Capturing the best photos and videos while traveling through the Solomon Islands isn’t complicated. It’s all about knowing where to go, understanding some timing basics, respecting the local culture, and having the right gear on hand. Whether you’re using a smartphone or camera, you’ll find the Solomon Islands offer breathtaking moments at nearly every corner.
Best Locations for Photography
Honiara
The capital city, Honiara, is a great starting point. Head to Mount Austen for sweeping views over the city and nearby islands. The War Memorial is also worth a stop, especially at sunrise or sunset for its mood-setting light. If you’re interested in everyday life, exploring Honiara’s central market will let you capture vibrant portraits and street scenes.
Marovo Lagoon
For picture-perfect paradise settings, visit Marovo Lagoon. This UNESCO World Heritage site has clear blue waters, stunning coral reefs, and local villages. You’ll want to bring an underwater camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case to capture the vibrant marine life.
Gizo
Gizo is another ideal place for capturing magical shots. The surrounding islands like Kennedy Island provide serene beachscapes, while activities like diving or snorkeling allow you to document underwater worlds. Even if you stick to dry land, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque sunsets and palm-fringed coastlines.
Tetepare Island
If you love wildlife photography, Tetepare Island is the best. This eco-preserve is home to dugongs, sea turtles, and a variety of rare birds. Take a long lens if you’re shooting wildlife here. The landscapes are dramatic, so wide-angle shots will also work for jungle scenes and coastal beauty.
Malaita Island
On Malaita Island, visit the artificial islands of Langa Langa Lagoon. These man-made isles are incredibly photogenic, especially from aerial views. Using a drone here will give you unmatched shots of the island clusters and peaceful lagoon surroundings.
Best Time of Day to Take Photos

For the best lighting, stick to the “golden hours” — shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The golden glow will add warmth to your photos and help avoid those harsh mid-day shadows.
In the Solomon Islands, the sunrise is usually around 6 AM, and the sunset occurs about 6 PM, depending on the time of year. Make sure to plan your schedule around this if you’re after some iconic shots, especially on islands where lighting over the water matters.
During the middle of the day, the sun can be strong, creating highlights and shadows that don’t always look great in photos. If you’re shooting between 10 AM and 2 PM, aim for shaded areas or indoor shots. Also, cloudy days can be excellent. The clouds work as a natural diffuser, softening light for evenly lit portraits or landscape shots.
Cultural Considerations
It’s important to be respectful of the people in the Solomon Islands, especially in rural areas. Always ask for permission before taking photos of someone. In some places, especially where local traditions are strong, people might see photography as intrusive or inappropriate.
If you’re in a formal setting, like a community event or church, taking photos without asking may be seen as rude. Close-up photos of sacred idols or important cultural relics should be avoided unless local guides explicitly say it’s okay.
In touristy spots, locals are more accustomed to cameras, but still, take the time to ask if it’s alright to capture their image. A smile and a kind word go a long way in getting someone’s permission.
Essential Gear for High-Quality Photos
Smartphone Photography Tips
Most modern smartphones are well-equipped to handle travel photography. If you’re relying on your phone, here are some tips:

- Use your phone’s HDR mode for better-balanced lighting, especially for sunsets or bright scenes.
- Try third-party apps like Lightroom or VSCO to edit your shots right after taking them. These provide more control over contrast, highlights, and shadows.
- Invest in a phone tripod. It will keep things steady during low-light shots or long-exposure photography.
- A portable lens attachment can also help if you want extra zoom or wide-angle functionality.
Camera Suggestions
For casual travelers, a lightweight mirrorless camera like a Sony Alpha or Canon EOS will do the job wonderfully. These cameras give you more control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, ensuring that you can adjust in tricky lighting conditions.
If you’re a professional or serious hobbyist, packing a DSLR with a range of lenses (wide-angle, zoom, and macro) will let you capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate portraits.
Don’t forget to bring extra memory cards and batteries. Spotty power supply means you might be unable to charge your gear at certain times, especially in remote areas.
Drone Photography
If you’re into aerial photography, taking a drone along might be a game changer in places like Marovo Lagoon or Malaita. However, be mindful that you may need special permits to fly a drone, especially close to villages or during public ceremonies. Always check the local regulations before you launch your drone to avoid any issues with authorities or the community.

Recommended Drones
The DJI Mini 3 Pro or DJI Air 2S are great options as they are lightweight, portable, and shoot amazing 4K video. These have strong GPS systems so you won’t lose them over the ocean, most likely.
Where Drones Work Best
Drone shots work best in open areas like beaches, lagoons, and remote islands. Places like the artificial islands in Langa Langa Lagoon or the wide stretches around Kennedy Island will give you dramatic aerial views. Avoid densely populated areas and always ask locals first to make sure you’re not flying over culturally sensitive locations.
Underwater Photography
Underwater photography is a must in the Solomon Islands. The coral reefs and marine life are among the best in the world. To capture these scenes, you’ll need the right gear.

GoPro or Waterproof Camera
If you’re a casual photographer, getting a GoPro Hero series camera is a great idea. They’re waterproof without a case, shoot in high definition, and can capture both photos and videos superbly. Plus, they have easy-to-use wide-angle lenses that are perfect for underwater shots.
For higher-end photography, consider an underwater housing for your DSLR or mirrorless camera. With this, you’ll have more creative control, while still being able to dive as deep as needed to find the perfect shot.
Pro tip: Shoot close to your subject to minimize the bluish look that’s common in underwater shots. The deeper you dive, the stronger the blue tint gets, so staying close will help keep your colors vibrant.
Editing Tips
Editing your photos and videos is key to making them pop. Programs like Adobe Lightroom or mobile apps like Snapseed allow you to tweak the contrast, saturation, and exposure of your images without overdoing it.
Don’t rely too much on filters. Aim to keep your colors natural but enhance shadows and textures as needed. If you’ve taken underwater shots, remember to adjust the white balance to get rid of some of that overpowering blue.
Conclusion
The Solomon Islands is a dream location for capturing stunning photos and videos. Its rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and varied wildlife offer countless opportunities for great content. Respect the local communities, be mindful of the best times for lighting, and make sure your equipment is ready for the adventure. Whether you’re using a smartphone, a DSLR, or a drone, you’ll walk away with priceless memories captured in your camera roll.
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