Star Harbour

Star Harbour is a sheltered harbour and surrounding district at the eastern end of Makira Island, in Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands. The deeply indented bay and its scatter of villages sit at the far southeastern tip of the island, a remote and traditional area little touched by tourism. Star Harbour is best known among the small community of travelling surfers, who come for "Bola's break" and other reef waves that are reckoned among the premier surf spots in this part of the Solomons.

Beyond the surf, Star Harbour offers an unspoilt corner of eastern Makira: reef-lined coast, clear water, traditional villages, and a culture distinct to this end of the island. The wider region — taking in nearby Santa Ana, Santa Catalina, and the Three Sisters islands — is celebrated for its arts and crafts, while the forested interior of Makira draws serious birders in search of the island's endemic species. This is genuine end-of-the-road travel, rewarding for those who value remoteness and authenticity over comfort.

The climate is hot, humid, and tropical year-round. The drier months from roughly May to October are generally the most settled for travel and reef activities, while the November-to-April wet season is rainier and cyclone-prone; surf conditions are seasonal. Infrastructure is minimal and malaria precautions are advisable.

By Plane

There is no airport at Star Harbour. The regional gateway is Kirakira (the provincial capital, with its airstrip) further west on Makira, reached by air from Honiara International Airport (IATA: HIR) on Guadalcanal. From Kirakira you continue east to Star Harbour overland and by boat.

By Train

Not relevant — there are no railways in the Solomon Islands.

By Car / Road

Not relevant — eastern Makira has very limited roads; access is largely by boat.

From Kirakira, Star Harbour is reached by a combination of rough road and, more usually, boat along the coast to the eastern end of Makira — a journey of several hours depending on conditions. Local outboard canoes do most of the work. Arrange transport locally and allow for the weather.

Travel around Star Harbour is by small boat and canoe between villages and surf breaks, and on foot within and between settlements. There are no taxis, buses, or hire cars, and roads are minimal. Local guides and boat owners provide transport; agree fares before setting out.

• The harbour — A scenic, sheltered bay ringed by villages and reef at the eastern tip of Makira.

• Reef and coast — Clear water and coral reefs line the shore, good for snorkelling between surf sessions.

• Traditional villages — Communities around the harbour where eastern Makira culture, crafts, and daily life can be experienced.

• Surfing — The headline draw: reef breaks including the well-regarded "Bola's break," considered among the best surf in the region. Conditions are seasonal and uncrowded; come self-sufficient.

• Snorkelling and swimming — Explore the reefs and clear water around the harbour.

• Cultural and craft visits — Experience the arts, crafts, and customs of eastern Makira and the nearby islands.

• Birdwatching — Combine a trip with treks into Makira's forested interior (for example toward the Hauta conservation area) for the island's endemic birds.

Food is simple village fare — fresh fish and seafood, root crops, rice, coconut, and tropical fruit, arranged through hosts. There are no restaurants. Self-caterers should bring supplies from Kirakira or Honiara. Vegetarian eating relies on the local staples.

specific named eateries and price tiers not verified — confirm locally.

Treat or boil local water, or carry bottled water. Fresh coconut is plentiful. Alcohol is scarce and supply irregular; respect conservative local attitudes. Nightlife is absent.

Accommodation is limited to basic village guesthouses or homestays arranged through local contacts, with simple rooms, shared facilities, and modest rates. Surf travellers typically arrange village stays in advance. There are no resorts or hotels.

specific property names and nightly rates not verified — confirm current options ahead of travel.

There is no tourist shopping beyond small village trade stores. The eastern Makira region, including nearby Santa Ana, is noted for fine arts and crafts, which can be bought directly from makers. Carry cash in Solomon Islands dollars, as there are no banking facilities.

• Santa Ana Island (off the eastern tip of Makira) — a remote, unspoilt island famed for arts, crafts, and dance.
• Kirakira (west, on Makira) — the provincial capital and main service centre, with air links.
• Ulawa Island (north) — the "Rocky Island," with hidden beaches and seasonal surf.
• Three Sisters / Ugi / Pio islands (off Makira) — small islands ideal for birding and village visits.
• Honiara (by air, on Guadalcanal) — the national capital and main transport hub.