Ultimate Solomon Islands Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Discover in 2025

Ultimate Solomon Islands Travel Guide

Solomon Islands is an archipelago of over 900 islands! They are floating in the South Pacific Ocean. Only 6 islands are on the tourist radar. These islands shortly called the Solomons are formed into an independent country.

Location of Solomons:

The islands are found north of Australia and to the east of Papua New Guinea.

The Solomons are put under the Melanesia group of islands, which is part of the Oceania region. It is considered a continent that comprises the Micronesia Islands, Melanesia Islands, Polynesia Islands, Australia, and New Zealand.

The other islands that come under Melanesia are:

  • Fiji
  • Papua New Guinea
  • New Caledonia
  • Vanuatu
  • Malukku
  • Torres Strait Islands

Overview of the Solomon Islands:

Like other islands in Melanesia, the Solomon Islands are also volcanic. The islands are home to lush and mostly unexplored rainforests whose flora, and fauna are yet to be fully identified and counted.

The main islands that tourists go to:

  • Guadalcanal
  • New Georgia
  • Malaita
  • Santa Isabel
  • Choiseul
  • Makira (aka San Cristobel)

So, only six islands out of 900 islands are where the tourists visit.

The capital of Solomon Islands is known as Honiara. It is located on the island of Guadalcanal. The title image of this post points to Honiara City.

How do you reach Honiara?

The city is equipped with an international airport. Flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu

Paris and London also send passenger flights to the Solomons. However, they are not non-stop but with one or two stops.

Hmm… It seems the Solomon Islands are highly visited by international tourists.

Brisbane is closer to Guadalcanal than Sydney You land on the island in about 3 hours maximum from Brisbane.

Though Papua New Guinea is only 1200 km west of the Solomon Islands, I don’t think there are many people from Papua New Guinea, who go to the Solomon Islands.

How does one visit the other Solomon Islands from Guadalcanal?

Ferries ply between them, and so do the domestic flights.

What is the distance between Guadalcanal and to other 5 major islands?

  • Santa Isabel 270 km
  • Choiseul 450 km
  • San Cristobel 210 km
  • New Georgia 320 km
  • Malaita 115 km

All these distances are only approximate. There may be a difference of 5 km plus or minus.

The islands indeed are scattered in the Southwest Pacific Ocean.

Hotels to stay in Honiara on Guadalcanal Island:

No dearth of accommodation, buddy!  Here are a few recommendations:

  • Heritage Park
  • King Solomon
  • Honiara Hotel

The last mentioned hotel above is said to be the cheapest.

Which is the local specialty on Guadalcanal Island?

Venda-Venda is the name of the local special dish. There are only 3 ingredients in this dish; coconut water, grated coconut, and taro which is a kind of tuber/root vegetable.

The final product will be like a small ball.

What are all the languages spoken on the Solomon Islands?

Here is the big relief. English is widely spoken. Apart from English, about 70 different languages are in use. I will not bother with their names.

How do you move around Honiara city?

Mini public buses are useful. The local vendors crowd the buses.

There are taxis too. In addition, boat tours are available which I believe is worth the experience.

Ultimate Solomon Islands Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Discover

Main attractions on Guadalcanal Island:

Tenaru Falls

The route to the falls is itself a heart-stealer. The rainforests hide much of its valuables, and a waterfall is certainly one.

The water falls from a height of 200 feet roughly. It is only a cascade and safe to stand underneath. The water is also pure and hence safe.

Honiara Central Market

Would you visit the local market on the day of your arrival? I would because of my curiosity about the island’s fruits, and vegetables, the local spices, snacks, and more.

The things you find on sale in the market include the day’s fishing collections, tender coconut water, vegetables, dresses, handicrafts (seashell gifts, and shell currency) flowers, etc.

The Honiara’s market is set up right on the seashore.

 Ironbottom Sound

The sound is a body of water between two landforms. In this instance, the sea called the Iron Bottom Sound is lying in between three islands, namely:

  • Guadalcanal
  • Savo Island
  • Florida Island

The last two mentioned islands are also part of the Solomon Islands archipelago.

The map below shows the Ironbottom Sound and the 3 islands that surround the ‘sound’.

The name ‘Ironbottom’ points to the number of sunken ships that sleep on the seafloor.

