solomon islands tourism board

Solomon Is. Evolution… One Goal, Same Dream, Many Experiences

Tourism Solomons is the marketing arm of the Solomon Islands government for the country’s tourism activities. On July 5 th , 2018 we rebranded from our previous moniker, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. Our new name and our new national brand, ‘Solomon Is.’ reflects the dawn of a new era for the Solomon Islands tourism industry.

Our Head Office, located in the heart of Honiara, works in collaboration with The Ministry of Culture & Tourism to encourage the sustainable development of the country’s tourism initiatives and to promote the island nation as an emerging South Pacific tourist destination.

Together we endeavour to create awareness of the new Solomon Is. brand with an extensive rollout plan and to carry out vigorous outreach efforts to various tourism operators throughout the nine provinces.

Tourism Solomons’ key focus areas includes our market development, partnerships, specialists, regions, niches, resources, training and branding. Our geographical markets comprise Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America, Europe, PNG, and Fiji with additional regions likely in the near future.

Our niche markets encompasses Birdwatching, Battlefields / WWII, Cruise, Diving, Fishing, Romance, and Surfing. These niches constantly evolve to reflect both the experiences we offer and the markets we serve. We consistently seek to refine both the offerings and the presentation platforms to better meet specialised consumer tastes and requirements.

As we rapidly progress in this digital age, Tourism Solomons places increasingly greater emphasis on e-based products, services, and promotions witnessed by our investment in a websites, intranet systems, mobile app as well as tactical efforts to reach both individuals as well as wide scale audiences.

About the Solomon Islands

The islands.

The Solomon Islands are an archipelago of 992 tropical islands and atolls, scattered in a gentle curve. They comprise two major parallel island chains extending some 1800 kilometers from the Shortland Islands in the West to Tikopia and Anuta in the East.

Situated in the South Pacific between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, the population of about 650,000 is predominantly Melanesian but includes other smaller groups. Exotic local customs and traditions remain a very important part of life for Solomon Islanders.

Unspoilt and Uncrowded

The islands and waters are still a little known pristine paradise. They are particularly special for their remarkable biodiversity, containing thousands of different plant and animal species, especially the marine life. Many species are known only to the Solomons.

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TOURISM SOLOMONS STRATEGY SITS WITHIN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S POLICY REDIRECTION

Chris Hapa Chairman Tourism Solomons, PM Sogavare and CEO Tourism Solomons Josefa Tuamoto

“We really need to bend backwards now and some brains need to be twisted. Some people still think it is a normal time – it is crisis time and people are not thinking crisis,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured Tourism Solomon’s redirection strategy with its focus on domestic tourism is well within the bounds of the National Government’s policy redirection in the current COVID-19 driven environment.

As a result, Tourism Solomons will benefit from government assistance under the Economic Stimulus Package to sustain its operations through to the first quarter of 2021.

The prime minister’s assurance follows a meeting with Tourism Solomons   chairman, Chris Hapa, and CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto where the national offices took the opportunity to update the prime minister on Tourism Solomons redirection plans as COVID-19 financial stresses surge.

“Domestic Tourism is now our new emphasis,” said CEO Tuamoto.

“Domestic tourism is an area that was not originally part of our charter, but the board has realized it is an area we should be focusing on.

“Hence, in this current environment, domestic tourism has become our new emphasis.”

Despite the restrictions placed on international visitation by the pandemic, there are a number of local tourism destinations that are performing very well with domestic business.

These include Papatura Island Retreat in Isabel Province, a handful in the Western Province, Tavanipupu Island Resort on Guadalcanal and some others.

The reason attributed to their success is an ability to promote themselves effectively to predominantly the resident expatriate market in combination with people’s desires to visit areas of the Solomon Islands renowned for their natural beauty and unique cultural offerings.

“The challenge for the national tourist office and broader travel industry now is to develop other domestic tourism sectors and encourage people to go there,” CEO Tuamoto said.

“That is what we really want it terms of the redirection we intend pursuing.

“And given the right amount of funding, this will give us the ability to create and build prototype projects on one province before moving on to another province.

“The aim of this to establish a broader domestic tourism offering which while satisfying domestic demand, will be in place once the current restrictions imposed by the pandemic are no longer upon us,”

As such Tourism Solomons has sought financial assistance from the National Government to sustain its operation throughout the current situation.

The national tourist office will also take a lead in helping the tourism industry both improve current tourism product and inventory while at the same time, establish a wider selection of domestic tourism opportunities in a broader choice of domestic destinations.

Tourism Solomons first step will be to survey government lands across the country and assess their suitability as potential new tourism hubs.

Chairman Hapa said a survey team is this week planning to travel to Wagina in north-west Choiseul to scope the government land there and see how it can best be utilized.

Lake Tengano in Rennell Bellona Province has also been earmarked as a potential location to attract high quality investors.

Following the meeting Prime Minister Sogavare said he appreciated Tourism Solomons redirection plans which he said fell well within the bounds of government’s policy.

“I have directed some drastic redirection.  We need to put a stop to areas that are not really pushing anything in return to the government,” he said, adding that the scenario has changed and the productive sector must now take center stage.

“The areas that will be targeted are tourism, agriculture, the productive sector in general,” he said.

The Prime Minister had also asked that Tourism Solomons work very closely with the Government on this.

“We really need to bend backwards now and some brains need to be twisted. Some people still think it is a normal time – it is crisis time and people are not thinking crisis,” he said.

However, while Tourism Solomons has received the much-need government assurance, as a measure to alleviate further financial drain imposed under the current situation, the board has already cut off international consultants and slashed outgoing payment rates.

The board has further agreed to a number of other cost-saving measures which will see staffing levels phased out, retirements and redundancies from now until December.

Solomon Islands Tourism Tips, Facts, + Complete Travel Guide

Posted on Last updated: December 14, 2022

This year I had the privilege of being able to visit the Solomon Islands – an incredibly untouched and authentic island nation in the South Pacific. Solomon Islands Tourism is only just gaining popularity, as the country is actually one of the ten least visited nations in the world.

The island nation is spread out over more than 900 islands in 900 miles, with six main islands accessible from each other mainly via short internal flights. The country is very spread out, and consists of both mountainous/volcanic islands with dense jungles to flat white sandy beach islands laden with palms.

The Solomon Islands are laden with coral reefs and impossibly clear water, and are teeming with wildlife both above and below the surface. They have some of the most untouched and magnificent fishing, surfing, diving, and wildlife-spotting locations in the world, which you are likely to have all to yourself on any given day.

The people of the Solomon islands are mostly of Melanesian descent, with portions of Polynesian and Micronesian descendants as well. Locals are lovely and welcoming, however often intrigued and confused about the sight of visitors (more or less depending on where you go!). They’ve had quite a tumultuous history in the Solomons, being one of the main battlegrounds between the USA and Japan during WW2 and also periods of civil tensions and fighting in the late 90’s/early 00’s.

I was invited by Visit Solomon Islands to experience Solomon Islands tourism with my friend (aka instagram husband) Dana of The Wandering Donut , and they planned a jam-packed week for us both. Our trip started off on a high note when we were upgraded to business class on Solomon Airlines (woo!), and that high note maintained the entire week.

After a few weeks of bad weather, we apparently brought the sun with us from Australia and we had an almost-seamless week of lovely weather, fascinating history, incredible photo ops, beautiful locations, and LOTS of my two favorite things – adventures & sunsets! 😉

For hotel info, check out my separate article on Solomon Islands hotels.

Pssst – PIN ME to your Pinterest boards to save for later – this is a loooooong Solomon Islands Tourism Guide! 

Quick Solomon Islands Facts:

Solomon Islands Capital: Honiara, on the island of Guadalcanal (famous for a WW2 battle of the same name)

Solomon Islands Population: 611k (and rising steadily but slowly)

Solomon Islands Religion: 95% Christian – however, there were prevalent headhunting tribal traditions before the arrival of Christian missionaries.

Solomon Islands Climate: There are basically two seasons in ‘the Sollies,’ the dry (and cooler) season April to October and the wet (and warmer) season the other part of the year. The temperatures remain quite temperate year-round, with averages of 27 degrees Celsius (about 80F) year round.

Solomon Islands Language : The official language in the Solomon islands is English. However most of the population speak a fascinating dialect of English called Solomons Pidgin. This language is a mixture of Creole languages (of which a few more are spoken in certain parts of the country as well) with a largely phonetically spelled/pronounced version of English. A lot of words/signage can make sense in English if you sound them out. See a photo + explanation down the end of this post!

Solomon Islands Economy: The main exports/foreign exchange from the country are timber and fisheries, with lots of palm oil and copra as well. Solomon Islands tourism is growing industry as well with a ton of potential, but still requires government support for infrastructure. It remains one of the least visited countries in the world! 

Solomon Islands People:  The people of the Solomon Islands are thought to have first migrated to the area around 3,000 years ago from Southeast Asia, forming the predominantly Melanesian archipelago which includes a few surrounding countries as well. There are also significant populations of Micronesian and Polynesian people as well.

One of the most interesting qualities about the people of the Solomon islands is their unique gene to produce blonde hair alongside dark skin – which is thought to have evolved from a diet rich in seafood and lifestyle rich in sunlight. About 10% of the population have naturally blonde hair. See below for a brief Solomon islands history!

• Betelnut: one of the fascinating cultural traditions of the Solomon Islands the the use of betelnut, a nut grown locally and chewed. You’ll notice that many people of the Solomon Islands’ teeth and gums are stained red with the stuff. It’s something that is done socially with friends, and is a slight stimulant much like coffee.

Solomon Islands History (In Brief)

The Solomon islands were home to indigenous tribes and peoples since they were first settled around 2000BC. In the mid 1500’s, a Spanish explorer ‘discovered’ them and named them the Isles of Solomon, thinking he had found the source of the riches of the biblical figure of the same name. This is why many islands still have Spanish names.

The islands were left mostly alone until the late 1800’s, when the occasional missionary or trading ship would make contact. Also during this time, many ships from Australia and Fiji began ‘blackbirding,’ or abducting Solomon Islanders to labour on plantations (which laid some of the foundations for the pidgin dialect of English that made it back to the islands).

In 1893 the Solomon islands became a British Protectorate, which it remained for decades. The islands were then occupied in 1942 by Japanese WW2 troops, and American troops soon after – leading to several years of intense and crucial battle which exploited and damaged the nation, but left it with a new identity.

After the war the new capital, Honiara, was established next to USA’s Henderson airstrip, and the Islands became independent from British rule in 1978. They remain close with British rule and are a member of the Commonwealth.

Infrastructure was improved at a slow rate until ‘the tensions’ of 1998-2003, which was a period of battle and civil unrest between the islands of Guadalcanal and Malaita. Many residents of both islands were displaced or forced to flee conflict, and there were periods of violence until 2003 when the RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) or ‘Helpem Fren” (‘help a friend’ in pidgin) arrived.

RAMSI was a force of a few thousand soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, and many other Pacific Island Nations who arrived to help restore order and disarm militias, which was hugely successful.

What to Know Before Considering Visiting the Solomon Islands

Before considering visiting the Solomon Islands, there are a few things you must know. The islands are still very untouched, and receive under 25,000 visitors per year (many of which visit on business or research purposes). Although they still lack the complete infrastructure to support mass tourism, they are very well suited to the off-the-beaten-path traveler who seeks some authenticity in their ventures.

You won’t find massive bus stations, decked-out resorts, tourism-directed advertisements and signage, or travel agencies all over the place eager to sign you up for your next tour. Most excursions and transport will be booked for you through your hotel, and Solomon Islands tourism leaves a bit more of your trip up to your own interpretation.

There aren’t many gift shops, touristy malls, or souvenir markets. I couldn’t find many places to get souvenirs/arts/crafts outside of Honiara, and most of the shopping malls and crowded food markets were simply stocked with necessities for locals and no tourist bait.

Essentially, what I am saying is that it’s certainly no Hawaii, but that’s what makes the Solomon Islands so intriguing, authentic, and alluring.

Spotting islands from the plane, and little reef sharks from the pier!

Who Should Visit the Solomon Islands?

Because ‘the Sollies’ are more suited to a certain type of traveler and not really for others, I’ve made this handy dandy little chart listing out the types of people who would love Solomon Islands tourism and those who may not.

DEFINITELY COME IF YOU ENJOY:

• Scuba Diving – Solomon Islands scuba diving is some of the best in the world
• Fishing – Amazing fishing and sport fishing, prolific sea life
• Surfing – Remote + untouched reef breaks with perfect waves
• Wildlife Spotting/Bird Watching – some of the most biodiverse places in the world (especially certain islands) and popular for birds
• Eco and rustic travel and experiencing the true identity of a place
• Adventure Travel – snorkeling, scuba, fishing, helicopter, hiking (volcanoes), jungle/rainforest walks
• Culture – visiting communities/villages and interacting with locals to learn their customs and traditions
• Being remote + in nature without much contact with the outside world (e.g. wifi)
• Fascinating World War II history, memorials, ruins, museums, and artifacts
• Potentially being the only people staying at an island hotel for a few days – getting to know the locals and workers
• (Truly) untouched island paradises with clear blue water, sandbars, dozens of tiny white sand islands with jungle vegetation
• Freshly prepared seafood- lobster, squid, shellfish, white fish, and more
• Interacting with kind locals who would love to chat about where you’re from

MAYBE DON’T COME IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

• A luxurious five star resort experience with people waiting on your hand and foot
• A cheap party travel destination/a cheap place to go and get wasted for the weekend
• Busy cities and populated resorts with lots of other international guests
• Infrastructure on par with the Western World
• Being able to constantly connect to wifi and stay in contact with the outside world/stream movies/upload photos/etc
• Lots of options to go out and socialize at night
• Big cities with lots of amenities/being able to access all food/drink/convenience/entertainment needs at any given moment

I was having far too much fun, clearly! 

