Gizo is the third largest town in the Solomon Islands, and serves as the provincial centre to the Western Province. It is situated on the island of Ghizo (different spelling, same pronunciation). With the appearance of a shanty town, the main street which was sealed at the end off 2009, runs along the waterfront lined with small stores and an open air market. Views in most directions show palm tree studded islands ringed by coral reef and clear waters.
For those with an interest in history, Kerrie and Danny have researched the local WWII war history in Washington, USA, and have information on well known subjects, such asJohn F. Kennedy and the PT109. Diving highlights are the intact Japanese transport Toa Maru, three WWII aircraft, unlimited wall diving, coral gardens and exciting drift dives for the more experienced divers. Bush walks toWWII land sites, village tours and bird watching excursions can be arranged.
The people of the Western Province produce famous carvings from various woods and stone. Woven bags, baskets and mats are also ancient village arts and are available for purchase. Adventure Sports shop has a good selection of carvings and baskets.
General stores line the main street of Gizo and supply a wide range of goods and foods. The daily markets provide fruit and vegetables and fresh fish.
Gizo offers a number of restaurants, with the standard fare being fresh seafood and fruit.
Places of interest
Ghizo Island: Go by boat or walk to Saeraghi village along a scenic coast line to Gizo’s most famous beach. Stop at Gilbertese and Melanesian villages along the way, where traditional life still continues.
Kennedy Island: A beautiful small island where US President JF Kennedy and crew of the PT109 were shipwrecked during WWII. Great for snorkelling and beachcombing.
Skull Island: A great day trip to step back in time to the days of head hunting, where you will visit a shrine composed of the skulls of chiefs and warriors. Travelling through the picturesque Vona Vona Lagoon and jungle river tour, the day is completed with lunch alongside the lagoon at Zipolo Habu Resort on Lola Island.
Simbo Island: Bush walk, climb the volcanic crater, and watch the locals cook megadpode eggs in thermal ponds. A breath taking boat trip to Nusa Simbo viewing cascading vines and ferns down dramatic volcanic cliffs. This trip is dependent on favourable conditions.
WWII Tours: For those interested in war history, you can visit an American Tank, Japanese Gun Fort and partially submerged wrecks, or just browse through our books and information folders accumulated from personal research in the US Naval Archives.
Surfing: Gizo is renowned for two great surf breaks, Titiana Village which is a left hander for the goofy footers and Paeloge is a barrelling right hander. Truly world class surfing during the months of November to April.
Bird Tours: Tours can be organised to locate our endemic bird species on both Ghizo Island and the surrounding region. For an extremely detailed list of ‘whats to be found where’ following the Birdquest tour of September 2007, click on their link. We are also happy to take individuals who arrive in Gizo unbooked for truck, boat and walking trips.
Fishing: Our fishing is provided by Nathan Parkinson of “Local Link” who’s 20 years of experience in the Gizo area will give you the best opportunity to catch the fish of your choice.
Kolombangara: A large dormant volcano peak awaits the fit and adventurous trekker. Venture into a natural rainforest towards the breathtaking rim.
Source: divegizo.com
