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The Grumman F6F Hellcat was the United States Navy's primary carrier-based fighter aircraft during the latter half of World War II. The specific aircraft resting on the reef near Gizo is believed to have been lost during the intense aerial campaigns over the Solomon Islands in 1943 or 1944, when American forces fought to wrest control of the islands from Japanese occupation. The circumstances of the particular crash are not definitively documented, as hundreds of aircraft were lost in the Solomon Islands campaign. The pilot's fate is unknown. The aircraft came to rest on a shallow reef in an upright position, which has allowed exceptional preservation of its structure compared to aircraft that impacted the water at high speed.

The Hellcat is in remarkably good condition for an aircraft that has been submerged for over eighty years. The fuselage is largely intact, with the engine cowling, propeller, wings, and tail section all recognisable. The cockpit is open and can be observed from above, though penetration is not possible due to the small size. Coral growth covers much of the aircraft's surface, particularly the wings and horizontal stabiliser, and the wreck has become integrated into the surrounding reef ecosystem. The aluminium alloy of the aircraft's skin has corroded in places, creating openings that marine life uses as habitat. The propeller remains attached to the engine and is one of the most photographed elements of the wreck. The landing gear is extended, suggesting a controlled ditching rather than an uncontrolled crash.

Several dive operators in Gizo town offer regular boat trips to the Hellcat wreck, which is located approximately fifteen minutes by boat from the town jetty. Gizo is the capital of Western Province and is accessible by domestic flights from Honiara, the national capital, with several flights per week. Accommodation in Gizo ranges from basic guesthouses to a few mid-range lodges. The dive operators also offer multi-site packages that include other WWII wrecks in the area, reef dives, and manta ray encounters at nearby cleaning stations. The diving season runs from April to November, with June to September offering the best conditions. Equipment rental is available but bringing personal gear is recommended due to the remote location.

Marovo Lagoon is reached by small aircraft from Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, to Seghe airstrip. Solomon Airlines operates several flights per week and the journey takes about an hour. Accommodation ranges from basic village guesthouses to a handful of eco-lodges, the most established being Uepi Island Resort which also operates the main dive centre. There are no ATMs or reliable internet in Marovo, so bring cash in Solomon Islands dollars and prepare for genuine remoteness. Some liveaboard operations also include Marovo in their Western Province itineraries.

Saltwater crocodiles do inhabit the mangrove areas of Marovo Lagoon, but encounters while diving on the outer reef or deeper lagoon sites are extremely rare. Local dive guides know the areas where crocodiles are active and avoid those zones. The main dive sites are on the outer barrier reef or around offshore islands where crocodile presence is minimal. Village communities actively manage crocodile populations in areas used for swimming and diving. Thousands of dives are logged in Marovo annually without crocodile incidents, but following your guide's instructions about entry and exit points is essential.