How to Get to the Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands Airports)

The Solomon Islands have two international airports – one of which actually just opened in late March 2019. Before the Munda International Airport opened its doors, you could only arrive in the Solomon Islands via a flight through the capital, Honiara. 

Brisbane is the main international hub through which most flights to the Solomon Islands will pass. There are a couple flights per day from Brisbane to Honiara (and vice versa – usually two). There are only a few other international flights out of Honiara to other South Pacific Islands such as Fiji, Kiribati, and Vanuatu, but other than that all must pass through Brisbane.

However, the recent opening of the Munda International Airport has and will continue to open up many new doors for Solomon Islands tourism. The flights from Brisbane to Munda were still in the trialing phase as of March 2019.

But, they will continue to expand and proliferate through the year, in hopes that it will expand visitation and potentially investment in Solomon islands tourism and infrastructure. The main thing that must be established is the immigration system, but all plans are in place to have even cheaper flights to this part of the Solomon Islands soon.

The international flights to the Solomon Islands will have both business and economy class. Business class seats come with higher caliber meals and alcohol, however the meals in the economy class are also quite good with (lower quality) wine and drinks as well. See below for a Solomon Islands budget/pricing section.

Getting Around in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon island chain is much larger than it may seem. As I mentioned earlier, it covers a distance of over 900 miles from Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu. Let me repeat that – nine hundred miles.  This is no small feat to cross, folks! You can’t exactly get from one side to the other via small motorboat, and the infrastructure does not yet support large-scale ferry services to bring people around, especially in times of storms/rain.

So, as of now, you can get around the islands themselves by car/van of course, between some of the closer islands via small motorboat, and the rest is left up to tiny internal flights run by Solomon Airlines.

Solomon Islands Internal Flights

From Honiara you can take short flights to just over twenty islands/airports in the Solomon Islands. These flights go through the smallest airports you’ve ever seen, with singular check-in counters and one-human-looking-in-your-bag security checkpoints (if anything), and board onto the cutest little propeller planes on single-lane runways. Some flights have slightly larger propeller planes, while the shortest flights take tiny prop planes without much more than a few dozen seats.

My Experience/What to Know About Solomon Airlines

I couldn’t stop giggling about the tiny size of everything at the island airports. They were essentially one-room buildings with a counter and back door that lead right out to the tarmac. Baggage claim at Solomon Islands airports is nothing more than a cart of everyone’s bags being rolled out to the building, and leaving everyone to work together/scramble a bit between each other to find their bag.

The Honiara Domestic Airport was the only one with a security check, which was comprised of a woman checking inside everyone’s bags. This was also the only one with multiple rooms, with a waiting room and another with a few chairs (far less than the amount of seats on the plane, ha) after security.

The Gizo Airport is one of the most unique in the world; it’s literally an airstrip that is an island itself, and the only way to get to the mainland/other islands from it is by motorboat. It’s the type of thing where you’re looking out the airplane window seeing the sparkling blue ocean getting closer and closer as you descend, and momentarily getting slightly worried that land actually won’t appear because you can’t see land/the airstrip until you’re a mere few meters off the ground.

Picture locals selling coconuts on a grassy patch just outside the open ‘terminal,’ with a couple airport baggage carts laying beside them waiting for the chance to be used. You then make your way to a small pier where motorboats from various hotels are waiting to pick up their next patrons, for quite possibly the coolest airport taxi ride you’ll ever take.

The Munda Airport is at the end of a tiny main road of town, bordered by a single bar, a couple small hotels, some Chinese shops, market stalls, and a grocery. It’s a single room with a check-in counter and a bench around the outside, with tons of informational posters (likely made on Microsoft Word) on the walls about different hotels and islands to visit in the area.

Planes from here back to Honiara will come from Gizo, so when you hear the plane land you’ll know it’s time to board. After some people have deplaned and entered the small building from the tarmac, you’ll jump on the small plane which will have patrons still on it from Gizo. Your ticket might even be written by hand.

What to Know about Internal Flights on Solomon Airlines:

• These flights will have some of the best airplane window views you’ve ever seen. Make sure to keep your eyes fairly glued to the windows… by doing your best to get a window seat.
• The seats may be assigned on the tickets (sometimes), but it’s essentially a free-for-all on all internal flights. This means the seats are first-come-first-serve. Make sure to try and line up first to have your pick of seats so you can get one with a window for the epic viewage.
• Make sure to pack your camera(s) in your carry-on so you can take photos out the window. Trust me.
• The snack we got was a fascinating ‘butter cracker sandwich’ that tasted a bit lemon-y to me. Make sure to try this interesting local snack.
• There will be lots of locals flying too. It might be a great opportunity to have a chat with someone who lives in the Sollies to get a fresh/authentic perspective on what it’s like and where they’re going.

Where to Travel/Things to Do in the Solomon Islands

Phew! Now that we have gotten the logistics out of the way, I assume if you’re still reading that you are the adventurous/getaway type of traveler. Great! There are LOADS of places for you to explore, all over the Solomons.

I’ll begin with a brief outline of what each place has to offer. Check out the best Solomon Islands hotels for reference as well – there are just a few in each destination.

Guadalcanal Island + Honiara

Guadalcanal Island is the largest of the Solomon Islands and home to the capital city, Honiara. The name Guadalcanal may be familiar to many due to a large and decisive World War 2 battle of the same name, between the US and Japan. As I mentioned above, battles in the Solomon Islands were some of the most crucial of the War, and just barely ended with US control over the Pacific rather than Japan moving closer toward Australia.

The Henderson Airstrip of Honiara (which is now the international airport) was the most crucial capture for the US Army; if control of that very airstrip was lost to Japan, the world may actually have ended up very differently today! Either way, there is a LOT of WW2 tourism in Honiara. There are many War sites, memorials, ruins, and museums to visit. The island was essentially ravaged by the war, and remnants can still be found to this day.

Honiara is also of course the capital and financial/governmental center of the Solomon Islands. It has the highest population and the hustle and bustle of a busier city. However, the Solomon Islands are one of few countries where the majority of the population still lives in rural communities (rather than most people gravitating to bigger cities for work), which is another reason it’s so authentic.

This also means that the capital city is not as big as one may imagine. There are a few main roads, a couple restaurants, a cafe or two, a central market, a yacht club (pretty much the only form of nightlife), some bigger hotels, and quite expansive suburbs around the city as well.

What to See and Do in Honiara + Guadalcanal

• US War Memorial and Japanese War Memorial – There is both a US and Japanese hilltop War memorial around the hills of Honiara. Here you can learn about how the War effected both countries, pay tribute to lives lost, and see lovely views.
• Art Museum – The Art Museum in the city center houses two rooms of local art. Art from the Solomon Islands, in my opinion, tends to be very vibrant, abstract, and ocean/nature focused. I adored some of the paintings here – one of them is still the background on my phone!
• National Museum – This museum was quite comprehensive, with Solomon Islands history all the way from prehistoric times (when the first humans are assumed to have arrived in the South Pacific), to the first people in the actual country, to the Spanish occupation and British Rule, to WW2, to the times of tension and RAMSI help. You could really learn everything you need about the islands at this museum if you had enough time.
• Vilu War Museum – This museum is a bit of a drive out of town, but is fascinating. It’s a ‘museum’ comprised of all the remnants of the War that a local man found (with some items he bought from others), which are laid out aesthetically in a field scattered with trees and flowers. You can see broken-down skeletons of both US and Japanese cannons, bombs, many different types of airplanes, propellers, artillery, tanks, and more. You can also learn about what each thing was and how it was used in the war.
• Honiara Central Market – This busy market is right in the city center and has locals selling every kind of food you can think of, and some crafts/jewelry too. It’s vibrant, bustling, and definitely worth a wander.
• Mbonege Beach Bonegi Shipwreck – at Mbonege beach you can see the rusty remains of an old Japanese War ship. This is a lovely beach on a nice day, and if the tide is low enough you can get a quite good view of the old ship. You can also snorkel around the wreck because it’s just a few dozen meters from the shore.
• Tenaru Falls Hike – Quite a bit farther into the hills outside the city, you’ll find a 1-2 hour waterfall hike. This adventure is perfect for having a quick getaway and experiencing more of the rainforest and nature of Guadalcanal.
• Lumatapopoho Cultural Village – you can visit this small traditional village to learn about how tribes used to: cook cabbage, make different food recipes, make clothing, thatch palm for building roofs, make fire, peel and eat beetlenut.

Where to Stay in Honiara

Our Honiara hotel was called Heritage Park . This hotel has a lovely property comprised of multiple two-story buildings with balconies overlooking the pool, palm trees, and even the sea. It’s right on a rocky shoreline with a beach bar, very high quality restaurant (and even quicker bar meals), buffet breakfast, and events during the week (such as movie night/parties at the bar).

Heritage Park had all we could have asked for – large spacious rooms with hot water, air conditioning, and even a small TV. Properties in Honiara will definitely have more fixings than in the islands – make sure to remember that!

My Experience on Guadalcanal/Final Thoughts

Guadalcanal was the first stop on our Solomon Islands trip, as I’m sure it will be for most people. Here Dana, Michael and I (the other travel writers/bloggers on the trip) did all the classic ‘touristing’ and visiting of memorials, museums, and well-known sites. It’s the best place to get a feel for the history and city-life vibe of the Solomon Islands.

We drove around in a van and ticked off the main sites, getting our first feel for the island nation. We spent a day going around the main city, and one a bit farther  out of the city to sites farther away. The drives were bumpy but scenic, and I took in the tropical foliage that reminded me of something between Hawaii and Southeast Asia (which makes complete sense I suppose! 😛 )

I wandered alone around the central market, stopped at a cafe for coffee, slinked in and out of shops on the main road, and chatted with locals here and there. I appreciated the view of a rainbow from the rocky coast near the hotel, and picked at a burger in between swims in the hotel pool. We tried some delicious seafood and enjoyed the extremely warm hospitality of nearly everyone we interacted with.

Guadalcanal/Honiara is not going to be what many people picture of the Solomon Islands – which is pristine beaches and islands. Guadalcanal is the more grungy city where you learn more about history and how people really live and go about their days.

Savo Island

Savo is right off the coast of Guadalcanal Island and can be seen as one of the many adventure capitals of the Solomon Islands. It’s a small volcanic island with prolific wildlife and adventurous activities, and is quite easy to visit from a small village on Guadalcanal outside Honiara on one of your days there. Savo is best done as a day trip from one of the hotels in Honiara, and bookable from most hotels also.

What to See and Do on Savo Island

• Volcano Hikes – Savo is home to some easy (1 hour or less) and some harder (3+ hour) scenic treks up the volcano.
• Wild Dolphin Nursery – a stop on the way to Savo Island from Guadalcanal – spot some dolphins in the wild!
• Megapode Hatchery – Locals maintain hatcheries for megapode birds, which will lay their eggs on the sand at sunrise.
• Waterfall walks -there are many up in the rainforest
• Local Culture – There may be cultural displays and dancing in the villages

If you love the island, you can even stay at Savo Sunset Lodge for a few nights.

My Experience on Savo

Soooo, the weather was acting up like crazy the night before our Savo tour, causing us to have to make the tough call to cancel it. Unfortunately, this is a reality of a tropical destination (especially in the wet season), and we got to see some extra spots in and around Honiara instead. However, I have recommended the awesome activities that we were supposed to do with the Tourism Board above, plus a few more!

Ghizo Island, Gizo Town, + Surrounding Sites

Gizo is where you’ll reach the parts of the Solomon Islands that you may have imagined or seen in catalogues. This is where the best diving and fishing in the Solomon Islands are located, along with lots of surf breaks, tiny pristine islands, white sand beaches, palm-topped landscapes, and pretty-much-perfect sunsets.

The main larger island is called Ghizo, the capital of which is called Gizo (confusing, I know!). But, the tiny surrounding islands dotting the coastline are where the magic really happens. Surrounding the main island, you’ll find remote rustic resorts, private rentable homes, reefs perfect for snorkeling, untouched surf, and some of the clearest blue water in the world.

What to See and Do In Gizo

• Gizo Town – This is the main town of Gizo, with locals out and about near a few restaurants, a main strip of shops and restaurants, and a central food market. Grab a fresh coconut for sure!
• Diving – The Gizo Dive Shop is owned by an American/Australian couple who have lived in the Sollies since the 80’s. They started it up from scratch, scouted out most of the dive sites themselves, and have built the region into one of the top dive areas in the whole world! Many dives and trips book up early these days, so get in early to make sure Danny is your dive guide.
• Fishing – With some of the most wildlife-rich dives in the world come some of the best places for fishing, as well! Fishing trips will be conducted from most resorts, with the hope of being able to catch a fresh seafood dinner.
• Boating – Many yachts sailing the south Pacific will stop from the Solomon Islands, and there are also sailing trips going around the islands as well. It’s a must to boat around the islands, especially in Gizo, and there are many multi-day diving and fishing boat trips too.
• Snorkeling – Also an absolute must, snorkeling in and around Gizo is incredible. Diving still takes the cake in terms of clear water and amazing views, but there are some stunning shallow reefs among the islands to check out as well.
• Sunsets – There are  plenty of western-facing sand bars and beaches where you can catch a magnificent Solomon Islands sunset. Many hotels will have sunset boat trips – make sure to jump on one!
• Kennedy Island – Kennedy Island is just off the coast from Fatboys Resort, and is actually the island that JFK and his crew landed on after their ship was hit by a Japanese missile. It’s a tiny circular island with spongy white sand and and a jungle landscape – perfect for snorkeling and taking  beautiful photos.
• Njari Island – The owners of Dive Gizo also own this island, which has one of the top-ranked dive sites in the entire world! It has lovely beaches and snorkeling as well.

