Solomon Islands/Accommodation/Zipolo Habu Resort
Zipolo Habu Resort
A family-run island paradise on Lola Island in the Vona Vona Lagoon, built by owners Joe and Lisa Entrikin around world-class sport fishing.
Zipolo Habu sits within a perfect blue lagoon, fringed by white sand and tall green palms, about 30 minutes by boat from Munda. Best known for sports fishing in the lagoon and beyond the reef, the resort can also arrange diving, surfing and tours to the outstanding sites nearby — with a bar known for the coldest beer in the Western Province.
Accommodation
Built using traditional Vona Vona materials — sago palm leaf, lawyer cane and wild betel nut tree — Zipolo's bungalows offer an authentic island stay without giving up the comforts of home. All have 240v power, fans, a kitchenette with gas stove, fridge/freezer and cooking utensils, fresh rainwater, and tea and coffee facilities. Bathrooms all have hot water.
Traditional Bungalows use local design, with sago palm shutters and large airy balconies over the gardens and lagoon — 240v power runs 11am to 11pm, plus a kitchenette with bar fridge. Semi-Deluxe Bungalows add 24-hour lighting and fans, with hand-woven walling and louvre windows. Deluxe Bungalows (two only) are absolute waterfront, with panoramic views to the dormant Kolombangara volcano, an ensuite with hot shower, a well-equipped kitchen, a furnished balcony and 24-hour battery-backed power.
Bar & dining
International food infused with local flavour and technique — seafood is the specialty, from barbecued crayfish and cuttlefish soup to chilli mud crab and sashimi tuna, often on the table hours after being caught. Your own catch can be cooked to order, or use the in-room kitchenette to self-cater (bring vegetables from Honiara or Gizo markets, as local supply can be unpredictable). The waterfront cafe is the spot to watch the sunset with a cold drink; the fully licensed Fishing Bar serves local beer, imported wine and a full spirits list, with rod holders built into the bar for good measure — and an esky of cold drinks can be arranged for a day on the water.
Tours
Local guides run full and half-day trips to Bikiki Island, WWII sites, the Skull Island warrior chief shrine, a rainforest river trip, Mantaray Island, and Vona Vona — ask about the Roviana Lagoon Festival for a genuine Solomon Islands experience.
Fishing
Zipolo is known for the sheer diversity of its fishing — saltwater fly and ultralight spinning for trevally, bonefish, milkfish and coral trout; popper casting on the outer reefs for giant trevally; light/medium trolling for Spanish mackerel, barracuda, wahoo, yellowfin, skipjack and dogtooth tuna, mahi mahi, sailfish and marlin; and jungle river fishing for perch, archerfish, trevally, sleepy cod, mangrove jack and spottail bass. The fleet is three purpose-built boats (Thumper, Lethal Lisa and Zipolo) plus the new 8m Ramona Lola, all VHF-radio and life-jacket equipped. Tackle is provided, or bring your own — 1–4 anglers from $50 AUD/hour plus fuel, with specialised trips arranged on request. There's an on-site tackle shop too.
Diving
Currently closed until further notice. The local dive list includes a spectacular fresh/saltwater cave dive, striking reef and drop-offs, and a growing list of WWII wrecks — Dive Munda offers free pick-up/drop-off for Zipolo guests.
Surfing
Skull Island can be fickle, but with swell it's one of the Solomons' best waves, with no crowds guaranteed — best November to March, with quality breaks year-round. Zipolo's resort break at Skull Island is a long, right-hand break over deep coral reef, clean and safe when working. Despretes (~20 minutes by boat), Mbirimbiri and Lavata Island are also on offer, or a day trip out to Rendova to find your own spot. Boards are available for hire, with surf charters from $30/hour plus fuel for two.
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