Overview
The Solomon Islands is an archipelago nation of nearly 1,000 islands scattered across the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. With a population of around 650,000 spread across six major island groups — including Guadalcanal, Malaita, the Western Province, and the remote Temotu Province — the country covers a vast area of ocean and offers extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity.
The islands are perhaps best known internationally for their role in some of the most intense fighting of the Pacific War during World War II, particularly the Guadalcanal Campaign of 1942–43. That history has left a remarkable underwater legacy: sunken warships, aircraft, and equipment now serve as some of the world's most compelling dive sites. Above water, dense rainforests, active volcanoes, traditional villages, and lagoons of exceptional clarity define the landscape.
Despite its natural and historical richness, the Solomon Islands remains one of the least-visited destinations in the Pacific, which means travelers who make the journey encounter a largely unpackaged experience. Infrastructure outside the capital, Honiara, is limited, and this remoteness is both the country's greatest challenge and its defining appeal.
Before You Go
Visas
Visa requirements vary by nationality. For the most current and accurate information, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Solomon Islands Immigration Authority website before you travel.
Health Precautions
Malaria is present throughout the Solomon Islands and is a serious health risk. Consult a travel medicine specialist well before departure to discuss prophylaxis options, and take personal protective measures (insect repellent, long clothing at dusk, bed nets) seriously. Dengue fever is also present. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, and verify locally or with your doctor whether additional vaccinations are recommended.
Clean, reliable drinking water is not universally available outside Honiara. Sealed bottled water is advisable. Medical facilities in Honiara are limited by international standards; facilities on outer islands are very basic. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Money
ATMs exist in Honiara but are not reliably available on most outer islands. Carry sufficient Solomon Islands Dollars in cash before leaving the capital. Card acceptance is limited even in Honiara. Exchange currency at banks or authorised exchange offices; verify current rates locally.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (primarily through Solomon Telekom and BMobile) exists in Honiara and some provincial towns but is unreliable or absent in remote areas. Satellite communication devices are worth considering for extended outer-island travel.
Getting There
Honiara's Henderson International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal is the main international gateway. Airlines serving the Solomon Islands with international flights have included Solomon Airlines (the national carrier), Fiji Airways, and Air Niugini, with connections typically routed through Fiji, Papua New Guinea, or Australia. Schedules and routes change; verify current options directly with airlines or a travel agent before booking.
Solomon Airlines also operates inter-island domestic flights connecting Honiara to provincial airports including those in Munda (Western Province), Seghe, Gizo, Kirakira, and the remote islands of Temotu. These smaller routes are subject to schedule changes and cancellations; build in flexibility when planning onward travel.
Cargo ships and passenger vessels operate inter-island routes, though schedules are irregular and comfort is basic. For travelers with time, passage on these vessels offers an authentic way to experience the islands. Confirm departure times and conditions locally before committing to sea travel, as weather and mechanical delays are common.
Getting Around
Within Honiara, shared minibus taxis (locally called 'bus') are the primary form of public transport and are affordable. Private taxis are available; agree on a fare before departing. Car rental is available in Honiara from a small number of operators — verify locally for current providers and requirements, as an international driving permit may be needed.
Between islands, domestic flights with Solomon Airlines are the most reliable option for covering distance quickly, though they are relatively expensive and seats are limited. Book as far in advance as possible, particularly during peak periods.
Small motorised boats and canoes are used extensively for inter-island and coastal travel, particularly in the Western Province's lagoon systems around Marovo and Gizo. For diving and snorkeling trips, most operators arrange boat transfers directly. In many areas, travel by boat is simply the only way to reach a destination.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the Solomon Islands ranges from basic guesthouses and community-run lodges on outer islands to a small number of mid-range hotels and dive resorts. Honiara has the widest selection, including business hotels that serve the NGO and government sector as well as travelers. Standards and prices vary significantly; verify current options and availability through a travel agent or booking platform, as properties open and close.
In the Western Province, several dive resorts and eco-lodges operate around Gizo, the Marovo Lagoon, and smaller island communities, often offering all-inclusive or dive-package arrangements. These resorts frequently provide the most organised base for exploring outer-island environments and are worth booking well in advance, as capacity is limited.
Homestays and community guesthouses exist across many islands and offer an immersive experience, though facilities are basic — expect simple sleeping arrangements, shared bathrooms, and generator-powered electricity at best. These options are best arranged through local contacts or a regional tour operator with established community relationships.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
The Solomon Islands is considered one of the world's premier dive destinations. The Iron Bottom Sound off Guadalcanal holds the wrecks of dozens of ships sunk during the Guadalcanal Campaign, including the USS President Coolidge near Espiritu Santo (technically Vanuatu, but a common regional reference). Within the Solomons, sites around Tulagi, the Florida Islands, and the Western Province lagoons offer wrecks, walls, and reef systems teeming with marine life. Marovo Lagoon — reportedly one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world — is particularly noted for coral diversity and visibility.
