fascinating cultural practice that makes for compelling documentary images.

Tours to Savo typically cost SBD$950-1,200 (~$114-144 USD) per person from Honiara, including boat transport and a local guide. However, I’ve found you can reduce this by at least 30% by:

  1. Taking the public ferry to Savo (SBD$150/~$18 USD return)
  2. Arranging a guide directly through guesthouses on the island
  3. Staying overnight to catch both evening and morning light (basic accommodations from SBD$250/~$30 USD)

💡 Photography Tip: The steam from the hot springs creates natural diffusion for portrait photography. I’ve captured some of my favorite environmental portraits by photographing local guides standing in the misty areas during early morning.

Ghizo Island: WWII Plane Wrecks

While Bonegi Beach offers shipwrecks, Ghizo Island showcases remarkable airplane wreckage from WWII. The most photogenic is a nearly intact Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter lying in clear, shallow water just offshore from Ghizo town. The relatively small size of the aircraft makes it possible to capture the entire wreck in one frame, creating powerful images of history beneath the waves.

I first tried photographing this site in 2018 with disappointing results due to poor visibility. Returning in 2022, I discovered that the key is timing your visit with both clear weather and the right tidal conditions. Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) typically offers the best combination of light penetration and water clarity.

A simple snorkel setup is sufficient for photography, though I recommend a red filter for underwater shots to restore colors absorbed by the water. The wreck lies in just 5-10 meters of water, accessible to anyone comfortable with basic snorkeling.

Finding the Exact Location

This is where local knowledge is invaluable. The Zero wreck doesn’t appear on most maps, and coordinates online are often incorrect. The most reliable approach is to:

  1. Stay at Saeraghi Village Homestay (SBD$350/~$42 USD per night)
  2. Arrange a guided snorkel trip with their staff (SBD$200/~$24 USD)
  3. Visit during weekdays when fewer tourists are in the water

Besides the main Zero wreck, guides can show you several less-photographed sites including a P-39 Airacobra and scattered aircraft debris that makes for compelling macro underwater photography.

Munda: Peter Joseph WWII Museum

Some of the most engaging travel photography tells human stories, and nowhere in the Solomons offers better narrative opportunities than the Peter Joseph WWII Museum in Munda (New Georgia Island). This small, community-run museum houses a remarkable collection of war relics recovered from the surrounding jungles and reefs.

What makes this location photographically special is the way items are displayed – often in simple, handmade wooden cases with natural lighting from windows. This creates a poignant atmosphere that translates beautifully to photographs, especially when using portrait orientation to capture both the artifacts and their simple surroundings.

The museum founder, Alphonse Kutal, sometimes guides visitors personally, and his weathered hands pointing to artifacts make for powerful documentary images that tell the story of how WWII continues to shape the Solomons today.

After my first brief visit in 2018, I returned in 2022 to spend a full day photographing in and around the museum. The most compelling images came from:

  • Close-up shots of dog tags and personal items with shallow depth of field
  • Wide-angle environmental images showing the contrast between tropical setting and military artifacts
  • Portraits of Alphonse and other elders who remember stories passed down about the war

The museum charges a modest SBD$50 (~$6 USD) entry fee, and I recommend budgeting an additional SBD$200-300 (~$24-36 USD) as a contribution if you spend significant time photographing.

Auki Central Market: Vibrant Local Life

Not all Instagram-worthy shots in the Solomons feature beaches and lagoons. The central market in Auki (Malaita’s provincial capital) offers a riot of colors, textures, and authentic local life that translates beautifully to photography.

My first attempt to photograph here in 2016 was that embarrassing cultural misstep I mentioned in the introduction. When I returned in 2019, I spent the first hour just walking around, buying small items, and chatting with vendors before even taking out my camera. This approach completely transformed the experience, resulting in welcome rather than suspicion.

