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Solomon Islands🇸🇧 | villagesTaro IslandProvincial capital islet, produce market, airstrip, shore reef | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Taro Island
🏆 Top pickvillage ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Taro Island is the administrative center of Choiseul Province, and you feel that in the best small-scale way: government offices, a clinic, a market and an airstrip share a flat, coconut-fringed islet barely big enough to cross in minutes. It sits in Choiseul Bay, off the northwest end of Choiseul in the Solomon Islands, a long way up the chain from Honiara. Mornings smell of woodsmoke and wet coral sand, and outboards buzz across water that shifts from pale green to ink within a few paddle strokes. The upside is calm, friendly greetings and reef within walking distance. The downside is thin infrastructure, patchy supplies and very few other travelers, so nights are quiet, with generator hum, string-band guitar from somewhere and early bedtimes. Meeting people means talking to locals, which is the point. Land, drop your bag, walk the shoreline at low tide, then buy fruit at the market and watch the afternoon light flatten across the bay.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Solomon Islands Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 village in Solomon IslandsWhy visitors keep coming back

Backpackers come to Taro Island because it is the practical gateway to Choiseul Bay and the wider province of Choiseul, known locally as Lauru, a region that sees very few visitors compared with the Western Province dive towns. You are not here for a checklist. You are here to see a working provincial town at island pace, where the airstrip is the social event of the day and the market sets the rhythm of the week. It suits slow travelers, solo wanderers who like starting conversations, and anyone building a route into less-traveled Solomon Islands who needs a base to arrange village stays and boat rides. Most people stay a night or two while sorting logistics, though those who enjoy snorkeling off quiet reefs and long chats on verandas tend to linger. It is not a social hostel scene, and you … read more 👉
Backpackers come to Taro Island because it is the practical gateway to Choiseul Bay and the wider province of Choiseul, known locally as Lauru, a region that sees very few visitors compared with the Western Province dive towns. You are not here for a checklist. You are here to see a working provincial town at island pace, where the airstrip is the social event of the day and the market sets the rhythm of the week. It suits slow travelers, solo wanderers who like starting conversations, and anyone building a route into less-traveled Solomon Islands who needs a base to arrange village stays and boat rides. Most people stay a night or two while sorting logistics, though those who enjoy snorkeling off quiet reefs and long chats on verandas tend to linger. It is not a social hostel scene, and you should bring patience for delayed plans and flexible schedules. If you want polished amenities, skip it. If you want a real corner of Lauru with warm hospitality, this is a good start.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Taro Island