Where to Stay in Gizo

We saw so many beautiful island resorts and convenient accommodations in Gizo. Here are a few:

• Fatboys Resort –  This is where we stayed! There’s an overwater restaurant, beachside bungalows, kayaks, boat trips, kayaks, adventure sports, and more.
• Sanbis Resort –  This resort is on the other side of the island that Fatboys is on. More amazing beachside bungalows, overwater pier/bar/restaurant, and amazing views.
• Imagination Island – This resort is an entire island in itself. It’s a few kilometers off the coast of the airport, and is a quaint and perfect little getaway with a few rooms, great food, and plenty of adventure + fishing trips.
• Gizo Hotel – If you don’t want an island resort and prefer to be in the town, the Gizo hotel is the choice for you. It’s right across from the market as has convenient facilities and a restaurant balcony over the town.
• Oravae Island Cottages – located on a tiny private island, the Oravae cottages are the best getaway you can possibly get! Think – rustic wooden houses right on the water, with an over-water swing as well.

My Experience in Gizo

When we arrived in Gizo, got off the plane, and immediately got on another boat and skimmed over beautiful blue water, I felt like the trip had finally begun. Arriving at the picturesque Fatboys resort was like something out of a dream, and Dana and I were squealing as we were greeted with colorful leis and fresh lemonade. It was the true island experience, and we felt so welcome and ready to explore.

We had so much fun taking photos, snorkeling, and having a traditional meal on Kennedy Island. Later that afternoon, we went on a fishing trip and were astounded to find (after a massive struggle) that we had actually hooked a reef shark – which we let free, of course!

We boated between the islands, snorkeling at every stop, and flew my drone and captured moments in each place we stopped. We woke up each morning with a delicious breakfast and finished each night with a fresh dinner, and even  fed a few resident reef sharks off the overwater balcony.

One of my favorite moments from Gizo was our ‘ sunset wine-down,’ where we had a few glasses (bottles?) of wine on a pristine sand bar facing the sunset. After fiddling around for ages with cameras and tripods to get the perfect photo (and putting the drone up as well, of course!) we enjoyed a few too many glasses of wine with the water lapping up at our bare feet.

Gizo is a place you could spend lots and lots of time. It’s a true rustic island getaway, with attentive seaside accommodation and delicious food. If you can – spend the most time here!

Munda, Roviana Lagoon, + Surrounding Areas of New Georgia Island

As we jetted down a channel in our small open speedboat from Gizo to Munda, I noticed quite a big change in the landscape. We had gone from the sandy beaches of Gizo to a mangrove-bordered channel of New Georgia Island, with more of a deep green color than sea blue.

The vegetation was a bit different, with trees growing all the way to the water on many of the islands. This was our arrival to Munda – a small town on the Southern half of New Georgia Island. This is where I realized how varied the landscapes are on these islands – there’s truly a bit of everything, from mangroves to beaches to volcanoes to waterfalls.

Munda is surrounded by the Roviana Lagoon, which is home to some tiny sandy islands, some wildlife rich reserves, some mangrove-laden channels, and more. It’s yet another great hub for adventure, and we got up to plenty of activities here as well.

What to See and Do in Munda

• Munda Town – The main town is a few tiny streets with makeshift markets, a couple hotels, and a few stores.
• Roviana Lagoon – this lagoon may be mentioned on many Munda tours, and just refers to the calm sea area and islands between Munda town, Roviana Island, and almost all the way to Vonavona island. This area has a certain dialect and culture.
• Skull Island – this is a fascinating historical island on the way from Gizo to Munda. In brief (because I have more comprehensive posts coming soon!), it’s where they have left quite a lot of skulls from when the tribes here practiced headhunting. This ended with the coming of Christianity, and it was decided that the skulls would need to be moved somewhere more remote.
• Peter Joseph Museum – This began as a single man’s passion for searching/digging/finding artifacts from the War, and has turned into one of the most impressive War Museums in the Solomon Islands. It’s an entire building/room filled with everything from dog tags, lighters, coke bottles, soap boxes, and bullets to canteens, helmets, rifles, and even toothbrushes. It’s amazing to see what he has found and learn some stories from the artifacts.
• Scuba Diving – there are still plenty of places to dive in Munda as well as Gizo.
• Rainforest Walks, Rivers, and Waterfalls – hotels can also organize day-long treks through the island’s jungles, to waterfalls and viewpoints alike. You can even see crocodiles in the island’s rivers.
• Fishing Trips – This region is also great for fishing, and trips leave from the hotels regularly.
• Local Villages – many day tours from the hotels will include visits to local villages, and some tours include cultural villages only.
• Rendova island – About a 30-45 minute boat ride away is a stunning mountainous island called Rendova. It’s got a fantastic eco-lodge and a very visitor-friendly village with locals eager to share their traditions.

Where to Stay in Munda

• Qua Roviana – We stayed here. It was a block back from the water in Munda town, and had fine facilities, a kitchen, a living space, and more, with air conditioning in each room as well (huge plus!)
• Agnes Gateway Hotel – This is the biggest hotel in Munda town, right on the water. There’s a fantastic restaurant where we had all of our meals (helllooooo fresh lobster!) and they have both private and cheaper dorm options.
• Zipolo Habu Resort, Lola Island – Lola Island is closer to skull island, between the Roviana and Vonavona regions. The beachside resort here is also beautiful and rustic, with a great restaurant and reef sharks visible from the pier.
• Titiru Eco Lodge –  We spent a full day here at Titiru and visiting the local village. The lodge is beautiful, with kayaking and SUP’ing possible right from the balconies of the rooms, amazing gardens, delicious food, and proximity to Ughele village. I would LOVE to come back and stay longer here.

My Experience in + Around Munda

At first, Munda area seemed a bit less tropical and more swampy than Gizo, but I was quickly proved wrong after visiting Skull Island, Rendova, and two other tiny islands off the coast of the town which are perfect for sunset (Kuru Kuru and Kundu Kundu, I believe). Munda is different in that it’s more diverse, with both mangrove forests, waterfall-dotted mountains and jungles, AND beautiful beaches (albeit a bit more overgrown).

Upon arrival, I had a quick walk around town. There really wasn’t too much to look at, but I did my best. I wandered through the market stalls made from makeshift tied tarps and sheets, and smiled at locals selling beetlenut, potatoes, and other roots and leaves.

I wandered past the town pub, coffee shop, and in and out of a Chinese grocery store, and all the way to the small airstrip before turning back around. The whole thing wouldn’t have taken me much more than ten minutes! I returned to the Agnes hotel where I enjoyed a coffee and watched local fisherman traverse the Roviana Lagoon on their long wooden canoe boats.

Outside of Munda Town we had a few fantastic excursions. We saw Skull Island from Lola Island, which was both eye-opening, sad, and fascinating. Our trip to the Peter Joseph museum really hammered into us even more the significance of the War in this part of the world – the thousands upon thousands of left-behind artifacts each told their own unique and heart wrenching story.

Our trip to Rendova was also a highlight – we saw the beautiful Titiru Eco-Lodge and got to kayak in the harbor – but I adored being able to walk through the nearby village. It was like the locals had stations set up to display cultural practices to us.

It started with a traditionally-dressed tribesman jumping out of the bushes and yelling at us at the top of his lungs; we were SO startled we nearly screamed, but soon realized that it was an (albeit extremely well-done) demonstration of painted men showing what it would have been like to land on this island a few hundred years ago.

We saw an old woman traditionally washing her baby in the river when we first walked up, followed by catching eels in the river, making traditional clothing, shaping wood, making toys, and even making and sampling local food recipes.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip (and our last activity) was watching sunset from the tiny islands off the coast of Munda town. After Dana and I (obviously) had one last beachy photoshoot, the sky turned red and pink with swirling colors within the clouds. Our jaws dropped to the floor and we knew that the Solomon Islands were sending us off in the best way possible –  with my two favorite things, adventures & sunsets of course!

Solomon Islands Budget Notes

So – what should you budget for the Solomon Islands? The main thing to keep in mind is that, unfortunately, t he Solomon Islands aren’t cheap.  This is no Southeast Asia; the Hapi Isles are quite remote, difficult to get to, and have quite high prices that keep the economy going.

I would say the restaurant prices are about on par with Australia. For basic meals/breakfast/lunch you’ll be looking at around $10-15USD, whereas for nicer meals and dinners you’ll be looking at around $15-30USD. This is at hotels/restaurants, however, and you can always shop at the markets to cook for yourself when you see fit.

For hotel rooms, you’ll be looking to pay about $120-$200USD/night. Some of the cheaper rooms will be a bit more basic, but for $200 you’ll get some nicer (although still often rustic!) beachside bungalows. For the more budget traveler, there are a couple cheaper simple twin room/dorm options on some of the islands for around $35-$50 per person.

Getting to the Solomon Islands may be the costliest part of the journey – flights are a bit fewer and far between, and therefore are pricier. However, the opening of the Munda international airport is showing a lot of promise for lower flight costs from Brisbane. Currently, the flights go for about $800-$1200 round trip to Honiara from Brisbane, depending on when you book. Add on whatever flight you’ll need to get to Brissy, and you have your budget! Just make sure to look out for the first flights from Brisbane to Munda, which are set to be cheaper.

Final Solomon Islands Tourism Tips – What to Know Before You Go

Lastly, I’ll leave you with a few final, yet extremely important notes on things to  know before your Solomon Islands trip:

Passports + Visas

You must have at least 6 months validity on your passport to enter the country. Most visitors are granted visas upon arrival to the Solomon Islands, but make sure to check up about your country before you go. People from many European countries, the US, and the Commonwealth do not need a visa prior to arrival.

Medical Information

It is recommended to take Malaria pills during your visit to the Solomon Islands due to small pockets of malaria. Consult your doctor before your trip to stay up to date with the latest travel notices and injection recommendations. If you don’t have malaria pills, be SURE to bring strong bug spray!

Wifi in the Solomon Islands

Wifi in the Solomon islands is best described as a lack thereof. You’ll find much better (read: slow yet functional) wifi in Honiara, but as you get out to the more remote islands, wifi will be few & far between. Some resorts (such as Fatboys) have a wifi code that can only be used by one person at a time, and you may hear “the wifi isn’t working” more often than  not.

But – this is not the kind of place you want to be spending connected to wifi, the Sollies are really a place to disconnect from the internet world and connect with the real world, amazing landscapes, other people, and wildlife.

Solomon Islands Food

Food in the Solomon Islands is, as I’m sure you can guess, very seafood-based. There will be tons of fish and shellfish, complimented by a lot of taro and potato for starch, rice, and local cabbage cooked in coconut milk. They cook up lots of home-grown veggies and have a bit of chicken and beef as well.

Money + ATM’s

The Solomon Islands currency is the Solomon Islands dollar. There’s about 8 SBD to 1 USD, just under 6 to the AUD, about 9 to the Euro, and just over 10.5 to the (current) GBP. There are ATM’s and currency exchanges in Honiara and a few solar-powered ATM’s in the islands. However, these ATM’s will always charge a fee, so if you can get some currency out before your trip you might be able to save a bit of money.

Tipping is not a part of the culture here and not necessary.

You should only purchase and drink bottled water here – no tap water, unfortunately!

Lastly, a few final Solomon Islands photos:

ONE MORE PIN! Don’t forget to pin this Solomon Islands tourism guide to your Pinterest Boards.

Well, I think that’s about it on Solomon Islands tourism – for now! I hope you have learned everything you need to know, but if I missed anything, go ahead and leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!

Thanks so much to Visit Solomon Islands for hosting me – as always, all words are completely my own, and I look forward to quite a few more articles on one of the most intriguing and alluring countries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

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Saturday 4th of May 2019

Nice! The Solomons are in my list of options for potential South Pacific destinations, but I've not quite figured out where to go and what to expect before!

Sunday 5th of May 2019

Well I sure hope this post has helped you with a bit of clarification! Happy travels; I'm sure you'll love it.

Truly epic guide, I knew nothing about the Solomon Islands before but now I'm dying to visit!! This is exactly the type of place I love!

Oh this is so on my list! I have wanted to visit Melanesia for seeing the other type of blond gene, but diving and unspoiled beaches is something I am totally up for as well! I well in love with the Pacific ocean islands when I visited Palau, and I definitely want to visit Solomon islands as well!

It really is a fascinating gene, and the rest of the country is just as much so! :) I'd love to visit Palau one day too - I think this was just the beginning of my jaunt with the South Pacific!

Laureen Lund

Your photos are stunning. This is on my bucket list...missed it last time we passed through the area but I will definitely see this some day!

Thanks so much! It's such a photogenic place. Now that there's a new airport opening you should definitely plan a trip back one day!

