With less ten-minute boat ride across the turquoise waters of Marovo Lagoon from Seghe sub-station, Western Province brings you to a hidden gem—a place that seems to rise quietly from the horizon.
This is Vanuakino Homestay Resort. Nestled in the serene beauty of the Marovo lagoon, located opposite Seghe station.
It tells a story far deeper than its picturesque setting suggests—one of grit, perseverance, and a dream realized through sweat and sacrifice.
Founded in 2018 by Juliet Kimi and her husband, the resort is more than just two well-built bungalows—it is a symbol of their unwavering determination, built by their own hands.
Today, Vanuakino offers guests a peaceful retreat to soak in the untouched beauty of nature, yet the journey to this point has been anything but easy.
Juliet, a mother of four, shared her story during a recent visit from Solomon Star.
“It wasn’t easy,” she recalled, reflecting on the journey. “We didn’t have any external funding—just a vision, and a lot of hard work.
“Together with her husband, a self-taught carpenter, they built the resort from scratch,” she told Solomon Star in an interview last week.
“He was the one who took the lead, constructing everything himself,” Juliet said, explaining how they chose to forgo hiring labor due to the high costs.
Despite their best efforts to secure financial support from the tourism sector, doors were often closed.
“Big businesses and established operators tend to get the funding,” she said with a sigh of frustration.
There were moments when the pressure of everyday life—school fees, family responsibilities—threatened to crush their dream.
Juliet also admitted there were times when doubt crept in, and she wondered if they would be able to continue.
“We didn’t have jobs, we were struggling with a lot of challenges, but we just kept pushing forward,” she expressed.
The idea to create Vanuakino came from a simple but powerful piece of advice from Juliet’s sister-in-law, who lives in England: “Make a space that’s worth sharing, something that will improve our lives.”
But for Juliet, it wasn’t just about attracting tourists—it was about honoring their family’s land and building a future that they could be proud of.
“This is our home, and we need to take care of it, whether or not we have guests. It’s about dignity,” she added.
The name “Vanuakino” reflects this philosophy—meaning “a place to stay” in the local Marovo language.
It’s not just a resort; it’s a place that embodies the spirit of home.
Over the years, the resort has welcomed guests from around the globe, including Australia, USA, Europe- England, Belgium, and New Zealand.
The journey has been slow, but progress came when infrastructure improvements in the region began to make it easier for visitors to reach the area.
“When they upgraded the Seghe Airstrip, we saw a noticeable increase in visitors,” Juliet explained, highlighting how better connectivity has helped their business grow.
This year, Vanuakino Homestay gained recognition from development partners, with support from Strongim Bisnis—an Australian Government program that provided a new wharf, improving access for guests.
Vanuakino Homestay offers a quintessential eco-tourism experience, with guests enjoying simple yet comfortable accommodation and activities like snorkeling, kayaking, WWII wreckage diving, and nature walks.
The resort also uses fresh spring water for bathing, adding to its sustainable charm.
Accommodation and Rates:
One night at Bungalow – $400 single room $600 (Two rooms) double
Extra bed – $100
Single Room – $300 (One night)
Juliet’s journey from humble beginnings to managing an internationally quietly recognized resort is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the entrepreneurial mindset.
Her message to anyone facing an uphill struggle? “Don’t give up. Be consistent, believe in yourself, and face your challenges head-on.”
Vanuakino Homestay Resort is a quiet reminder of resilience — a place built through determination, hard work, and a dream achieved step by step.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