  1. Taro Market: The island’s busiest spot and the best place to see what Choiseul grows and catches: bananas, cassava, taro, greens, betel nut and fish laid on tables and mats. Go early in the morning when stock is freshest. Entry is free, you only pay for what you buy (small amounts, a few Solomon Islands dollars per bunch or pile), and an hour is plenty for browsing and chatting.
  2. Shoreline walk around Taro Island: A loop along the sand and coral edge shows you the whole place: houses on stilts, canoes pulled up under trees, the airstrip and views across Choiseul Bay to the mainland hills. Low tide in the morning or late afternoon gives the firmest sand and the softest light. It costs nothing and takes roughly 1 to 2 hours at a dawdle. Greet people as you pass, and ask before photographing anyone.
… read more 👉
  1. Taro Market: The island’s busiest spot and the best place to see what Choiseul grows and catches: bananas, cassava, taro, greens, betel nut and fish laid on tables and mats. Go early in the morning when stock is freshest. Entry is free, you only pay for what you buy (small amounts, a few Solomon Islands dollars per bunch or pile), and an hour is plenty for browsing and chatting.
  2. Shoreline walk around Taro Island: A loop along the sand and coral edge shows you the whole place: houses on stilts, canoes pulled up under trees, the airstrip and views across Choiseul Bay to the mainland hills. Low tide in the morning or late afternoon gives the firmest sand and the softest light. It costs nothing and takes roughly 1 to 2 hours at a dawdle. Greet people as you pass, and ask before photographing anyone.
  3. Snorkeling the reef off Taro Island: The water around the island is clear and calm on most mornings, with coral shallows and reef fish close to shore. Bring your own mask and fins, since rental is not something to count on. Go in the morning when the sun is high enough to light the reef and the wind is low. Swimming from the shore is free; a local boat to a nearby reef usually costs a negotiated fee, often in the range of SBD 100 to 300 (about US$12 to 35). Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Beyond the island, the villages across Choiseul Bay on the mainland and the forested coast of northwest Lauru make good day trips by local boat, with village visits and swimming spots arranged through the provincial town. The market and the shoreline walk combine well in one morning, leaving the afternoon for snorkeling while the tide is up.
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🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Drier Months (May to October): Southeast trade winds bring the clearest stretch of the year, with daytime highs around 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F) and nights near 23°C (73°F). Seas in Choiseul Bay are usually calmer for small boats, and snorkeling visibility is at its best. Daylight runs roughly 12 hours all year at this latitude, with sunrise near 6 am and sunset near 6 pm.
  • Wetter Months (November to April): Humid, heavy showers are frequent and cyclones can pass through between January and March. Temperatures stay similar, but the air feels thick, boats get canceled, and the grass airstrip can turn soft. Fewer visitors come, yet few services exist to be crowded anyway.
  • Crowds and Prices: Taro has no true tourist season. Guesthouse rates and boat fares stay flat (fuel is the main cost swing), though
… read more 👉
  • Drier Months (May to October): Southeast trade winds bring the clearest stretch of the year, with daytime highs around 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F) and nights near 23°C (73°F). Seas in Choiseul Bay are usually calmer for small boats, and snorkeling visibility is at its best. Daylight runs roughly 12 hours all year at this latitude, with sunrise near 6 am and sunset near 6 pm.
  • Wetter Months (November to April): Humid, heavy showers are frequent and cyclones can pass through between January and March. Temperatures stay similar, but the air feels thick, boats get canceled, and the grass airstrip can turn soft. Fewer visitors come, yet few services exist to be crowded anyway.
  • Crowds and Prices: Taro has no true tourist season. Guesthouse rates and boat fares stay flat (fuel is the main cost swing), though flights fill around Christmas and school holidays when families travel home.
  • Events: Church feast days and village gatherings cluster in December and around Easter, and are worth catching if you are invited.
Book the Solomon Airlines flight a few weeks ahead for July to September, when seats on the small aircraft go first.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

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An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Taro has only a handful of basic places to sleep, so plan on a simple guesthouse in the town area near the wharf and the airstrip, and expect to pay roughly SBD 250 to 500 (US$30 to 60) a night for a private room. Taro is the capital of Choiseul Province, yet it is tiny, with a few government buildings, a market, a hospital and some shops. Rooms are plain, usually a fan or a net, shared or small private bathrooms, and rain-tank water. Power can be patchy, so bring a power bank and a headlamp.

Meals are often arranged with the guesthouse, and it is smart to ask about them when you book, since … read more 👉
Taro has only a handful of basic places to sleep, so plan on a simple guesthouse in the town area near the wharf and the airstrip, and expect to pay roughly SBD 250 to 500 (US$30 to 60) a night for a private room. Taro is the capital of Choiseul Province, yet it is tiny, with a few government buildings, a market, a hospital and some shops. Rooms are plain, usually a fan or a net, shared or small private bathrooms, and rain-tank water. Power can be patchy, so bring a power bank and a headlamp.

Meals are often arranged with the guesthouse, and it is smart to ask about them when you book, since restaurants are almost nonexistent. Supplies at the town store are limited, so carry snacks, coffee and any special foods from Honiara or Gizo.