The ships belonged to the Japanese Navy. I remember reading that nearly 40 warships were sunk by the Allies.  It is no wonder the name Ironbottom is apt.

What a history in Guadalcanal, one of the Solomon Islands, and the largest of them.

Dive Sites

Inexplicably, a warship was sunk by its enemies during the WorldWar II. A shipwreck is the ultimate reason for scuba divers to get into the sea, and swim through the wreck in the hope of digging out a treasure.

Of course, the divers can watch numerous marine creatures and include the corals.

Here is a video.

Bonegi I and II are the two dive sites, near Honiara.  This means, there are two shipwrecks lying on the seabed.

Vilu War Museum

Do you think visiting this war museum before you head to the dive sites to swim through the shipwrecks will be a good idea?

It is weird to know such a small and remote island, floating somewhere in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, has a museum of war artifacts.

I think the displayed but outdated guns and other defense armaments will give some glue to the cargo of the sunken ships.

This is a scene of the museum campus. Isn’t it pretty but at the same time incongruous for a war museum?

The unique appeal of the museum is, it is set up in the open air. I think, an hour is sufficient to see all the displays.

Solomon Islands National Museum

I guess this is the best place to get a peep into the history and culture of the exotic islands.

While history may not be very interesting to all the tourists, the islanders’ culture can be totally alien.

Seashell as currency

It is an amazing practice that has been in vogue since ancient times, when there was no paper or metal money.

The native Melanesians used to make a necklace that is strung with seashells.  The shells are cleaned, polished, and painted before being used in the formation of a necklace.

The National Museum is large, comprising several buildings that display only certain thematic objects.

If you have shown interest in visiting the remote Solomon Islands, you should visit their national museum.

Mbonege Beach

This is where the scuba divers go in search of the shipwrecks. Boats will ferry them to the exact diving spots.

The beach itself is picturesque and the sand is a lovely white color. If you are not keen on seeing the wrecked ships, you can still snorkel and see a bit of marine creatures.

Guadalcanal American Memorial

This is the American War Memorial on one of the Solomon Islands. It is sad to note that these off-the-beaten-path islands were subjected to war without any provocation.

There is a mention of the Battle of Guadalcanal in the second world war history chronicles.

Japanese Peace Memorial

It is strange that there are war memorials for both the American martyrs, and Japanese warriors in the same city.

The monument is standing tall on Mount Austin. From here, you get wonderful views of the city of Honiara, and the Southwest Pacific Ocean.

In addition, to lure hesitant tourists, a stunning view of the Ironbottim Sound is also mentioned in the local city tour itinerary.

What to see on other Solomon Islands?

For your ready reckoning, I am publishing again the map of the Solomon Islands.

Choiseul Island

This is the farthest island from Guadalcanal. You can reach the island by air from Honiara. You can land on the island in about 30 minutes.

If you are a seasoned sailor, consider a voyage by ferry that might involve more than eights of sea passage.

Moving around Choiseul:

Taxis are available on the island.

It is recommended to pay for a guided tour of the island in a car. There is one tour operator. He will show you around Choiseul Island.

The island is blessed with stunning beaches and they are almost deserted always.

Your dream of stepping into the truly exotic Papua New Guinea can be fulfilled when you go to Choiseul.

Just 50 km separates Choiseul and Bougainville Island, which is part of the Papua New Guinea islands chain.

The island is an Important Bird Area as there are numerous endemic birds. Please be aware that Papua New Guinea is a habitat for the birds of Paradise, the most beautiful birds in the world. Not even the Amazon jungles can match them.

Staying on Choiseul Island

4 major options are available for staying on the island. Since you cannot make a day trip from Honiara, it is better to stay on the island overnight.

Kaye Coco has the backing of good reviews.

The activities on Choiseul Island include visiting beaches, a museum, ATV rides, and cruise tours.

Guided Boat Tour

The best way to see all the beaches on the island is to join a guided boat tour offered by 7th Heaven.

The boat stops at specific spots to get into the water wearing a snorkel mask.

Though it is a tour in the water, some onshore excursions are also included.

Santa Isabel

This is a large island that comprises nearly 3000 sq. km!  Around 36,000 people live on the island.

The island’s airport is located on the nearby Fera Island.

The main attractions include a hike on Mount Sasari, and River Marutho. Since the river runs down the mountain, you can find a few cascades. Standing underneath the gentle waterfalls is refreshing.