Nat Geo Encounter Ocean Odyssey in New York City - Momma To Go Travel

[…] through Nat Geo Encounter begins in the Western Pacific Ocean, in the shallow waters off the Solomon Islands. Through computer technology, you are transported to a room that takes you to the ocean floor – […]

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Solomon Islands Travel Advice

Notification of id requirement for domestic flights.

Please note to travel on Solomon Airlines flights, you must be able to produce personal identification on request, this includes domestic flights. 

For Domestic Carriage you must be able to produce identification on request, such as:

• Driver's licence
• Social Security Card
• valid student photo ID 
• current company photo ID
• Birth certificate
• Voters ID 

Refer to our Conditions of Carriage section 8 for policy on check-in requirements

Scheduled international and domestic flights ​

Download our current schedule overview from 29 April to 2 May 2024 here

Download our current schedule overview from 3 May to 5 July 2024 here

Download our current schedule overview from 6 July 2024 onwards here

Search our live weekly international and domestic schedules here

Note: Schedules are subject to change, we recommend using the schedule search  to check specific dates

Solomon Islands and Australia Entry Requirements

All incoming travellers to Solomon Islands no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 test (either PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) unless requested. All COVID-19 related requirements have been lifted and the Health Card required for all those returning to and visiting Solomon Islands to fill will be made available either in flight or at the ports of entry. The Solomon Islands Government has also suspended the Travel Authorization trial https://solomons.govtas.com/ for all incoming passengers until further notice.

For more information on entry requirements,  refer to our advice for travel to Australia and Solomon Islands here.

Travelling with Infants and Children

Solomon Airlines offers the following information to help make travelling with infants and children an even more enjoyable experience.  Our cabin crew will be more than happy to assist you during your flight.

Please allow 60 minutes for Domestic travel, and 2 hours for International travel when travelling with a child.  Check-in team members may request proof of date of birth for domestic travel – extracts or copies of birth certificates are acceptable, as are immunisation books.  For detailed information on identification requirements on domestic flights see section:  “Forms of Identification:  Domestic travel”.  

Refer to the baggage allowance pages for infant and child baggage allowances.

Travel With An Infant

An infant is person who has not turned 2 years of age yet.   If booking for an infant who will turn 2 years of age during the journey, the flights must be booked as a child for the entire journey.  Infants must be over 7 days old to travel.  

Reservations for infants must be made via a licensed Travel Agent or Solomon Airlines direct in advance of travel.

An infant may be held on an adult’s lap and must be restrained by an infant belt or extension belt looped through the adults fastened seat belt. For safety reasons, an adult shall only hold one infant on their lap.

An adult may travel with a maximum of 2 infants provided, the first must sit on the adult’s lap, while the second must occupy a seat and be restrained in an approved child restraint system. Where an adult is travelling with a second infant, a seat will need to be reserved and a “child fare” will be payable for the second infant.

Due to space limitations we are not able to provide on board bassinettes. For domestic travel you may need to prove the infant’s age with eg copy of birth certificate or other documentation.  

Travel With A Child

A child is aged 2-11 years and must occupy a seat with their own ticket.  If booking for a child who will turn 12 years of age during the journey, the flights must be booked as an adult for the entire journey.

Like all passengers, children travelling on Solomon Airlines aircraft must be restrained during takeoff, landing, or any other time that the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated.

Each child must occupy a seat and be able to sit upright without assistance. Children between 2 and 3 years of age and under 18kg may be seated in an approved child restraint system as described below. 

Children’s Meals:  Solomon Airlines offers children’s meals on international flights for children aged between 2 and 11 years. These may be requested by contacting your licensed Travel Agent or Solomon Airlines direct no less than 72 hours prior to your departure.

Child Restraint Systems

On International Flights Solomon Airlines accepts the carriage of Child Restraint Systems that are certified for carriage in an aircraft; and  comply with Australian/New Zealand design standard AS/NZS 1745, FAA TSO C100b, ECE Reg 44 and are clearly labelled with the certification details;  or are seats acceptable to CAASI.  These child and infant car seats must be secured in the aircraft in a manner consistent with the seat design criteria. Please note that Solomon Airlines aircraft cannot accommodate a child car seat that is only certified for use if a top tether point is used to secure it. This includes some Australian certified car seats.

Infant car seats that are not approved will only be accepted as checked in baggage.

The child restraint system:

• must be fitted by the parent/guardian of the child.
• must be used and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• must not be located in a row of seats that is adjacent to, immediately forward or aft of an emergency exit.
• shall not be fitted on an aisle seat.
• must be fitted in the same row as the seat occupied by a physically able adult responsible for the child.
• is to be secured at all times by means of a seat belt or as otherwise approved by the manufacturer.

Children travelling alone (Unaccompanied Minors)

To provide for the well-being of the children travelling alone, otherwise known as “Unaccompanied Minors”, Solomon Airlines has specific requirements.

Please note that any COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for your destination must be clearly met prior to day of departure.

If your child or children are aged between 5-11 years of age inclusive and will be travelling without the supervision of a parent or guardian who is fifteen years of older they are classified as an unaccompanied minor.

The service must be booked with your licensed Travel Agent or Solomon Airlines office at least 48 hours prior to travel, and an “Unaccompanied Minor Form” will have to be completed prior to arrival for check-in at the airport outlining the full details of who is dropping off the child and who is picking up the child at the other end for each journey.  

While we will do our best to ensure that your child’s experience of travelling is an enjoyable one, there are a few extra things you can do to make it just that bit easier. Make sure your child knows who is to meet them upon arrival at the final destination. Explain to your child how important their passport and tickets are, and ensure that they can recognize both.

To find out more or to make arrangements for an unaccompanied minor, please contact your licensed Travel Agent or your nearest Solomon Airlines office.

Customers who want to make changes to bookings for children travelling alone can contact Solomon Airlines to make these changes. If you have booked flights through a travel agent, please reach out to them directly to make changes.

Please note that we cannot accept:

• Children travelling on any journeys which include a transfer between Solomon Airlines and another airline. 
• Children on any journeys which involve a night-stop, transfer or stopover exceeding four hours, unless you have arranged for your child to be met and cared for at the transfer point.

Things you need to know before booking

• Service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of the flight’s departure, otherwise it will not be possible for your child to travel.
• All flights must be confirmed at the time of booking.
• Connections between Solomon Airlines and other carriers are not allowed. 
• Connections between two Solomon Airlines operated flights are allowed as long as the scheduled transfer time is less than four hours.  
• If you are booking through your travel agent, please take your child’s passport with you, as you will need to show this to make the booking.
• Check that all visas and other formalities have been completed.
• Additional documentation is needed for some countries when your child is travelling alone.

Ensure that you are fully aware of the terms and conditions applying to your ticket. All tickets issued are subject to the conditions of contract and the Terms and Conditions of Carriage.

An e-ticket or electronic ticket is a ticket that is stored electronically rather than being printed on paper. You should carry your e-ticket receipt at all times for both international and domestic flights. Photographic identification must be produced at check-in.

Identification International Flights

All passengers need a passport for international travel, valid for the duration of your trip. Many countries require travellers to have at least six months validity remaining on their passports. Immigration authorities may refuse entry if you arrive with less than this. When you depart from your country of origin you need to present your passport and boarding pass to immigration and customs. When you arrive in Solomon Islands you need to present your passport and a completed Passenger Card to passport control. It is a requirement for the Solomon Islands government that all visitors must have a return ticket.

Identification - Domestic Flights within Solomon Islands

At check-in, it is mandatory to provide valid identification for domestic carriage. The following are the only acceptable forms of photographic identification all of which must be valid at the time of travel. 

• National passport; or 
• A motor vehicle driver's licence; or 
• A document that identifies you issued by: Current employer or Valid student ID card; or 
• An aviation security identification card issued by the operator of the aircraft or the operator of an airport. 

Refer to our conditions of carriage here

Children and Infants

Children and infants are subject to the same identification requirements as adults, where they have an approved form of photographic identification. Exceptions from the photographic identification requirements can given for children and infants travelling domestically with an adult, where a birth certificate or other documentation proving age and identity may be accepted.   

To save any confusion or delays at the airport, ensure that you have the appropriate identification for all members of your travelling party. 

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Explore Solomon Islands

Plan Your Trip to Solomon Islands: Best of Solomon Islands Tourism

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Solomon Islands Travel Guide

If you imagine the lush greens and shimmering sapphires of an archipelago landscape, no doubt white sandy beaches, tangles of jungle, and sparkling oceans crashing on the shore come to mind. As the perfect picture of a tropical paradise, the Solomon Islands is the ideal destination for any traveller looking for a calming retreat, searching for a sense of adventure, or scouting out historical nautical wrecks. As a result, this stunning collection of islands truly has something for everyone.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

As soon as you feel the warmth of the sand and the cooling sea breeze, your mind will be taken to a feeling of tranquillity that is hard to find anywhere else. As a country containing nine individual islands amongst many other pockets of flora, visitors are spoilt for choice as each provides a beautiful green metropolis and an unforgettable experience.  

The Solomon Islands is further characterised by a rich and diverse culture where modernity and tradition sit side by side to create a rare experience of intrigue for many travelling tourists. A particular gem is Santa Isabel Island, which has houses built on stilts, skull shrines, and panpipe concerts, alongside exquisite leaf houses and gardens, with annual festivals that let you truly immerse yourself in the local life.  

The Solomon Islands’ charm can also be found in its other-worldly marine life that lets you witness a kaleidoscope of colours which are unlike anything seen on Earth. Although on the surface it looks still and peaceful, the island’s waters are home to over 100 species of reef fish, dolphins, manta rays, and turtles. Therefore, situated within the infamous Coral Triangle, the Solomon Islands provides the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the reefs in all their outstanding natural beauty.  

In particular, divers travel far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent cuttlefish who possess the unique ability to change colour as they serenely swim amongst the reefs. Additionally found in the Coral Triangle is the pygmy seahorse, the smallest of the seahorse species. Little is known about the diminutive creature, making sightings of the dazzling animal even more special.  

As Asia Pacific’s best-kept secret, the Solomon Islands resides as the epitome of relaxation, with a unique culture and a marine life of dreams – you owe it to yourself to go. 

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

FOR AN INDULGENT BITE OF CHOCOLATE…

Guadalcanal chocolate is a staple of the Soloman Islands’ artisan chocolate scene, as the country’s organically grown cacao is internationally sought after by the world’s leading chocolatiers. Solomon’s artisan chocolate is forging a new path in the confectionary world, thanks to freshly harvested cacao beans from over 20,000 smallholder farmers across the islands. Named after the mountain, Guadalcanal chocolate has a velvety texture and rich flavour, showcasing the country’s growing culinary culture all in a single indulgent bite.

TO PLAN THE BEST TRIP POSSIBLE…

Guadalcanal Travel Solomons

FOR A TRUE SENSE OF ISLAND LIFE…

Wagosia Festival , known as the Santa Catalina Spear Festival, is a thriving tradition which dates back to the islands’ ancient culture, in which the agricultural practices of spearfishing and yam harvesting are kept alive in the celebration. As a four-day event occurring every year between the months of May and June, both visitors and residents come together to listen to the local chants of ancestors and celebrate the vibrancy of the islands’ tradition.

FOR REACHING RELAXING INDULGENCE…

Tavanipupu Wellness and Spa Retreat

TO GAZE UPON THE SOARING ANIMALS OF THE SKY…

In counterpart to the bustling marine life, the creatures of the sky also can’t go unmissed, with the Solomon Islands heralding some of nature’s most exquisite birds. Any avid twitchers will adore the archipelago’s unique spots, including the mountain of Guadalcanal and the heights of Kolombangara.

Each fluttering species is unique, with many species only being found on one island. Species found exclusively in the surrounding area of Honiara include the swaggering, White-billed Crow, the vibrant Chestnut-bellied Monarch, and the Duchess Lorikeet, amongst many more delicate creatures.

Some of the most-loved bird-watching locations include Maringe Lagoon Lodges on the beachfront, Milkfish Bungalows tucked away on Marapa Island, and the Ropiko Beach Resort.

FOR SOURCING THE PERFECT CATCH…

If you have a passion for fishing, then the Solomon Islands is the place, with long stretches of unspoilt water in some of the most remote lakes teeming with exotic fish. Thanks to the favourable weather conditions throughout the year, the islands remain untouched by mainstream fisheries and tourists. Cast out your bait in the shallow crystal-clear water and behold a plethora of local marine life, including the Spanish mackerel, the striped wahoo, the sprightly yellowfin, and the dogtooth tuna – the fishing opportunities are endless.

FOR AN URBAN RECLUSE…

Honiara Hotel boasts a stylish, but comfortable interior. Be taken back to the older days of the South Pacific, as Honiara oozes the region’s rich history of every turn. Find your happy place having breakfast on the balcony or taking a dip in a pool, and indulge in one of the many delectable dining options.

FOR THE HEIGHT OF SOLOMON LUXURY…

Heritage Park Hotel creates the optimum environment for a decadent and lavish stay, situated in the centre of the Rhondda Valleys. Reap the benefits of the sumptuous recent refurbishment that strikes the ultimate balance between elegance and cosiness, whilst indulging in the hotel’s plethora of facilities, restaurants and function spaces.

DIVING SPOTS IN FOCUS

Often said to be indescribable, the diving opportunities afforded by the Solomon Islands are endless as the underwater paradise spans five square kilometres (sqkm) of the Coral Triangle, catering to both diving experts and scuba diving beginners.   

