Ngella (Florida Islands)

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Accessible, Serene, Traditional

Tucked just northeast of Honiara, the Ngella Islands — also known as the Florida Islands — feel like a peaceful world away despite being only a short boat ride from the capital. This group of low-lying islands is full of hidden bays, forest trails, and tightly knit communities that are proud of their cultural identity. It’s the kind of place that works perfectly for small, immersive events focused on culture, faith, or nature.

Ngella is often overlooked in favour of more remote islands, but for those in the know, it’s a gem. There’s a lovely mix of traditional villages, church missions, and eco-retreat spaces scattered along the coast and inland. The atmosphere is deeply reflective — ideal for organisers planning faith-based retreats, women’s circles, cultural exchanges, or storytelling residencies.

Events here tend to happen in community halls, open church compounds, or beside the sea under temporary shelters. Venues like the grounds around Tulaghi, the old colonial capital of the Solomons, provide a historic backdrop for more formal gatherings, while islands like Haleta and Boromole are more suited for quiet reflection or experiential workshops.

There’s something beautifully fluid about hosting events here — morning devotionals at sunrise, craft-making under palm trees, or reef-side meals shared with local families. The community is welcoming, and guests are often invited to participate in ceremonies, shell money exchanges, or feasts known as kai-kai. For organisers, this means events can be deeply local while still being logistically manageable.

Access is straightforward. From Honiara, you can reach Ngella by speedboat in around 1–2 hours. There are no large hotels, but guesthouses, mission-run accommodation, and homestays provide a warm, simple base. Power is mostly solar, and mobile reception is available in some villages. You’ll want to bring key supplies with you, but most events here can run smoothly with light infrastructure.

This destination is especially well-suited to cultural immersion retreats, faith and spiritual gatherings, women’s leadership workshops, and heritage revival projects. It’s less about big impact and more about deep impact — a few days here can shift perspectives and create meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

As always, partnership is key. Work closely with church leaders, elders, and youth to co-create experiences. Many communities are already working on preserving language, reviving traditions, or supporting youth education, and your event can contribute directly to those goals.

Ngella is close to the capital, but spiritually and emotionally, it feels miles away. For events that value stillness, relationship, and local wisdom, there’s no better place to begin.