24 Hours In . . .

Sun Herald

Sunday January 27, 2008

Kristie Kellahan

This beautiful part of the world welcomes visitors with warm clear waters and year-round tropical weather. On the island of Gizo, however, that's just the beginning.

Michael Tokuru has a long history with the island, having been general manager of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau for the past four years, and with Solomon Airlines for 18 years before that. Gizo is Tokuru's favourite island for a relaxing holiday.

07:00

"Gizo is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands with views in most directions that show palm tree-studded islands ringed by coral reef and clear waters," he says.

If you're a fan of the beach and keen to kick-start your day, head out for a sunrise surf. "Surfing at Pailoqe and Sageragi, just 10 minutes by outboard motor from Gizo Town is superb," says Tokuru, emphasising that the surf is not affected by seasonal changes. The beaches are uncrowded and surrounded by swaying palm trees so enthusiastic surfers can relax and enjoy the waves in peace.

09:00

Drop in for breakfast at the PT109 Restaurant, then it's time to get to know the locals. If you want to get your hands dirty, you can learn how to climb coconut trees on an organised tour. For history buffs, you'll be able to hear about John F. Kennedy's rescue in Gizo after he was shipwrecked during World War II and how he managed to survive by carving a message into a green coconut, which read: "NAURO ISL COMMANDER ... NATIVE KNOWS POS'IT ... HE CAN PILOT ... 11 ALIVE NEED SMALL BOAT ... KENNEDY."

The son of Eroni Kumana, one of the two Solomon Islanders who found the shipwrecked Lt. John F. Kennedy, lives on the island and is a link to this fascinating history.

"The shipwreck of JFK and his rescue by the local villagers in the area has become an important part of history of both countries and people," Tokuru states.

10:00

Once you've started taking in the island's history, it's hard to stop. Join one of Gizo's walking tours with storyteller Wilson Hivu who, Tokuru says, is a walking museum. "He knows everything about plants and their medicinal values, traditional crafts and their use, as well as history about Gizo and the early settlers on the island." Hivu will take you through his village and into the bush, discovering traditional foods, garden methods and medicines.

With breathtaking views from Gizo's hilltops you will conclude your walk at a historical site where elders of the village once carved money from fossilised clam shells.

11:00

Fancy a dive? Gizo is renowned for its world-class diving sites, from World War II wrecks to offshore reefs, spectacular coral formations and an abundance of fascinating marine life. Diving, Tokuru says, is by far the most popular activity for tourists visiting the Solomon Islands.

Dive Gizo offers trips to Toa Maru, one of the South Pacific's most famous World War II shipwrecks; the Manta Dive, an adventure sports exclusive; and Grand Central Station, the most north-western tip of the Gizo Islands, where underwater life is at its best.

13:00

After such an active morning you'll want to relax, put your feet up and grab a bite. Do as the locals do and make up a picnic lunch with fresh bread, fruit and vegetables and grilled fish from the daily markets or from one of the stores lining the main street of Gizo.

14:00

An island holiday just wouldn't be complete without shopping. The people of the Western Province produce famous carvings from various woods and stone. Tokuru says the wood carvers from Marovo Lagoon can be found selling their carvings around the central market in Gizo and are "always willing to bargain on prices". Woven bags, baskets and mats are also ancient village arts and are available for purchase at the exotic open air markets.

16:30

Tokuru suggests an exploration of the rich fishing scene. Head out with Solomon Connect or PT109, or hire a boat owner and fisherman to take you to traditional fishing grounds to catch your own dinner. After you fish, you can kick back aboard the boat and enjoy the incredible sunset fading into the horizon off Simbo Island.

19:00

After such a long day, it's time for a relaxing dinner at Fatboys Bar & Restaurant, one of Tokuru's personal favourites. "I love Fatboys," he says. "It's in a class of its own. No serious visitors, not even a prime minister's entourage, would leave Gizo without taking in the view and action at Fatboys." One hundred metres out to sea atop the crystal clear waters of Mbabanga Island (an eight-minute boat ride from Gizo), the restaurant serves mouthwatering seafood delights. Try the just-caught crayfish, pan-fried in lime juice and butter, a signature dish in the Solomon Islands. Sit back with a cocktail or icy cold beer as tropical fish play beneath your feet.

© 2008 Sun Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home