To witness the majestic movement of sting rays amongst many other underwater residents, the Western Province has to be seen, with both diving and snorkelling opportunities available. The diving expeditions in Munda are particularly special for spotting hammerheads, eagle rays, dogtooth tuna, reef sharks, moray eels, and much more.  

Any budding divers cannot miss Gizo, in which manta rays can be witnessed amongst the wrecks in the months between November and April. At the top of the daring diving list is also Mary Island, known as Mborokua to the locals, in which adrenaline junkies can catch a glimpse of barracuda, sharks, and the unusual humphead parrotfish.  

However, as probably the most famous spot in all of the Solomon Islands, Russel Island offers the most out-of-this-world experience; as a long sapphire corridor cutting deep into the side of the cliff, the dive has a total depth of 12 metres (m), and upon reaching the surface, you’ll be at one with the swaying jungle.  

Finally, Florida Islands showcase the fantastic Twin Tunnels amongst many other spectacular dives. Originally named after two vertical lava tubes, the Twin Tunnels hold particular dominance in the local diving scene as experts and first-timers can travel down to the joining point of the two volcanoes on the side reef wall. Draped in blankets of coral, pygmy seahorses, hairy squat lobsters, cuttlefish, and even octopus are found wandering amongst the Twin Tunnels.   

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

World War II Wrecks

Embedded deep on the ocean floor of the Coral Triangle exists a multitude of WWII shipwrecks, where the islands once hosted the scenes of some treacherous fighting. Many different guides across the archipelago offer insightful and moving information on some of the historical sites, such as the rusting jeeps and tanks buried deep in the jungle alongside the foxholes tactfully used as Japanese observation plants.  

Take to the sea and through a guided tour, look upon deep underwater relics like oil tankers, seaplanes, and submarines. Although many relics can be seen via snorkelling, some deeper depths are best accessed by more experienced divers. 

Central Market

In the heart of Honiara lies a lively market like no other, spanning an entire block between Mendana Avenue and the seafront. Gorge on the impressive selection of fresh produce and treat yourself to some delectable seafood in the fish market. For the authentic experience of buying, eating, and immersing yourself as a local, this is an unmissable experience that perfectly epitomises the charm of the island.

Tenaru Waterfall

Amongst an array of stunning waterfalls, the Tenaru Waterfall really goes the extra mile at 63m tall, with crashing waters that dazzle even the most avid waterfall lover. The waterfalls are fairly accessible via a two-hour walk (each way) from the tiny village of Tenaru, as the path follows the natural ways of the river valley, crossing the riverbeds many times before reaching the waterfall – but we promise it’s worth it.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Characterised by its blissful and far-removed location, the Solomon Islands may seem difficult to access. And yet, there are plenty of options for you to reach the islands. For example, the world’s best-kept secret is just a three-hour flight from Brisbane, Australia. Travellers can also catch flights from Nadi in Fiji, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, and Port Vila in Vanuatu.  

This is all thanks to Solomon Airlines, the islands’ national airline that provides weekly flights to each location on a regular basis. Once you touch down on Solomon soil, minibuses and taxi services are available from the airport just 12km outside Honiara, as well as car hire opportunities, making your journey as smooth as possible.  

As an emerging eco-tourism destination, unspoilt by commercial culture and modern infrastructure, the Solomon Islands offer an authentic and incredibly environmentally friendly mode of transport around the archipelago. As such, one of the most convenient ways to travel is by air, not to mention that this is best for the most stunning of views. Solomon Airlines is located in the capital and offers 20 domestic flights, but do be warned that the luggage allowance is only 16 kilogrammes (kg) – pack light!  

When travelling out and about on each island, public minibuses are readily available and incredibly affordable (an extra bonus). For a more private travel option, taxis are also a great way to see the islands. Additionally, the road network between Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira is easily driveable, with rental cars available for visitors who must drive on the left-hand side of the road.  

Finally, and most unsurprisingly, the abundant sea is a well-loved way to get around the archipelago. Although adventure-seekers may prefer to go by kayak, there are regular passenger boat services throughout the different regions. Another popular vessel is the outboard-powered dinghy, which offers a fun but private experience.

VIEW THE SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

Solomon Islands : Outlook Recommends

Solomon Islands Diving Spots In Focus

Solomon Islands : Landmark Attractions

Getting To and Around The Solomon Islands

Honiara In Focus

Solomon Islands Travel Guide 2019

Brisbane Travel Guide

French Polynesia Travel Guide

Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

The Cook Islands Travel Guide

Vanuatu Travel Guide

Palau Travel Guide

Mariana Islands Travel Guide

Fiji Travel Guide

Gold Coast Travel Guide

Western Australia Travel Guide

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‘Mi Save Solo 2023’ – a turning point for the tourism sector

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'Mi Save Solo 2023' Overseas Delegates welkam at Heritage Park Hotel with the Tourism Solomons team

Tourism Solomons has hailed its first ‘Mi Save Solo’ tourism exchange since 2019 a resounding success with the event set to have a major impact on the tourism sector’s fortunes in 2024.

A key component of its overall strategy to rebuild international visitation to pre-pandemic levels, the tourist office and industry partners last week hosted 12 international buyers as part of a busy four-day schedule meeting close on 30 hotel representatives and tour operators in Honiara, Gizo and Munda.

Emphasising the importance of the event, Tourism Solomons CEO (Acting), Dagnal Dereveke said the targeted approach taken with ‘Mi Save Solo 2023’ is seen as a significant step for the tourism sector as it looks to regain its pre-COVID international visitation figures.

“While much smaller than in previous years, this event has provided a wonderful  opportunity for our guests to refresh with existing product and at the same time, experience the many other developments that have taken place in the tourism sector since their last visit, particularly in our main tourism corridors,” Mr Dereveke said.

“The value of genuine, personal connections cannot be overstated and by bringing ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ together into direct face-to-face conversations, we are confident everyone involved has been left with a renewed sense of optimism that bodes well for our tourism sector’s future.

“More to the point, we see the success of ’Mi Save Solo 2023’ as a major turning point for the tourism sector going forward.”

While the buyers itinerary was heavily weighted towards the business element, Tourism Solomons ensured some down time for their guests via the inclusion of several sightseeing and  cultural activities in their program.

These included a Saeraghi Village Experience, and, ensuring the Solomon Islands’ rich WWII history formed part of the overall program, a visit to Kennedy island.

Host properties taking part in ‘Mi Save Solo 2023’ included Heritage Park Hotel, Gizo Hotel, Sanbis Resort, Fatboys Resort and Imagination Island Resort.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, the ultimate guide to visiting the solomon islands in the south pacific.

Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Talita

Planning a trip to the Solomon Islands? Wondering what to do, where to stay, what islands to visit, how to plan your Solomon itinerary, and more? Read on for all you need to know! 

The Solomon Islands is a special place. 

Because a trip to the Solomons will give you a chance to: 

• Explore a rugged Pacific island nation virtually untouched by tourism (the Solomons consistently rank among the top 10 countries with the fewest tourists each year worldwide) 
• Scope out some of the most spectacular, pristine dive sites – for wrecks and reefs – in the world 
• Journey through the nation’s haunting World War II history by visiting the many sites and relics scattered across the country (including monuments, abandoned bunkers, anti-naval guns, downed planes, and more) 
• Visit traditional Polynesian villages , participate in rich cultural events, see the saltwater crocodiles, and perhaps even make your way to Skull Island (the final resting spot for the last of the Solomon headhunting chiefs) 
• Meet some of the friendliest and most welcoming locals you’ll find just about anywhere (there’s a reason why they call themselves “the Happi Isles!”) 

All that said…

Tourism in the Solomons is still very much in its infancy. Which means the Solomons are *not* the easiest place to travel. 

Somewhere in Munda, Solomon Islands

And although that’s certainly a part of the allure for those who choose to make the trek here… 

It also makes it difficult to plan! 

As we found out the hard way, much of the information you need to know simply isn’t published online (at least not yet!).

Before our own trip to the Solomon Islands, our internet searches for “what to do in the Solomon Islands,” “Solomon Islands itineraries,” and “how to plan a trip to the Solomons” didn’t turn up a lot of results. 

So now that we’ve had the chance to visit ourselves, we wanted to share all that we learned to help you on your trip to the Solomon Islands. 

Let’s get to it! 

Table of Contents

• 1    Solomon Islands Fast Facts 
• 2    How to plan your trip to the Solomon Islands 
• 3    Transportation in the Solomon Islands 
• 4    Guide to visiting Honiara & Guadalcanal 
• 5    Guide to visiting Munda and the Western Province 
• 6    Final tips and things to know before visiting the Solomon Islands 
• 7 In conclusion… 
• 9 Planning your next trip?

   Solomon Islands Fast Facts 

      1.1. Where are the Solomon Islands? 

The Solomon Islands is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean . 

It’s situated to the east of Papua New Guinea (close enough that you can take a boat between the two countries) and several hours northeast of Australia by plane. 

The archipelago stretches over a large area of ocean, covering approximately 11,000 square miles (28,000 square kilometers) of land and consisting of hundreds of islands. 

The capital city is Honiara, which is located on Guadalcanal, one of the country’s largest islands. 

      1.2 How many islands are there in the Solomon Islands?

Calculations vary, but estimates clock in at 900-1,000+ islands. 

Image credit: www.worldatlas.com

Of these islands, only a fraction of these are inhabited, with the major population centers located on larger islands like Guadalcanal, Malaita, and New Georgia. 

      1.3 What language do they speak in the Solomon Islands? 

The official language of the Solomon Islands is English, which serves as the language of government, education (at least in the capital city of Honiara), and business. 

However, English is not the first language for the majority of the population, as there are dozens of indigenous languages spoken throughout the various islands of the archipelago. 

One of the most widely-spoken indigenous languages is Pijin, which is a creole language derived from English with its own unique vocabulary and grammar. Pijin, rather than English, is what’s most commonly used as the lingua franca among different ethnic groups.

Solomon Islands Pijin (quite similar to English, as you can see!)

      1.4 Are the Solomon Islands safe to visit? 

Personally, we felt very safe in the Solomon Islands.

Crime tends to be focused in the capital city of Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal. We’ll talk more about safety in Honiara in section 5.2 below. 

But elsewhere in the Solomons, crime rates are very low.  

      1.5 Is it easy to visit the Solomon Islands? 

It depends on your definition of easy! 

As I mentioned in my introduction, tourism in the Solomons is still very much in its infancy. While this is certainly part of the island’s charm for many visitors, it also means that there is minimal tourist infrastructure and that your trip may require a bit of “roughing” it. 

The tiny one-room (and hot!) airport in Munda

Plus, there’s also the challenge of actually planning your trip itself. 

You can book many of the larger hotels and resorts online. But the more budget-friendly accommodation options will require you to email them directly. 

You’ll likely find that tours and activities in the Solomons are very hard to book in advance, as most of the options are not published anywhere online. So, you have to be comfortable with a bit of spontaneity on your arrival. 🙂 

(Note: Make sure you read section 2 below for important info and tips on organizing your trip!)

      1.6. Are the Solomon Islands expensive?  

Due to the lack of tourism and very low local salaries in the Solomons, I mistakenly believed that it wouldn’t be an expensive place to visit. 

Turns out, I was very, very wrong! 

In general, the cost of just about any “tourist” activity or accommodation is very high. 

There are a few factors at play here – including the fact that these activities/hotels are primarily catering to an expat population of aid workers who earn high western salaries, the low demand of tourists like us, and the outrageous price of fuel and electricity in the country. 

(Surprise! The Solomon Islands has the most expensive electricity in the world.) 

This means you’ll definitely want to set aside some padding in your budget. Not just for accommodation (which isn’t cheap!), but also for excursions or other activities. Because much of the Solomons is so remote, you’ll be limited in how much you can do independently. 

      1.7 Where can I learn more about the Solomon Islands before my visit?  

Glad you asked! I recommend watching this “Solomon Islands” episode from one of my favorite Youtube channels, Geography Now. 

Otherwise, much of the other content out there focuses on the Solomon Islands’ bloody World War II history. 

If you like war movies, “ The Thin Red Line ” is a philosophical look at WWII. The film takes place in (and was filmed!) in the Solomons. 

Thin Red Line Beach, Solomon Islands

Otherwise, I’ve heard that “ The Pacific ” mini-series does a great job of capturing the history of Guadalcanal and other battles throughout the country. 

   How to plan your trip to the Solomon Islands  

      2.1 How to get to the Solomon Islands 

Your trip to the Solomons will likely begin with a flight into Honiara, the country’s capital city, on the island of Guadalcanal. You can find direct flights to Honiara from several cities in Australia. Or if you’re trying to fly into the Solomons from just about anywhere else, you’ll most likely connect in Fiji. 

Solomon Airlines flight map (photo courtesy of www.flysolomons.com)

(Note: sometime in 2023, Solomon Airlines is going to be launching a direct flight from Brisbane, Australia to Munda, a tranquil village famous for diving tucked into the Marovo Lagoon. So stay tuned!)  

Apparently, it’s also possible to cross into the Solomons from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. However, we were told there aren’t any official border crossings to verify your entry into the country. So proceed with caution here.  Occasionally, you can also find small fancy cruise ships or live-aboard diving vessels that stop in the Solomons.  

      2.2 How long to stay in the Solomons  

There’s really no right answer here. 

Personally, we stayed for about 10 days, splitting our time between Honiara/Guadalcanal and Munda. Between those two islands, we felt like we had enough time. 

