Overview
The Shortland Islands sit at the far western edge of the Solomon Islands, separated from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea by only a narrow stretch of water. This tight geographic proximity means the islands occupy a genuinely unusual cultural and logistical space — travelers crossing between the two countries do so in short boat rides, yet are crossing an international border.
The island group includes Shortland Island (Alu), Fauro, Ovau, and several smaller islets. The population is small and communities are largely subsistence-oriented, with fishing and gardening forming the backbone of daily life. Infrastructure is limited by design and by geography — there are no large hotels, no tourist infrastructure to speak of, and connectivity to the rest of the Solomon Islands requires planning.
For travelers willing to embrace genuine remoteness, the rewards are significant: undisturbed reef systems, dense mangroves, exceptional birdlife, and a sense of being somewhere that mass tourism has simply not reached. The area also carries deep WWII history; the surrounding waters saw significant naval engagements during the Guadalcanal Campaign and related operations.
The nearby town of Nason (and by extension, this guide also considers the provincial capital of Buka and the city of Kokopo/Rabaul in East New Britain Province, PNG) provides the most practical gateway for visitors approaching from the PNG side. Understanding the dual-country context of this region is essential before planning any trip.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
This destination spans an international border. Visitors must hold valid documentation for both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea if they intend to move between the two countries. Entry rules can change; check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Solomon Islands Immigration Authority and Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority before travel.
Health Precautions
Malaria is present in the Shortland Islands and across Western Province broadly. Consult a travel medicine specialist well before departure for up-to-date prophylaxis recommendations. Dengue fever is also a risk. Ensure routine vaccinations are current, and consider hepatitis A and typhoid given limited sanitation infrastructure in remote areas. Medical facilities in the Shortland Islands are extremely basic — serious emergencies may require evacuation to Honiara or Port Moresby.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for mosquito protection
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- Water purification tablets or a reliable filter
- Basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications in ample supply
- Waterproof dry bags for boat travel
- Cash in SBD (and PNG Kina if crossing into PNG) — ATMs are not reliably available in this area; verify locally
Connectivity
Mobile coverage exists in parts of the Shortland Islands via Solomon Islands networks but is patchy. Do not rely on internet access for navigation or emergencies. Download offline maps before departure.
Getting There
From Honiara (Solomon Islands)
Solomon Airlines operates domestic routes connecting Honiara to various provincial airstrips. The closest functional airstrip to the Shortland Islands is at Shortland/Alu itself. Service frequency is limited and schedules change; check directly with Solomon Airlines or a local travel agent for current timetables. Verify all bookings close to your departure date.
From Papua New Guinea (Buka / Bougainville)
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (PNG) lies immediately adjacent to the Shortland Islands. Buka has an airport served from Port Moresby and other PNG cities. From Buka, small boat crossings to the Shortland Islands are the traditional method of movement, but crossing an international border this way has specific legal and procedural requirements. Do not attempt an informal crossing — confirm procedures with both countries' immigration authorities in advance.
Practical Notes
- Flights to remote Solomon Islands destinations often operate on small turboprop aircraft with strict baggage weight limits
- Weather delays are common, especially November to April
- Build generous buffer days into your itinerary at both ends of the trip
Getting Around
On the islands themselves, travel is primarily by foot and by small outboard motorboat (locally called 'banana boats' or simply dinghies). There are no paved roads of significance and no public bus or taxi network. Arrange boat transport through your accommodation host or through community contacts — this typically requires negotiation and advance planning.
Inter-island movement within the Shortland group is entirely by boat. Sea conditions can make this uncomfortable or impossible during periods of rough weather, particularly November through April. Always confirm weather and sea state before committing to crossings.
If approaching from Buka (PNG), transport options by road and boat exist but require understanding of local schedules and the border situation. Verify current conditions locally as infrastructure and services in Bougainville have been subject to change following the region's recent political transition.
Where to Stay
Formal accommodation in the Shortland Islands is extremely limited. Basic guesthouses exist but availability and standards vary; confirm all arrangements well in advance through community contacts, local tourism boards, or Solomon Islands-based tour operators with experience in the Western Province.
Homestays with local families are often the most practical option and can provide a more meaningful experience of island life. These should be arranged respectfully, with fair payment discussed openly in advance. The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau may be able to assist with identifying reliable contacts — verify locally.