The market’s most photogenic elements include:

  • Geometric displays of colorful fresh produce
  • Traditional shell money still used in cultural ceremonies
  • Women vendors with intricate facial tattoos (only photograph with explicit permission)
  • The early morning unloading of boats bringing goods from surrounding islands

I’ve found that a 35mm prime lens offers the perfect balance between environmental context and intimate details without being intrusive. Early morning (6:30-8:00 AM) provides the best natural light as the market is still open-sided.

🗣️ Cultural Tip: Learn a few phrases in Pijin before visiting. Even basic greetings like “Gud moning” (Good morning) and “Waswe?” (How’s it going?) open doors to more authentic interactions and photographs.

Kavachi: The Underwater Volcano

For truly unique content that few photographers have captured, Kavachi Submarine Volcano represents the ultimate Solomon Islands challenge. Located about 30km south of Vangunu Island, this underwater volcano periodically breaks the surface during active phases, creating dramatic plumes of steam and discolored water.

I spent three years trying to photograph Kavachi before succeeding in 2023. The challenges are significant – unpredictable activity phases, remote location requiring specialized boat charters, and safety concerns due to acidic water and potential eruptions.

Working with researchers from the Nature Conservancy, I finally captured aerial imagery during a moderate activity phase. The most striking compositions show the concentric rings of differently colored water surrounding the volcano – from the central greenish-yellow sulfurous zone to the vibrant blue of the deep ocean.

Practical Considerations

This is not a casual photography destination. If you’re determined to photograph Kavachi:

  1. Monitor the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program for activity reports
  2. Contact scientific researchers working in the area who may allow joining expeditions
  3. Budget at least SBD$15,000 (~$1,800 USD) for a custom charter from Gizo or Seghe
  4. Be prepared for multiple attempts – I was unsuccessful twice due to weather and volcanic inactivity

The photographic results, however, are truly one-of-a-kind. My Kavachi images have been licensed by multiple publications and perform exceptionally well on platforms that favor unique content.

Star Harbor: Traditional Dolphin Calling

On the eastern tip of Makira Island lies Star Harbor, where local communities practice the ancient tradition of calling wild dolphins to shore using only specific patterns of stone clapping underwater. This cultural practice creates extraordinary photographic opportunities as dozens of dolphins respond to the calls, swimming close to shore and interacting with community members.

I first heard about this practice in 2018 but couldn’t arrange logistics until 2022. The journey requires multiple flights and boat connections, but the resulting photographs justify the effort. The most compelling images capture the moment of connection between human and dolphin – hands reaching toward fins with expressions of mutual curiosity.

Unlike commercial dolphin experiences elsewhere in the world, this traditional practice involves no feeding or forced interactions. The dolphins are completely wild and free to leave at any time, which creates a more authentic and ethically sound photographic opportunity.

Photography Setup and Preparation

This challenging photographic environment requires:

  • Waterproof camera housings or dedicated underwater cameras
  • Fast shutter speeds (minimum 1/1000s) to freeze dolphin motion
  • Wide-angle to mid-range zoom lenses to capture both environmental context and details
  • Patience – the calling doesn’t always work, and some visits yield no dolphin encounters

Reaching Star Harbor typically involves flying to Kirakira (SBD$1,400/~$168 USD return from Honiara) followed by a boat journey (approximately SBD$1,500/~$180 USD for charter). Basic accommodations exist but are extremely limited, so most photographers arrange day trips from Kirakira.

🐬 Ethical Consideration: While this traditional practice is generally considered sustainable, increased tourist interest could change dynamics. Limit group sizes and always follow guidance from community elders about appropriate interaction.