However, if you’d like to spend more time diving, hanging out at the beach, or visiting additional islands, then you may want to add on some days. 

Alternatively, if you were to skip Honiara and focus your time exploring Munda and other islands in the Western Province, then a week may be plenty. 

      2.3 What islands to visit in the Solomon Islands 

As I mentioned above, we personally divided up our time between the islands of Guadalcanal (Honiara) and Munda. We took a few day trips to additional islands (we’ll mention those when we dive into the destinations below!), but these are the two islands we stayed overnight on. 

We enjoyed Munda a lot, so I’d definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary. Particularly since it really offers everything that usually brings people to the Solomons – sparkling turquoise lagoons, spectacular diving, WWII relics and history, authentic cultural experiences… 

Tranquil Munda, Solomon Islands

Whether or not you add Guadalcanal to your trip is up to you. We’ll chat a bit more about this in the “Is Honiara worth visiting?” below. (Section 5.1) 

Although I can’t speak to these other islands from personal experience, here are some of the other “common” (or as common as any tourist experience in the Solomons can be!) islands that people visit: 

• Ghizo  (home to Gizo, the capital city of Western Province…not far from Munda and with similar attractions to be found) 
• Malaita (the Solomon Island’s most populous island, known for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and traditional village life) 
• Tulagi (a small island located between Guadalcanal and Malaita, famous for its diving and WWII sites) 

      2.4 Where to stay in the Solomon Islands 

See the section above! 

But to put it simply: I’d probably recommend, at minimum, a night or two in Honiara/Guadalcanal to see the war sites and memorials. And then divide up the rest of your time between other islands like Munda, Ghizo, or Tulagi.  

      2.5 What to wear in the Solomon Islands as a woman 

In general, women in the Solomons tend to dress a little on the conservative side. 

Most wear skirts, though I did see a few loose-fitting shorts. However, I don’t think I ever saw anyone wearing a skirt or shorts that went much more than an inch or two above the knees. 

On top, a sleeveless or a T-shirt is totally fine. But cleavage or exposed chests aren’t common. 

Of course, when you’re at your hotel, you’re free to wear whatever. But these are just some of my observations and the clothing guidelines I stuck to so I could dress respectfully. 

Examples of what to wear as a woman in the Solomon Islands (note your skirt doesn’t need to go quite this long – this was just what I had!)

      2.6 Where to go diving in the Solomon Islands 

In general, basically anywhere in the Marovo or Roviana Lagoon (near Munda, Gizo, etc.) will be spectacular. This area is known for its WWII wrecks, often submerged in shallow, crystal-clear water. There’s great reef diving, too. 

Otherwise, Tulagi’s “Iron Bottom Sound” (so named for its high concentration of sunk WWII planes and ships) is another well-known spot for wreck dives. 

Note: At the time of writing (June 2023), Tulagi Dive Shop, which runs out of Honiara and would take you out to dive in Tulagi, isn’t currently in operation after closing down during the pandemic. We spoke with the shop’s owner and it sounds like he hopes to re-open again soon. If you’d like to try diving in Honiara or Tulagi, try reaching out to him here or here before your trip to see if he’s up and running again. 

Other than Tulagi Dive, there are no other active dive shops in Honiara. 

      2.7 IMPORTANT: How to organize your activities and tours in the Solomon Islands 

If you’ve tried to do any sort of planning ahead for your Solomon Islands trip, you’ve probably come across a bit of a roadblock – namely, it’s very hard to find information about what to do in the Solomon Islands online! 

So, here’s the best piece of advice I can give you. As soon as you arrive in Honiara, make your way to the Solomon Islands’ Visitor Center (it’s located right off the main road in Honiara’s city center, so you really can’t miss it). 

The staff here were SO helpful in helping us set up everything we wanted to do. 

They gave us recommendations, called tour operators and guides to see what was/wasn’t available, and just generally helped us organize our time in the Solomons in a way that we never would have been able to do on our own. 

The Solomon Islands tour office in Honiara was a true lifesaver!

Alternatively, rather than waiting to talk to them when you arrive, you can try reaching out ahead of time to see what’s available on their website here (Personally, we never heard back when we emailed them before our trip. But it’s worth a try!)  

   Transportation in the Solomon Islands 

      3.1 How to get around on the Solomon Islands 

On many of the islands, you’ll be able to find local buses (just look out for the white vans). As far as I can tell, most buses don’t have set schedules. 

In Honiara, you’ll also find plenty of taxis that you can catch for reasonable-ish prices. 

Outside of Honiara, hitchhiking with friendly locals is a solid option as well. 

If there’s any space for you in the truck, that is

Personally, we did a combination of going around by ourselves as well as doing tours/going with a guide. Although we generally aren’t big “tour” people…many places in the Solomons are simply impossible to get to without one.  

(Plus, for many of the WWII sites, it was nice to have a knowledgeable guide.) 

      3.2 How to get between the islands in the Solomon Islands

There are a handful of passenger ferries that you can take between islands in the Solomon Islands, including from Honiara to Gizo/Munda/Seghe, Honiara to Auki, Honiara to Malaita, and more. 

Pelican Express seems to be the most popular option when it comes to “express” ferries. (Though note that these “express” trips are very expensive…and when we were there, all of their ships were inoperational for one reason or another.)

If you’re interested, you can try (no guarantees they’ll answer!) contacting them here . 

Info about the Pelican Express ferries between the islands of the Solomons

Otherwise, there are a few “slow” ferry options. Be warned that these “slow” ferries operate on limited schedules, are prone to delays, and are known for being a bit “adventurous.” (AKA not a comfortable experience.) 

We personally didn’t take any ferries as they didn’t match up with our schedule. 

Note that it’s very hard to find up-to-date schedules for the ferries online. 

So, I’d highly recommend getting in touch with the tourism board (if you’re lucky enough to get them to answer you by email!). Or simply plan to ask around when you arrive in the country.  

Otherwise, you can catch a domestic flight with the national carrier, Solomon Airlines. Though the cost of a ticket is pretty expensive for how short the flights are, they can get you just about anywhere. 

Plus, the views are simply incredible. 

Solomon Airlines’ domestic flight map (image courtesy of www.flysolomons.com)

(Psst! If you fly with Solomon Airlines, keep your eyes peeled for an article I wrote for their in-flight magazine about Munda 🙂 

      3.3 How to get from Honiara to Munda/Gizo/Western Province 

As far as we can tell, there are currently two overnight ferry options between Honiara and Western Province, each leaving roughly once per week. 

One is the MV Fair Glory, and the other is the MV Anjeanette. 

See 3.2  above for more info on these ferries and other options for getting between the islands of the Solomons. 

      3.4 How to rent a car in the Solomon Islands 

As far as we can tell, Honiara is the only place in the country where you can rent a car . And there’s just one rental car shop, right off Honiara’s main street by the gas station. 

(You should be able to find it on Google Maps…otherwise, just ask! People are incredibly friendly and happy to help.) 

They told us they don’t accept online bookings. But here’s a photo we took of their brochure with pricing and contact info: 

You can try reaching out by email before your trip to reserve a car. Or just chat with them when you get to Honiara, as I don’t get the impression that they often sell out. 

Fair warning: the roads in Honiara and Guadalcanal are pretty rough. (Though they are currently redoing many of them for the 2023 Pacific Games…so perhaps they’ll be a little smoother by the time you get there!) 

And do keep in mind that they also drive on the left side of the road. 

   Guide to visiting Honiara & Guadalcanal 

      4.1 Is it worth going to Honiara? 

I’ll be honest here: Honiara isn’t exactly the nicest place to visit. 

It’s busy, it’s crowded, it’s not very pretty…and there’s just honestly not a ton to do as a tourist. In general, I would say there are plenty of other more “enjoyable” places to visit in the Solomon Islands.

But that doesn’t mean Honiara isn’t worth a visit. 

For one, as the country’s largest city and capital (and as a city made up of Solomon Islanders from all different islands), it can give you an interesting perspective on life in the country. 

Honiara’s humble airport

Plus, it also serves as a jump-off point for a lot of other unique sites, including the WWII memorials and relics scattered throughout the island of Guadalcanal. Or other nearby islands like Savo, Tulagi, or even Malaita.  

Not to mention, you’ll probably end up in Honiara anyway since this is where most international flights land (although there will soon be a direct flight from Brisbane to Munda, so stay tuned for that!). 

I think as long as you manage your expectations and make plans for activities outside of the city, Honiara could be worth the stop. 

      4.2 Is Honiara safe? 

Before our visit to the Solomons, we came across a few things online that warned us about safety in Honiara. 

Now, obviously our experience is our own and we can’t promise yours will match ours. 

But we personally felt very safe and welcome while walking around Honiara, at least in the main area. And most of the other people we spoke to (expats living in Honiara, the staff at our guesthouse, etc.) confirmed that the city was far safer than its reputation suggested. 

The American War Memorial, Honiara, Guadalcanal

This isn’t to say there haven’t been more serious safety concerns in Honiara’s past. And you do see clear hints of crime prevention – like fences and security guards stationed at most hotels, as well as in the local market and watching over the ATMs. 

So, obviously don’t walk around flashing your fancy jewelry or camera. But that’s just good advice anywhere. 

      4.3 Where to stay in Honiara on a budget  

In general, accommodation in Honiara is quite pricey, with the nightly average coming in at over 100 USD per night. 

However, you can find some cheaper options…but you won’t find them on Booking.com. Rather, you’ll have to email them directly. 

Personally, we stayed at a community-center-turned-guesthouse called St. Agnes Mothers Union Resthouse . 

St. Agnes Mothers Union Resthouse, Honiara (photo courtesy of www.visitSolomons.com)

It wasn’t fancy. But it was clean, cheap by Honiara standards (about 60 USD per night), and right near the city center. 

They have shared kitchens and a few different types of rooms for you to choose from. Just make sure you pick a room that has A/C! 

You can reach out to them here: https://www.visitsolomons.com.sb/tour/st-agnes-mothers-union-resthouse/

Otherwise, here is a list on the tourism website of some other budget accommodation options in Honiara. Though do be aware that many of these didn’t respond back to our emails requesting a quote, so I imagine they didn’t survive the pandemic: https://www.visitsolomons.com.sb/where-to-stay/budget/  

      4.4 Where to dive in Honiara 

Take a look at section 2.6 above for more on diving options in Honiara and the Solomon Islands at large.  

      4.5 What to do in Honiara/Guadalcanal (and a 3-day Honiara/Guadalcanal itinerary)  

To give you an idea of what to do in the Solomon Islands, here’s a quick look at our own itinerary in Honiara and Guadalcanal. 

Of course, feel free to customize it however you want. But hopefully, it’ll give you a solid starting point. 

HONIARA/GUADALCANAL ITINERARY DAY 1: ARRIVAL + “SITES” OF HONIARA 

The truth is that Honiara itself probably won’t entertain you for very long. That’s why on day #1, I highly recommend you make the Solomons tourist office downtown your first stop. 

Location of the tourism office in Honiara (called “S.I. Visitors Bureau” if you’re searching in Google Maps)

As I said above (section 2.7), coordinating and booking things in advance is quite difficult in the Solomons. But the tourist office was absolutely amazing in giving us recommendations and helping organize whatever we wanted to do on Guadalcanal and even on other islands.

After you’ve spoken to the tour office, I’d recommend heading straight to the national museum right across the road. 

Solomon Islands National Museum, Honiara

From there…there’s not much else to do in Honiara. The ocean and port views from Breakwater Cafe are nice (though the cafe was far too expensive for us!), and there’s a local handicrafts market near Palm Sugar Cafe. 

Otherwise, we enjoyed ourselves just generally walking around, saying hi, and taking note of how friendly everyone is. 

HONIARA/GUADALCANAL ITINERARY DAY 2: GUADALCANAL WWII TOUR WITH WRECK SNORKELING AT BONEGI BEACH  

Some of the largest and bloodiest battles of WWII took place in Guadalcanal, and you can still see many marks of the war today in everything from the current airport (built by the American soldiers) to the dozens of plane and shipwrecks that can be found at the bottom of the bay. 

Relics of WWII can be found all over the Solomons

Given that transportation to many of the WWII sites was limited (and that we wanted to hear the history behind all of these sites), we opted for a guided tour that we organized through the Honiara tourist office.  

Whether you’re interested in WWII history or not, I still highly recommend making some time to visit some of the Guadalcanal WWII sites. (Particularly as you’ll also get a bit of an island tour, and some great views, as you go.)  Here’s a look at just a few of the WWII sites to visit on Guadalcanal. 

• The U.S. War Memorial at Skyline Ridge

• The Japanese Peace Park at Mt. Austen

• Bonegi Beach (home to a sunken WWII Japanese freighter, visible from the shore – if you want to snorkel, make sure to bring your own gear as there is nowhere to rent at the beach or even in Honiara!)
• The Vilu War Museum 

Beyond this, as part of your tour, you’ll likely also see battlefields, Edson’s Bloody Ridge, the CoastWatchers Memorial, and more. 

HONIARA/GUADALCANAL ITINERARY DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO SAVO ISLAND BY BOAT WITH VOLCANO HIKE  

With our last day in Honiara, we organized a day trip to neighboring Savo, a volcanic island about an hour by boat (weather dependent!) from Honiara. 

Although the way back was a little rough (take something for seasickness if you need it), it was a lovely day. 

The boat ride to Savo

We saw dolphins, enjoyed the sea breeze (a welcome break from the suffocating heat of the city), and hiked through the jungle along a steaming river toward a volcano. 