For travelers using the Bougainville/PNG side as a base, Buka and Kokopo offer a wider range of guesthouses and hotels catering to business travelers and NGO workers, which tend to be more reliably bookable. Standards and prices vary; verify current options directly with providers before booking.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
The reefs surrounding the Shortland Islands are largely pristine, with high coral coverage and diverse marine life including sharks, rays, and extensive reef fish populations. WWII-era wrecks in the wider New Georgia Sound (the 'Slot') and surrounding waters attract serious wreck divers. There is no established dive operation based in the Shortlands — travelers typically need to be self-sufficient or arrange guides through informal community contacts. Verify dive logistics thoroughly before travel.
WWII History
The waters and surrounding region were heavily contested during the 1942–1943 Guadalcanal Campaign. The area saw naval engagements and the islands themselves were occupied by Japanese forces. Remnants, oral histories, and the general atmosphere of this history permeate the region. Travelers interested in Pacific WWII history will find the Shortlands a sobering and significant stop.
Birdwatching and Nature
The Shortland Islands support mangrove forests, coastal scrub, and secondary forest that shelter a range of bird species including species shared with Bougainville. The islands sit within the Melanesian avifaunal zone, and patient observers may encounter endemic or near-endemic species. Bring binoculars and a relevant regional field guide.
Cultural Exchange
Communities on the Shortland Islands maintain traditional practices including weaving, fishing techniques, and community governance structures. Visitors who approach with genuine respect and patience — and ideally with a community contact or guide — may be welcomed into village life. Always ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants in the Western sense in the Shortland Islands. Food is almost entirely community and household-based. Travelers staying with local families or in guesthouses will typically eat what the household eats: fresh fish, root vegetables such as sweet potato, taro, and cassava, coconut, and local greens.
Fresh fruit can be abundant depending on the season. Safe drinking water is not reliably available from taps — treat all water before drinking. Bottled water should be carried where possible but supply is not guaranteed; water purification equipment is strongly advised.
On the PNG side, the city of Kokopo (East New Britain Province) offers a broader range of food and drink options including local markets, trade stores, and some restaurants serving both Papua New Guinean and internationally influenced food. Buka town similarly has a modest selection of local eateries and markets.
Practical Information
Money
The Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) is the currency in the Shortlands. PNG Kina is relevant if crossing into Bougainville. Cash is essential — do not rely on card payments or ATMs being available in this area. Carry sufficient cash from Honiara or another major hub before heading to remote areas.
Communications
Satellite communication devices (such as personal locator beacons or satellite messengers) are strongly recommended given the remoteness and the possibility of medical or weather emergencies. Register a PLB with the relevant maritime authority if traveling by boat extensively.
Emergency Services
Formal emergency response capacity is very limited in the Shortland Islands. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Honiara is likely necessary. Carry appropriate travel insurance that explicitly covers medical evacuation from remote Pacific islands — verify the policy terms carefully before purchase.
Electricity
Power supply is unreliable or unavailable in much of the Shortland Islands. Solar panels power some community facilities and guesthouses. Carry a portable power bank for essential devices. The Solomon Islands uses Type I plugs (same as Australia) where mains power is available.
Safety
The Shortland Islands are not a high-crime destination. The primary safety risks are environmental: sea crossings in small open boats, malaria and other vector-borne illness, limited medical care, and the general hazards of remote travel.
Check your government's travel advisory for both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea before departure. Bougainville has undergone significant political change following its 2019 independence referendum and the situation should be assessed for currency. The border region between Bougainville and the Shortland Islands has generally been peaceful but remoteness and limited infrastructure mean travelers should exercise heightened self-reliance.
Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return times when taking boat trips. Weather can change quickly and sea conditions in the Solomon Sea and surrounding waters can become hazardous. Never take unnecessary risks with boat crossings in poor conditions.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Shortland Islands are home to the Alu people, whose language and customs are closely related to communities on nearby Bougainville — reflecting the geographic reality that this border was drawn by colonial powers through a culturally continuous region. Cross-border family ties and trade relationships remain strong.
Solomon Islands society broadly values community cohesion, respect for elders, and a measured, non-confrontational style of interaction. Direct refusals or aggressive negotiation are not culturally comfortable. Visitors should adopt a patient, respectful manner and allow time for relationships to develop before making requests.
Christianity is practiced widely across the Shortland Islands, with various denominations represented. Sunday is generally observed as a rest day and travelers should be mindful of this when planning movements or requesting assistance.
Dress modestly outside of beach settings — this applies equally to men and women. Revealing clothing is generally inappropriate in villages and communities. Always seek permission before entering community areas, gardens, or sacred sites.