Making Your Solomon Islands Photography Trip a Reality

After nine visits spanning eight years, I’ve developed a system for maximizing photographic opportunities in the Solomon Islands while navigating its logistical challenges. Here’s my 5-step action plan for planning your own photography adventure:

  1. Timing Is Everything: Schedule your visit during the dry season (May-November) for optimal lighting and water clarity. If photographing specific wildlife (like leatherback turtles), research their seasonal patterns carefully.
  2. Build in Buffer Days: Domestic flights in the Solomons are frequently delayed or canceled. I’ve learned to schedule 2-3 extra days for each island-hopping segment to avoid missing key photography opportunities.
  3. Connect Before Arriving: Join Solomon Islands Facebook groups and reach out to local photographers or guides months before your trip. These connections often lead to exclusive access to locations and events not available to typical visitors.
  4. Pack Strategically: Bring essential photography gear that can handle humidity (silica gel packets are lifesavers) and have backups for critical equipment. I now travel with two camera bodies, as repair services are non-existent.
  5. Respect First, Photograph Second: In every location, prioritize relationship-building over immediate photography. The time invested in proper cultural protocols and personal connections invariably leads to more authentic and compelling images.

The Solomon Islands remains one of the least photographed nations in Oceania, offering social media content that stands out dramatically from typical tropical destinations. While the logistics can be challenging, the photographic rewards – and the meaningful connections formed along the way – make this Pacific archipelago my favorite photography destination year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photography in the Solomon Islands

Is it safe to travel around the Solomon Islands with expensive camera equipment?

Generally yes, though with precautions. I’ve never had issues with theft in rural areas, but in Honiara, I avoid displaying expensive gear unnecessarily. Use nondescript camera bags, remove obvious brand logos where possible, and be discreet when changing lenses. The bigger risk to equipment is environmental – humidity and salt air can damage gear quickly, so proper waterproof storage is essential.

Do I need permission to photograph people in the Solomon Islands?

Yes, and this is non-negotiable. The concept of askɛm fest (ask first) is culturally important. I always establish eye contact, smile, and directly request permission before photographing individuals. For children, seek permission from both the child and a present adult. In some communities, photography may be restricted during certain ceremonies or near specific sacred sites.

How do I reach the more remote photographic locations?

The Solomon Islands operates domestic flights to provincial centers through Solomon Airlines, but schedules are limited and subject to change. For destinations like Tetepare or Star Harbor, you’ll need to combine flights with chartered boats. I recommend booking flights directly through the Solomon Airlines website at least 1-2 months in advance, then arranging water transportation through accommodations or dedicated tour operators.

What camera gear should I bring for underwater photography?

For casual underwater photography, a good action camera (GoPro or similar) with red filter is sufficient for most shallow reef and wreck photography. For serious underwater photography, I use a mirrorless camera in a dedicated underwater housing with strobe lighting. The key consideration is having equipment that can handle quick transitions between boat, beach, and water – systems with simple, reliable waterproof seals are preferable to complex housings that require extensive setup.

Are there any cultural taboos about photography I should know about?

Several important ones. In many areas, especially Malaita, photographing certain sacred objects or sites (tabu places) is strictly prohibited. When visiting skull shrines or similar cultural sites, always have a local guide who can advise on appropriate behavior. In some communities, there are beliefs about photography “capturing souls,” particularly of children, so transparency about your intentions is crucial.

How can I share my photos with the communities I visit?

This is both an ethical consideration and a way to build relationships for future visits. I travel with a small portable printer (Canon Selphy) to provide immediate prints to people I photograph. For broader sharing, I maintain a public Facebook album for each trip, as Facebook is widely used throughout the Solomons. Many communities now have at least one person with WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, allowing digital sharing of images after your visit.

What’s the best way to photograph the WWII sites respectfully?

WWII sites in the Solomon Islands are both historical artifacts and, in many cases, grave sites. Approach these locations with appropriate reverence. Never remove or disturb items, even for “better” compositions. When photographing wrecks, avoid sensationalizing human remains if encountered. Include historical context in your captions rather than treating these sites merely as “cool” photo opportunities.

Do I need a drone permit in the Solomon Islands?

As of 2024, the Solomon Islands lacks comprehensive drone regulations, but this doesn’t mean unrestricted use is appropriate. I always: 1) Register my drone with customs upon arrival, 2) Obtain verbal permission from landowners or chiefs before flying, 3) Avoid government buildings, airports, and ceremonies unless explicitly authorized. The informal nature of permissions means building relationships is essential before deploying aerial photography tools.

References and Further Reading

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