Into the Savo jungle we go…

As a heads up: this hike might not be for everyone. It requires a good level of fitness, mobility, and balance as you must crisscross a near-boiling river many times.  Given that it can burn you, you definitely don’t want to lose your balance or fall in. So, it may not have been the *safest* hike…but it was still a pretty cool experience! 

Nearing the volcano (the ground was SO hot that the puddle Rodrigo is pointing to was boiling!)

      4.6 Other activities to consider in Honiara/Guadalcanal 

All of what you’ll see below are suggestions based on brochures and other information we found from the tourist office in Honiara. We didn’t ask about any of these particular activities, so you’ll have to confirm current pricing and whether or not they are still running with the tour office. 

Sorry in advance for the terrible quality of these pictures…but since you won’t be able to find any of these online, I thought it’d be helpful to add them into the article anyway! 

• Hike to Tenaru Falls (day trip from Honiara or with optional overnight stay at Parangiji Mountain Lodge) 

• Stay at the Tetepare Island Eco-Lodge (Tetepare is the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific and a very impressive conservation project! Note that this is quite far from Honiara, but you can still ask about it in Honiara’s tour office if you’re curious.) 

• Go on a rafting or kayaking adventure through the rainforest  

• Go wreck diving in Tulagi if the dive shop is open again (see note in section 2.6 above) 

   Guide to visiting Munda and the Western Province 

      5.1 How to get to Munda 

Essentially, you have two choices. Either brave one of the ferries from Honiara (not for the faint of heart!). Or fly with Solomon Airlines from Honiara or directly from Brisbane (route available fall 2023, I think).  

See section 3.2 on “getting between the different islands of the Solomons” for more details. 

      5.2 Where to stay in Munda 

If you’ve looked at all into accommodation in Munda, then you’ve probably come across Agnes Lodge. 

Agnes Gateway Hotel and Lodge, Munda

This lively family-run hotel, located right on the lagoon and about a 7-minute walk from the airport, is one of the best, and most popular, accommodation options in Munda. 

This is where we stayed, and we’d highly recommend it! 

Unlike many of the other accommodation options in the Solomons, you can book Agnes Lodge directly on Booking.com .

The hotel’s restaurant, which features some beautiful lagoon views, is pretty decent as well. (Pro tip: if you’re on a budget, order off the breakfast menu. $5 USD eggs and toast is hard to beat!) 

View from the Agnes Lodge restaurant (make sure you stay and watch the sunset!)

While Agnes Lodge isn’t necessarily cheap, it is one of the cheapest options for accommodation in Munda. That said, I believe Qua Roviana Hotel, right across the street, might have slightly lower rates if that’s what you’re looking for. 

      5.3 Where and how to dive in Munda 

There is just one dive shop in Munda – the aptly-named dive Munda – and you can rest assured that Belinda, Brian, and the rest of the team will take great care of you during your stay.  

The shop operates out of Agnes Lodge Gateway Hotel, though you don’t have to be staying there to dive with them. 

And if you ask nicely, they’ll take you to other classic Munda stops (like the infamous “Skull Island” and/or Kennedy Island, the location of JFK’s base during WWII) as part of your day of diving 🙂 

Diving sites in Munda – lots to choose from!

My husband Rodrigo had a wonderful time diving with Dive Munda and would highly recommend them.

Rodrigo getting up close and personal with a sunken WWII American Wildcat fighter plane near Munda

But if you don’t dive (like me), you may still be able to join in on the fun by coming on the dive boat for a smaller fee. Or partaking in any of the other fun excursions and activities they offer, as seen below. 

Activity list (free and paid) at Dive Munda

We highly recommend taking the paddleboards out and paddling across the lagoon to Castaway Resort! 

(Note that the activities listed as “free” are only free if you are diving with Dive Munda. Otherwise, the “paid” ones are available to anyone.)  

      5.4 What to do in Munda (Munda itinerary ideas)  

Here’s a quick list of some of the top activities to do in Munda: 

• Go diving (duh!) or snorkeling at any one of Marovo or Roviana Lagoon’s impressive WWII wrecks or spectacular reefs

You’ll also get great views along the way!

• Visit the infamous Skull Island, the final resting place for the last of the Solomon headhunter chiefs

Skull Island, Solomon Islands

• Get a tour of Luberia Island, American president John F. Kennedy’s base during WWII (while you’re at it, make sure to ask about JFK’s rescue by two brave Solomon Islanders – it’s quite the story!)

• Take part in the cultural activities and community visits organized through Dive Munda (see picture in section 5.3 above for an idea of your options)
• Head out on a kayaking excursion with stops in local villages (and to see the saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat!)
• Take a walk to see Munda’s WWII relics and the Peter Joseph WWII museum on the outskirts of town (section 5.6) 

To give even more inspiration for your Munda itinerary planning, here’s a picture of the tours and excursions that Agnes Lodge can help organize: 

      5.5 How to organize tours, excursions, and activities in Munda  

Unfortunately, due to lack of transportation and overall remoteness, there just aren’t many activities in Munda you can do independently (with the exception of visiting some of the local WWII sites, which I’ll talk about in the next section!). 

In which case, I recommend organizing your activities once you arrive through Dive Munda and/or Agnes Lodge (see previous sections for more). 

Sunset in Munda from Agnes Lodge

      5.6 How to visit the World War II sites/ruins in Munda    

Scattered throughout Munda and its outskirts, you’ll be able to find old abandoned bunkers, rusty anti-aircraft guns being used as landscaping decorations (yes, really!), and an American dump site that’s been overtaken by the forest. 

All of these sites are located along the dusty gravel road that hugs the coast a short (though hot!) walk from Munda. I recommend checking with your hotel (or just asking locals as you go) for exact directions. 

Otherwise, it’s worth making the time to see the collection at the Peter Joseph WWII Museum. Barney, the owner of the museum, is a wealth of knowledge and full of stories. Even more impressively, he’s spent decades diligently gathering these relics himself from the surrounding rainforest. 

Peter Joseph WWII Museum, Munda, Solomon Islands

Barney, the proud founder of the Peter Joseph WWII Museum, Munda, Solomon Islands

You can find this humble museum tucked behind the city’s soccer field (again, ask your hotel or ask locals for “Barney” if you get lost) 

You can find the Peter Joseph WWII Museum behind this football field

   Final tips and things to know before visiting the Solomon Islands 

• Fewer tourists in the Solomons mean fewer crowds…but it also means fewer (and more expensive!) tour and accommodation options.

Tourism in the Solomons is still in its infancy. While this is certainly part of the island’s allure for many visitors (ourselves included!), it also means that it can be a bit trickier to plan. 

• Stay flexible and ready for a bit of an adventure. (This isn’t Tahiti or Fiji, after all!) 

There are a lot of words that come to mind when I think of travel in the Solomons: rugged, adventurous, undeveloped. Perhaps a little “rough around the edges.” 

It’s a unique experience, to be sure. And as long as you don’t arrive expecting the same luxury, comfort, or ease of more popular Pacific islands and vacation spots…

I’m sure you’ll have a great time 🙂  

Abandoned WWII bunker, Munda

• It’s quite hard to book much of anything in advance as most things aren’t published online. So be prepared to organize much of your trip and activities when you arrive. 

See section 2.7 at the top for more on this. 

• Keep cash on hand. 

We were able to use our credit card for “Bulk Shop” (the main supermarket in Honiara), Dive Munda, and Agnes Lodge in Munda. Other than that, everything else (other tours, transportation, day trips to other islands, our hotel in Honiara, etc.) was cash only. 

• Try to visit at least a few islands, if you can. 

Each island has its own particular customs, flair, and even language. So to make the most of your experience in the Solomons, it’s worth trying to explore at least a few. 

Munda, Solomon Islands

• Don’t limit your stay to Honiara or Guadalcanal.

While Honiara and Guadalcanal certainly do have some interesting things to see, the real magic lies elsewhere. 

• Inter-island flights are expensive. But likely worth it for the views.  

I mean… 

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions – about history, about the country’s current politics, about the current divisions between the many islands…  

In general, we found locals to be incredibly open, warm, and willing to chat. (Not to mention, they were some of the friendliest folks we’ve ever found in our travels anywhere!) 

• Have fun! You’re in one of the least-touristed countries in the world. And that’s something special. 

In conclusion… 

And that’s all for today! Still have questions about your trip to the Solomon Islands? Or have you already been and have something to add? Let us know in the comments area below and we’ll get back to you! 

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

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Plan Your Trip to Solomon Islands: Best of Solomon Islands Tourism

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Solomon Islands Lifts COVID Entry Requirements

Honiara, Solomon Islands – Effective immediately, the Solomon Islands has lifted all COVID-19 related requirements and travellers to the destination no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 test.

However, passengers arriving into the destination will still be required to complete a health declaration card which will be made available on board arriving aircraft or at point of entry into the destination.

Tourism Solomons CEO (acting), Dagnal Dereveke said the announcement by the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) would significantly enhance the appeal of the Solomon Islands to those travellers who might have been deterred by previous restrictions.

“The decision to drop COVID-related entry requirements showcases the Solomon Islands as a welcoming and traveller-friendly destination, it demonstrates our commitment to facilitating tourism and highlights our confidence in having managed the COVID-19 situation effectively,” Mr Dereveke said.

However, he said the destination would not be letting its guard down.

“During the pandemic, which saw the Solomon Islands close its border for more than 800 days, Tourism Solomons worked closely with the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT) to proactively promote safety and service excellence across the tourism sector,” he said.

“This involved introducing health and safety guidelines promoting hygiene facilities, maintaining cleanliness, monitoring activities and educating our people.

“Our main aim now is to continue to train our local tourism industry workforce to ensure they deliver a safe, healthy environment and experiences for our visitors.”

Mr Dereveke said the timing for the MHMS announcement was even more relevant given in just a few months’ time the Solomon Islands will be hosting thousands of athletes, support staff and spectators attending the 2023 Pacific Games taking place in November.

Atama Tamanilo

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Tourism Solomons Mourns Passing of Board Chair

The close-knit Solomon Islands tourism industry and wider South Pacific tourism community is in mourning following the sudden death of Tourism Solomons Board Chair, Robson Tana Djokovic, who has passed away in Honiara.

A native of Choiseul Province, Mr Djokovic first joined the then Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau in 2017 when he was appointed to the national tourist office’s board.

He was appointed Deputy Chair in 2019 and to the Chair in July 2022.

Tourism Solomons CEO (Acting) and Head of Corporate Services, Dagnal Dereveke, currently in Christchurch, New Zealand attending the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) board meeting and annual South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) said he was unable to comment on the exact circumstances surrounding Mr Djokovic’s passing.

“This is all so sudden for us and has come as quite a shock,” Mr Dereveke said adding that his organisation was doing everything it could to help Mr Djokovic’s family at this sad time.

Mr Dereveke’s comments were echoed by Pacific Tourism Organisation Chair, Mr Petero Manufolau who, speaking on behalf of all the heads of Pacific tourist bureaus gathered in Christchurch, expressed his deepest condolences to the Djokovic family.

Mr Djokovic was high profile on the Solomon Islands politic scene, serving as Chief of Staff to the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

He was also well known in local business circles where he was involved in the management of several family-owned and run commercial operations.

Source: Press Release

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17 Helpful Things To Know Before Visiting The Solomon Islands

8 September 2019.

When it comes to tropical island destinations, it can be far too easy to paint them all with the same broad brush strokes, pigeonholing them as either the extravagant all-inclusive Bora Bora bunch or the wild, party-all-night Thailand variety.

The Solomon Islands, however, march to a very different drum, abandoning these all too common stereotypes in favour of a raw, rustic and more authentic island experience.

Pristine reefs, dreamy castaway islands and soaring volcanic peaks sit alongside slow-paced village life, a strong cultural identity and a rich, sometimes turbulent past.

What’s more, this gorgeous string of islands remains virtually undiscovered by the hoards of tourists that flock elsewhere in the region.

For anyone starting to plan their trip, these are my top tips to help you prepare for travelling in the Solomon Islands, the essential things to know, the amusing quirks and a few helpful hints on what to expect from your visit.

* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *

The Solomon Islands receive less than 30,000 visitors each year making it one of the least visited tourist destinations in the world.

Compare that to the more than 800,000 that touch down in neighbouring Fiji or 6.5 million that flock to Bali each year.

For intrepid travellers seeking somewhere offbeat and remarkably untouched by mass tourism, where adventure is at your fingertips and uncrowded beaches, reefs and waves are in full supply, then this tiny island chain adrift in the South Pacific is a perfect choice

In this age of over tourism and doing it for the ‘gram, it also makes a wildly refreshing change to explore a place where tourism is still very much in its infancy and that you haven’t already seen a thousand times peppered throughout your Instagram feed – sadly something that has become increasingly difficult to find in recent years.

The Solomon Islands are one of the last frontiers of unspoilt reef with its warm waters and the mingling of currents bringing an explosion of life to this corner of the Pacific.

Its seabeds are littered with wreckages from WWll, its lagoons are frequented by many larger creatures like manta rays, turtles and whales alongside numerous pelagics and it’s home to some of the world’s most pristine reef which conceals countless tiny critters.

Munda is an excellent place to begin your underwater exploration boasting spectacular reef dropoffs, vibrant coral gardens rich in macro life and several wrecks, while Gizo to the north is incredibly biodiverse and home to the second-highest fish count in the world.

