10 Pristine Oceania Archipelagos Where Time Stands Still

5. Solomon Islands

The Solomons comprise more than 900 islands—a scattering of rainforested peaks, fringing reefs, and ancient village communities. World War II shipwrecks rest in shallow waters, drawing divers eager for exploration, while above the surface, kastom houses and lively markets speak to a culture rooted in the land. Shell money is still crafted and exchanged in remote areas, and annual festivals provide glimpses into age-old music and dance. Tourism here is boutique: eco-lodges are family-run, meals feature taro and seafood, and guides double as village historians. Getting around typically means flying from island to island, with most routes connecting through Honiara, the capital. This nation’s rawness is precisely its appeal—expect slower connections, fewer crowds, and a sense that life still pulses close to the natural world’s original rhythms.