For something more rustic, the cheapest option is a village homestay on a nearby island or on the Choiseul mainland, usually SBD 100 to 250 (US$12 to 30) with meals negotiated separately. Arrange it through the provincial tourism contacts or the guesthouse, and bring a gift of rice, tea or fuel money for the boat. Avoid turning up unannounced with no booking, because landowner permission matters here. Cash is essential, as there are no reliable card machines.
Best hostels in Solomon Islands


Best quality hotels in Solomon Islands

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Taro works as a base for short boat outings, but everything runs on hired outboard motors and fuel, so day trips are easy to arrange yet never cheap, and you should expect to split costs with others.
Choiseul Bay Snorkeling:
The sheltered reefs and small islets around the bay are the simplest outing, 15 to 40 minutes by small boat. Count on SBD 400 to 900 (US$50 to 110) for the boat, shared among the group. Go on a calm morning between May and October. First-timers often forget reef shoes, sunscreen and a dry bag, and spray soaks everything.

Mainland Villages:
Crossing to mainland Choiseul lets you walk through coastal villages, see gardens and carved canoes, and meet people who rarely see visitors. Allow a half day with boat fuel costing around US$40 to 90 return. Ask your guesthouse to send … read more 👉
Taro works as a base for short boat outings, but everything runs on hired outboard motors and fuel, so day trips are easy to arrange yet never cheap, and you should expect to split costs with others.
Choiseul Bay Snorkeling:
The sheltered reefs and small islets around the bay are the simplest outing, 15 to 40 minutes by small boat. Count on SBD 400 to 900 (US$50 to 110) for the boat, shared among the group. Go on a calm morning between May and October. First-timers often forget reef shoes, sunscreen and a dry bag, and spray soaks everything.

Mainland Villages:
Crossing to mainland Choiseul lets you walk through coastal villages, see gardens and carved canoes, and meet people who rarely see visitors. Allow a half day with boat fuel costing around US$40 to 90 return. Ask your guesthouse to send word ahead, since turning up without a village introduction is the usual mistake.

Choiseul Bay Islets:
Small sandy islets near Taro are good for a picnic and a swim, about 20 to 30 minutes away by boat. Pack your own water and lunch, as nothing is sold there. Low tide exposes shallows, so check tides with the boat driver.

Lauru Forest Walk:
A guided walk inland from the coast brings birdsong, sago palms and views over the bay. Plan three to five hours in the drier months, with a local guide costing about SBD 150 to 300 (US$18 to 36). Trails get slick after rain, so wear shoes with grip.

FAQFrequently asked questions about Taro Island

Fly with Solomon Airlines from Honiara to Taro, a trip of about 1.5 to 2 hours, usually via a stop in the Western Province. Flights operate only a few days a week, and fares run roughly US$150 to 300 one way, so book early. Cargo and passenger boats from Honiara and Gizo also reach Choiseul but take a day or more and run irregularly.
Taro is worth it if you want an unhurried, almost tourist-free stretch of the Solomons with reefs, mainland villages and no resort scene. Expect basic rooms, few restaurants and boat trips that cost more than you might guess, around US$50 to 110 for a shared hire. Plan two to four days to fit in snorkeling and a village visit, and skip it if you need comforts or reliable internet.
Not realistically, because flights from Honiara or Gizo arrive only on certain days and the schedule seldom allows a same-day return. The town itself can be seen in an hour or two on foot, while the nearby reefs and villages need a boat. Stay at least one or two nights to make the flight cost worthwhile.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

More places to explore across Solomon Islands

Taro Island isn’t the only highlight in Solomon Islands. Explore all what Solomon Islands has to offer.
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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Most first-timers treat Taro as a place to get through, but the airstrip is the island’s living room. When a plane is due, half the town drifts over to meet it, trade news and send parcels, and you will meet more people there in an hour than anywhere else. Go down early, stay out of the way and bring a few small notes for buying food from the sellers who gather.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Solomon Islands. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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