In short, for inquisitive divers and snorkellers, it’s absolute heaven and should not be skipped on your Solomon Islands itinerary !

Keen divers can also attend the Solomon Islands Dive Festival in October 2019 which will celebrate the fantastic underwater world of the western province.

For more information, start with Dive Munda and Dive Gizo , the two premier dive shops in the region, or for a full-on dive adventure, consider a Solomon Islands liveaboard experience.

The Solomons may be most famous for their spectacular underwater world, rich in marine life and with more wrecks than you can shake a stick at, but that certainly doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do up on land.

These volcanic islands, blanketed in lush fertile forest, are ripe for exploration.

Just beyond Honiara, dense jungle and rugged ridgelines sprawl across the interior of Guadalcanal, concealing spectacular waterfalls, muddy trails and the archipelago’s two highest peaks. Further afield, it’s possible to clamber up Kolombangara Island, a challenging 2-day trek that involves fording rivers, tackling jungle vines and traipsing the mossy forests of the now extinct crater. The twin peaks on nearby Rendova Island also make for adventurous hiking.

For those seeking something more slow paced, birdwatching, historic WWll sites and local village tours are also an option.

Malaria infection is a risk throughout the Solomon Islands and it’s a good idea to take antimalarials for the duration of your stay and following your trip as prescribed.

Overall, I didn’t find mosquitoes to be much of an issue, however, it’s always a good idea to take preventative measures like covering up in the evenings when insects are more prevalent, using repellent as needed and a mosquito net when available.

Atovaquone-proguanil (brand name Malarone), Mefloquine hydrochloride (brand name Lariam) and Doxycycline are all effective in this region. Consult your doctor for the best option and make yourself aware of the possible side effects. Some may have psychiatric effects, while others, like Doxycycline, can make your skin more sensitive to light meaning you’ll need to be extra careful to cover up when in the sun.

DON’T MISS:   A PERFECT ONE WEEK ITINERARY FOR THE SOLOMON ISLANDS

Any proper trip the Solomon Islands will mean a great deal of time spent lazing on castaway islands or kicking back in your remote jungle hideaway – hardly the kind of place where you’d expect to find an ATM.

Try to pay for your big-ticket items in advance – like flights , accommodation and dive trips – but be sure to withdraw enough cash when you can for meals, market visits and other spontaneous activities.

Some of the larger island resorts do accept credit cards, otherwise you’ll find plenty of ATMs in Honiara (though note that there are none at the airport) along with a few in Gizo and Munda. As ever, try to swap your big bills at the larger establishments in town before setting out to the far-flung islands.

You’ll also find a handful of money changers at the airport and in the larger towns, though in my experience the rates weren’t great and the bills available were rather limited so I’d suggest reserving this option only for emergencies. Aussie Dollars are best for exchanging.

TOP TIP  |   Many ATMs in the Solomon Islands do charge a withdrawal fee. For Aussies, the ING Everyday Debit Card is great for travel as they refund all international ATM and transaction fees provided you fulfil a few straightforward requirements each month.

Banana boats and propellor planes will be your bread and butter of travel in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Airlines offer a wide network of domestic routes that connect Honiara with key hubs in the outer islands. In fact, my flight from Honiara to Munda, tracing the verdant hills of Guadalcanal and the iridescent thread of fringing reef leading the way north, was one of my favourite experiences in the Solomon Islands.

Chances are, you’ll be starting your trip in much the same way before transferring to a boat.

This speck in the South Pacific plays host to just shy of a thousand islands – everything from hulking jungle-clad volcanoes to the teeny, patch-of-sand-sprouting-a-single-palm-tree variety. Out here, the ocean is the crucial lifeline that connects them all and the communities they support and the best and really only way to fully experience that is by zipping about on the water.

Thankfully, travelling within the lagoons generally means calm seas accompanied by spectacular views, but as you leave the protection of the outer reef things can get rather choppy. I’d suggest always having a dry bag on hand to protect your valuables, just in case ( I use one like this! ).

For most short distance boat trips and tours, your accommodation will be happy to help you organise your transportation.

Across longer distances, there’s a weekly ferry service that departs Honiara on Sunday morning bound for Gizo via Munda. The 2-day crossing can be rough but is a decent option for those on stricter budget and looking to avoid the costly internal flights. Visit the Honiara port for bookings.

TOP TIP  |   Flights are occassionally overbooked so be sure to confirm your tickets before hand and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to avoid missing out.

I know, I know, I just said that flight was a highlight, but these internal flights do also come at a considerable cost.

Thankfully for your wallet, it’s now possible to fly direct from Brisbane to Munda with Solomon Airlines which departs every Saturday morning, returning in the afternoon. You’ll still be able to enjoy the stunning aerial views as you descend over the reef, as well as saving yourself a couple of hours of waiting in airports and a few hundred dollars in the process.

Munda acts as an excellent base from which to explore and is just two hours by boat from Gizo for those looking to venture further across the western province.

These flights, however, are in high demand so be sure to book well in advance.

Search for the best Solomon Islands flight deals here.

Underwater camera   |  With diving and snorkelling being the must-do activity in the archipelago, you’ll want a decent camera to capture all the underwater action. After kicking myself for not taking a suitable camera for my last few months in Asia, I wasn’t about to make the same mistake again. Now equipped with the Olympus TG-6 , I was super impressed with the image quality, especially using the specialised underwater and macro settings which are excellent for photographing the small critters. It’s also waterproof up to 15m (so perfect for snorkelling) and has a large LCD screen so you can actually see what you’re doing. For those wanting to take it diving, the PT-059 Underwater Housing extends its depth capabilities to 45m and supports external flashes and lens accessories.

Light rain jacket   |  A rain jacket may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a beach holiday, but in the Solomons it’s an absolute essential! Despite being dry season, I had plenty of rain during my trip and while I often managed to find shelter, if you’re unlucky enough to be clambering about in the jungle or on an extended boat ride, a rain jacket will definitely come in handy. I love my Patagonia Torrentshell which is lightweight and packs down small when you’re not using it.

Reef safe sunscreen   |   If you’re here to see the reef, you wouldn’t want the chemicals in your sunscreen to destroy it. Honestly, I’m still trying to find a brand of sunscreen that I love, but these are a few that come recommended: Stream2Sea ,  Sun Bum Mineral ,  Tropical Sands  and  Blue Lizard . I was also very impressed that Dive Munda provides reef-safe sunscreen at their shop for all divers.

Antimalarials  |   Malaria is a risk throughout the Solomons so don’t forget to take your antimalarial medication. To be effective, most treatments need to begin a day or two before you arrive, be taken every day of your trip and continuously for a period following your return.

Sun protection  |   The sun way out here is blazing hot and you can definitely get horribly sunburnt, even if there’s a light layer of cloud and especially if you’re taking antimalarials like doxycycline. Along with your reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, polarised sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt are essentials for any outing.

Reusable bottle and water purification   |   Generally, it’s not recommended to drink the tap water in the Solomon Islands, so to avoid churning unnecessarily through dozens of plastic bottles during your stay, be sure to plan ahead. Bring a reusable water bottle (I use Klean Kanteen ) and a way to purify your water. I normally use a  SteriPen , but for this trip stuck to water purification tablets.

A dry bag   |   Most boat trips are thankfully contained within the lagoon but if the wind picks up or you need to take a detour across the open ocean, expect to be hit by plenty of ocean spray. Add in a bout of rain or two and chances are you’re going to get a little wet. Always take a dry bag – like this one – with you just in case to avoid damaging your camera or smartphone.

BE INSPIRED: LIVING ON ISLAND TIME – THE SOLOMON ISLANDS IN PHOTOS

Helpfully, the Solomon Islands grant access to 72 countries visa-free or with an entry permit upon arrival.

If you’re from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, the United States and most countries in Europe, you’ll be able to enter with no fuss for up to 90 days.

A few nations from Asia, the Middle East, South America and the Carribean are also granted visa-free access.

The wet season runs from November to March with the rest of the year falling under the dry season, though weather can be temperamental at any time of year. In late August, for example, we received plenty of rainfall across the week.

Temperatures are deliciously hot and humid throughout the year, usually hovering around 30 degrees.

That said, many locals did also note that as climate change intensifies, the seasonal shifts have been increasingly unpredictable over the past few years. Basically, this is the tropics and wet weather can occur at any time so don’t forget to bring that rain jacket.

The peak tourist season is December and January coinciding with the major school holidays in Australia and New Zealand, followed by June and July when many in the southern hemisphere choose to escape winter in search of warmer climates.

Given their remote location in the middle of the ocean, it should come as no surprise that seafood is a staple of the Solomon Islander diet.

And they do it so. damn. well!

Fresh sashimi, lime and coconut cured reef fish, garlic buttered crayfish and honey barbecued squid are just a few dishes that will have your mouth watering.

While there are some larger scale fishing operations, in the outer islands it’s mostly local villagers who aim to catch only what is needed, selling it directly to the various island resorts or at the local market.

Most meals are accompanied by locally-sourced root vegetables, like sweet potato, taro or cassava, and a serve of tropical fruit, but if you’re a vegetarian or not a big seafood eater, be sure to communicate this with your accommodation before arrival so that they can accommodate you.

Now, all the fruit I ate in the Solomons was a big step up from what we get in Australia (special mention to the pineapple and papaya which were absolutely delicious) but the bananas were without a doubt the best I’ve ever tasted. They’re much smaller than your usual supermarket variety and are packed full of flavour.

Fun fact, the Solomon’s Makira Island grows almost 100 different species of banana, and if you’re really bananas… for bananas (sorry, I had to) they also hold a banana festival.

The Solomon Islands are not the place to come expecting oversized mega-resorts and extravagant luxury.

Instead they’ve put their very own spin on the all-inclusive ideal, focussing on small locally run establishments woven with a touch of adventure, cultural immersion and much-needed relaxation, and honestly, it’s one of the things that makes a trip here quite so special.

Here you’ll find charming beachside bungalows and simple cabins tucked up in the rainforest, all united by a focus on sustainability and a simply spectacular setting.

Oh, and the best part, you’ll likely have the place all to yourself!

Find out more more about where to stay in this guide to Solomon Islands accommodation .

GET PLANNING:  YOUR GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN THE SOLOMON ISLAND

So, I won’t beat around the bush – the wifi way out here in this remote corner of the Pacific ain’t great.

But instead of getting frustrated with a slow (or nonexistent) internet connection, it’s a far better idea to embrace this rare opportunity to disconnect altogether. Ignore the mounting email notifications, forget about updating your Instagram feed, order yourself another round of drinks and sink a little deeper into that blissful island life you’ve come in search of.

That said, if you do desperately need internet, you can find it at most big hotels in Honiara, however, even at the best spots, you’ll be limited to a kind of fast connection for about an hour or a painfully slow one for as long as you like. As you move toward the outer islands, some of the bigger resorts do offer internet, at least that’s what their websites say, but honestly, it’s barely fast enough to check and reply to emails so I wouldn’t recommend you rely on it for anything urgent.

You’ll most likely see the signs of betel nut before you see the fruit itself – the bright red smile of a friendly local, the hotel and shopfront flyers demanding ‘No Betel Nut’ and the rust-coloured splatters along the roadside.

Found in the fruit of the areca palm, a small green thing you’ll see piled up at any local market, chewing betel nut is a universal past time in the Solomon Islands, akin to a social beer or coffee in the western world, though with a bit more of a kick.

“World War ll was not our war. It was the war of two countries who came to fight on our land.”

It’s a desperately sad sentiment of a time that brought about irreparable change to the Solomon Islands where some of the war’s most brutal battles raged in the hopes of gaining control over this strategic outpost in the South Pacific.

Today, the souvenirs of conflict are scattered across the islands, both in the warm waters of the Solomon Sea and on land, including the numerous Japanese-built airstrips, many of which are still in use today. Beyond the battles, however, perhaps the most famous tale to emerge from this savage period, and one you’ll see recounted many times across the islands, is the rescue of John F Kennedy, before he became, well, just the President, helped by the heroic efforts of two local scouts.

Brutal as it was, this war was merely a few years sandwiched between centuries of change, from the days of trading and headhunting expeditions, to British colonisation and missionary infiltration, to their eventual independence and a period of violent civil unrest.

Despite it all, Solomon Islanders maintain a strong cultural identity, where some indigenous communities, like the Kwaio people on Malaita, still live largely separate from the modern world upholding their traditional practices and social structures. Elsewhere, other remote villages continue to live largely off the land, often trading goods for services.

In the face of sweeping modernisation, however, there’s a constant tug-of-war between innovation and tradition, the old-timers determined that the younger generations will not forget the old ways, and neither will its visitors.

Oh, island time.

Has there ever been a concept so widely embraced as the laidback, slow-paced, it’ll-happen-when-it-happens amble of island life.

It’s endearing, refreshing, and at times a wee bit frustrating, but mostly it’s a timely reminder for us city folk, so often consumed by the keeping of schedules and rushing about, to just chill out and slow the eff down.

In a world where looming deadlines, endless to-do lists and constant distractions fill our day-to-day, simply slowing down is a luxury we rarely afford ourselves these days, so seize the opportunity while you can.

Take your time, wander slowly, savour the moment.

A big thanks to Tourism Solomon Islands for hosting me during my stay. As always, all opinions are my own. 

A Solomon Islands Itinerary: One Wonderful Week In Paradise

Solomon Islands Accommodation: Where To Stay In The Solomon Islands

Living On Island Time: The Solomon Islands In Photos

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