Overview
The Solomon Islands is a Melanesian archipelago in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising roughly 900 islands spread across a vast stretch of ocean east of Papua New Guinea. It is one of the least-visited countries in the Pacific, which means travelers who make the effort encounter reefs, villages, and landscapes that remain largely undisturbed by mass tourism.
The capital, Honiara, sits on the island of Guadalcanal and serves as the country's main entry point. Beyond the capital, life moves at a pace set by tides and tradition. Most people live in rural villages and maintain strong connections to kastom — the local term for customary law and cultural practice that governs community life.
The islands carry deep WWII significance. Guadalcanal was the site of one of the Pacific War's most consequential campaigns, and remnants of that conflict — sunken warships, rusting aircraft, and battlefield sites — are scattered across the archipelago, drawing history enthusiasts alongside divers and naturalists.
Ecologically, the Solomons sit within the Coral Triangle, giving the marine environment extraordinary biodiversity. Malaita, Western Province, and the remote Temotu Province each offer distinct landscapes, cultures, and experiences for travelers willing to venture beyond Honiara.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements vary by nationality. Visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and the Solomon Islands Immigration Division's official website to confirm current requirements before booking. Requirements can change with little notice.
Health
Malaria is present throughout the Solomon Islands, including on Guadalcanal. Consult a travel medicine specialist well before departure about prophylaxis, and pack a quality insect repellent with DEET. Other mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever have been recorded. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, and check whether hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for your itinerary. Medical facilities outside Honiara are very limited; comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation cover is strongly advised.
Money and Connectivity
ATMs exist in Honiara and a small number of provincial towns, but they can run out of cash or be out of service. Carry sufficient Solomon Islands Dollars when leaving the capital. Credit card acceptance is limited largely to a handful of hotels and larger businesses in Honiara. Mobile data coverage exists in populated areas but is patchy or absent on many outer islands; download offline maps and key information before traveling to remote areas.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers arms and legs for malaria protection and cultural respect in villages
- High-SPF sunscreen and reef-safe formulations where possible
- Personal first-aid kit and any prescription medications in adequate supply
- Dry bags for boat transfers, which are the primary inter-island transport
Getting There
Honiara's Honiara International Airport (HIR) is the main international gateway. Airlines serving the route from major hubs have historically included Solomon Airlines (the national carrier) and a small number of regional carriers connecting through Brisbane, Port Moresby, Nadi (Fiji), and other Pacific cities. Route availability changes periodically; verify current schedules directly with airlines or a travel agent specializing in the Pacific.
There are no regular international cruise or cargo-passenger lines that make the Solomon Islands a simple add-on to a broader itinerary. Independent travelers arriving by yacht do so through designated ports of entry; those planning this route should research customs and quarantine requirements carefully in advance.
Flying into Honiara and then using domestic Solomon Airlines flights or inter-island boats to reach other island groups is the standard approach for most visitors.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Solomon Airlines operates scheduled domestic services connecting Honiara to airstrips on several islands including Munda (Western Province), Gizo, Auki (Malaita), and others. Schedules are subject to change and cancellation; build flexibility into your itinerary and always confirm bookings locally.
Boats and Ferries
Inter-island boats — ranging from small speedboats to larger passenger ferries — are the backbone of transportation in the Solomons. Journey times can be long and sea conditions can be rough, particularly outside the dry season. Inquire about life-jacket availability and weather conditions before boarding. Local knowledge is invaluable here.
Getting Around Honiara
Minibuses (called buses locally) run fixed routes in and around Honiara and are the most affordable option. Taxis are available; agree on a fare before departure as meters are not universally used. Some guesthouses and dive operators can arrange vehicle hire or transfers.
On Outer Islands
On most islands, travel is on foot along village paths, by dugout canoe, or by locally hired motorized boat. Hiring a local guide is both practically helpful and economically beneficial to communities.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the Solomon Islands ranges from basic guesthouses and community homestays to a small number of dive-focused resorts, primarily in Western Province. Honiara has the widest selection, including a few mid-range hotels that serve business travelers and aid workers as well as tourists. Standards and pricing vary; verify current options and read recent traveler reviews before booking, as properties do open and close.
In the provinces, accommodation is typically simple guesthouses or village homestays. These offer genuine immersion in local life but require realistic expectations regarding facilities. Some dive operators in Gizo and around Munda have associated accommodation ranging from basic to comfortable. Liveaboard dive vessels operate in some areas and allow access to remote sites while solving the accommodation question simultaneously.
Book ahead for travel during the May–October peak season, particularly for dive resorts in Western Province, as capacity is limited across the country.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
The Solomon Islands is widely regarded among serious divers as one of the Pacific's premier destinations. The Coral Triangle location means exceptional coral diversity and fish life. The Western Province around Gizo and Munda is particularly well known for its dive sites, including multiple WWII wrecks — most famously the Toa Maru. Visibility and conditions vary by season and site; dive operators can advise on appropriate sites for your experience level.