The beaches are stunning, wearing white sand. When you go to this island, you will be dumbstruck because of the unspoiled beauty of the beaches with no one in sight.

You may feel like pitching up a tent right on the beach and staying overnight.

A few archaeological ruins will keep you engaged for about 30 minutes.

Inexplicably, you can find a hot spring with water that has healing powers.

Hotels on Santa Isabel

Surprisingly, there are more hotels than I expected. Many of them are 4-star properties.

One resort has a casino, buddy! Wow! That must be wonderful because there are not many attractions to see. The island is meant for relaxing and eating the freshest seafood.

Reaching Santa Isabel

I would ride on a ferry from Honiara despite 8+ hours of voyage.

You can also fly from Honiara. You will land on Fera Island. From there, you have to depend on a boat to step into Santa Isabel. The distance covered is only 30 km!

Unheard of birds to watch on Santa Isabel.

  • Fearful Owl-the name is funny because owls are generally not fearful.

This particular bird seems to live in hill stations only where they feel safe.

  • Solomon Frogmouth

Never heard of them-eh? Because they are endemic, you might not have come across their names.

I saw a few images of the Solomon Frogmouth, but they are unclear. I think they resemble an owl.

Being a nocturnal bird, it is difficult to spot.

Helicopter Tour

Grab this great opportunity to see the island from a helicopter. The beaches and the mountains look awesome aerially.

Malaita Island

This is larger than Santa Isabel, comprising 4300Sq. km!

MalaitaThe island is an Important Bird Area. It seems all the Solomon Islands are bird watchers’ haven. I think the reason is the proximity of Papua New Guinea which is well-known for fantastic bird species.

I read about 4 species of pigeons that like the island, and made their permanent home.

Reaching Malaita:

Fly from Honiara, the capital of Guadalcanal Island. It takes just 30 minutes.

The ferry takes nearly 3 hours.

Places to see on Malaita Island:

  • Two lagoons are worth visiting, namely Langa Langa Lagoon, and Lau Lagoon. The fishermen have built artificial islands on these lagoons, and live in small huts.
  • There is a small waterfall amidst some dense forest. It is called Kwaibala Waterfall.
  • Explore the island’s beaches by traveling in powered canoes. Surely, the pilot will also act as a guide.

The island is generally thickly forested and hence great for studying the flora, reptiles, and insects.

Staying options

There are no star hotels but only guesthouses, motels, and lodges.

San Cristobal Island

The island has an alias that goes by Makira. It is also very large comprising 3,190 sq. km.

Makira is located at the southern end of the Solomon Island. Its capital city is Kirakira.

The island’s geographical features reveal that the island is full of thick rainforests, making it true tropical heaven.

A nature lover will fall in love with the island’s hills, waterfalls, and mountain streams.

Can you visualize?

Maybe the video below will through more light on the island’s geography and appearance.

San Cristobal is also an Important Bird Area and comes under the Birdlife International. If bird watching is your favorite, you may have to stay on the island for two days to see at least 50% of the bird species.

How to reach San Cristobal?

Flights from Honiara, Guadalcanal Island, deliver you to Makira in just 30 minutes.

How to get around the island.

No taxis, motorcycles, or even bicycles to rent. The only option is by motor canoes.

Hotels to stay:

There are only two choices to stay on the island, in spite of its big size. It implies the island is not a favorite among the tourists.

How to spend time on the island?

Walking through the forests and watching the flora and fauna are the main activities on the island.

During your forest hike, you will stumble upon some small waterfalls in dreamy settings.

Oh, yes! The marine creatures’ diversity, invites you to either snorkel or go scuba diving.

New Georgia Island

It is not a single island. It has siblings. Rainforests occupy much of the island.

Wildlife and nature are the two big attractor factors.

A few overwater bungalows are the highlights of the island.

Gizo, and Munda are the two picturesque coastal towns that you need to visit while touring the New Georgia Island.

Kennedy Island where nobody lives is on your tour itinerary. Just 15 minutes boat ride away from Gizo. It is worth wetting your feet on the island.

How do you get to New Georgia Island?

1-hour flight from Honiara will get you to Mundo, where the airport is available.

It is clear that Honiara should be your headquarters when go to the Solomon Islands. From there, you can choose to visit the other Solomon Islands.

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