WWII History
Guadalcanal was the scene of a grinding six-month campaign in 1942–43. The Guadalcanal American Memorial, Bloody Ridge (also called Edson's Ridge), and the Iron Bottom Sound — named for the number of ships sunk there — are significant sites. The National Museum in Honiara holds relevant exhibits and artifacts. Local guides can provide context that no signpost can replicate.
Village and Cultural Visits
Many communities welcome respectful visitors, and some have established structured cultural tourism programs. Ngella (Florida Islands), Malaita, and communities in Western Province offer opportunities to learn about traditional weaving, shell money production, and customary governance. Always seek permission before entering a village and follow local protocols.
Birdwatching
The Solomons has a high proportion of endemic bird species relative to its size. Forested islands such as Kolombangara and Rennell (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) attract specialist birders. Lake Tegano on Rennell is the Pacific's largest raised coral atoll lake and is part of the World Heritage listing.
Surfing
A small but dedicated surf community visits the Solomons, with breaks found around Western Province and on Guadalcanal. This remains a niche activity and infrastructure is minimal compared to established Pacific surf destinations.
Food & Drink
Everyday food in the Solomon Islands centers on root vegetables — taro, sweet potato, and cassava — alongside fresh fish, coconut, and greens. In coastal villages, fish is typically abundant and often cooked simply over fire or in coconut cream. Betel nut (buai) is widely chewed throughout the country and is a significant social practice, though not without health considerations.
Honiara has a modest range of restaurants and eateries, including Chinese restaurants that have a long history in the Pacific, as well as a few places catering to expats and visitors with broader menus. Markets in Honiara, particularly the central market, are good places to try local produce and cooked food at reasonable cost.
Alcohol is available in Honiara and at some resort-style properties. On outer islands, availability is limited and in some areas communities have declared themselves dry under customary law; respect these decisions. Tap water in Honiara should be treated or avoided; bottled or boiled water is recommended throughout the country.
Practical Information
Emergency Contacts
Verify current emergency service numbers locally upon arrival, as these can differ from standard international formats. The main hospital is the National Referral Hospital in Honiara; medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended for travel anywhere outside the capital.
Electricity
The Solomon Islands uses Type I power outlets (the same as Australia and New Zealand) at 220–240V, 50Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Time
The Solomon Islands observes UTC+11 year-round and does not observe daylight saving time.
Communication
The local SIM card market has options from providers operating in the country; a local SIM purchased in Honiara is generally the most cost-effective way to stay connected. Check compatibility with your unlocked handset before travel.
Customs and Import Rules
Strict biosecurity rules apply to what can be brought into the country. Verify current requirements with Solomon Islands customs before packing any food, plant material, or animal products.
Safety
The Solomon Islands is generally a low-crime destination for travelers who take standard precautions, though petty theft does occur in Honiara, particularly after dark. Avoid displaying expensive equipment openly in busy areas and take particular care around the market and port areas at night.
The main health risks are malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses, which are genuine concerns across the archipelago. Follow your travel doctor's advice on prophylaxis and use repellents consistently, especially at dawn and dusk. Water safety and food hygiene precautions are worthwhile throughout the country.
Natural hazards include cyclones (most likely November to April), earthquakes, and occasional tsunamis — the Solomons sits in a seismically active zone. Familiarize yourself with your accommodation's emergency procedures and heed local authority advice during any seismic events. Ocean conditions can be hazardous on open-water crossings; assess weather and boat conditions before any sea journey.
Check your home government's current travel advisories before departing, and register with your embassy or consulate if undertaking extended or remote travel.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Solomon Islands is deeply rooted in Melanesian tradition and Christianity, with most of the population identifying as Christian of various denominations. These two frameworks — kastom and church — shape daily life, community decision-making, and social norms in ways that may not be immediately apparent to outside visitors.
Dress modestly, particularly in villages and away from beach or resort environments. Swimwear is appropriate at dive resorts and beaches but not in markets, churches, or village settings. Ask before photographing people, particularly in communities; in some areas there are customary restrictions or an expectation of payment.
Land ownership and customary rights are deeply important and sometimes contested. Visitors should be aware that entering certain areas, forests, or sites may require permission from landowners or community leaders. A local guide is the most reliable way to navigate this respectfully.
The concept of 'wantok' — solidarity with one's language group or kin network — is central to Solomon Islands society. Gift-giving, reciprocity, and communal obligation are important values. Small, practical gifts brought from home are appreciated in village settings though this is entirely optional and should never feel transactional.