WWII History
Beyond diving, the historical landscape of Guadalcanal is significant. The Honiara area contains war memorials, the American Memorial at Skyline Ridge, and the Vilu War Museum outside the capital (verify current opening status locally), which displays recovered aircraft and equipment from the conflict. Visiting these sites alongside local guides adds important context.
Cultural Experiences
Traditional culture remains strong across many islands. Kastom (custom) practices, traditional carving, shell money craftsmanship on Malaita, and traditional fishing communities offer genuine cultural encounters. Visitors should approach village visits respectfully and, where possible, arrange contact through a reputable local guide or operator who has established relationships with communities.
Nature and Hiking
The islands support rich biodiversity including endemic bird species. Birding is a draw for specialist travelers. Mount Austen above Honiara offers accessible hiking with views over the island. The Kolombangara volcano in the Western Province and the remote eastern islands each offer distinct natural landscapes for more adventurous travelers.
Food & Drink
Staple foods in the Solomon Islands include taro, sweet potato, cassava, rice, and fresh fish and seafood. Coconut is used widely across dishes. In villages and local markets, meals are simple, fresh, and frequently cooked over open fires or in earth ovens during ceremonies.
Honiara has a modest range of restaurants catering to varying budgets, including local eateries, Chinese-influenced establishments, and a small number of restaurants serving broader international food. Fresh fish and shellfish, when available, are generally of high quality.
The local Solbrew beer is widely available in Honiara and is the standard choice in bars and guesthouses. Kava, the mildly sedative root drink common across the Pacific, is consumed in the Solomon Islands, though its cultural role varies by region. Non-alcoholic options include fresh coconut water, which is readily available and reliable. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled or treated water is essential.
Practical Information
Emergency Contacts
The country dialling code is +677. Emergency service numbers — including police, fire, and ambulance — should be confirmed locally or at your hotel upon arrival, as services and their reliability vary significantly between Honiara and outer islands.
Electricity
The Solomon Islands uses Type I plugs (the same as Australia and New Zealand) at 220–240V, 50Hz. Travelers from North America will need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter for most devices.
Time
The Solomon Islands observes UTC+11 year-round and does not observe daylight saving time.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in villages or during ceremonies. Some communities or ceremonies may restrict photography entirely. Respecting these boundaries is both courteous and important for maintaining positive relations between visitors and local communities.
Communication
The country code is +677. Internet access is available in Honiara at hotels and some cafes, but speeds are often slow and reliability is limited. Outer islands may have no connectivity at all.
Safety
The Solomon Islands is generally a safe destination for travelers who exercise reasonable awareness. Petty crime, including bag snatching and opportunistic theft, occurs in Honiara, particularly after dark and around the central market area. Avoid displaying valuables openly and take standard urban precautions.
Sea travel carries real risks. Weather in the Pacific can deteriorate quickly, and small boat travel in rough conditions is dangerous. Do not travel by boat in poor weather, and verify the condition and safety equipment of any vessel before boarding. Water safety is also a concern for divers and snorkelers unfamiliar with local currents.
Political instability has occurred in the Solomons' recent history, and occasional civil unrest has affected Honiara in the past. Check your government's travel advisory for the Solomon Islands before and during travel, as conditions can change. Register with your embassy or consulate if making an extended visit.
Malaria and other vector-borne illnesses pose a genuine health risk (see Before You Go). Do not underestimate this; taking preventive measures consistently throughout your trip is important.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Solomon Islands is home to a predominantly Melanesian population with extraordinary linguistic and cultural diversity — over 70 distinct languages are spoken across the archipelago. Despite this diversity, a shared concept of kastom (custom) — the body of traditional law, ceremony, and social practice — is central to community life throughout the islands, even as Christian churches (introduced during the colonial period) now play a significant role in daily and community life.
Dress modestly, particularly when visiting villages or churches. Revealing clothing appropriate for a beach resort may cause offence in community settings. Removing shoes before entering someone's home is customary in many communities. Greetings are important; taking the time to acknowledge people respectfully, even with a simple hello, is valued.
Traditional crafts including wood carving, shell money, and woven products remain important both culturally and economically. Purchasing crafts directly from artisans or community cooperatives, where possible, ensures a fair return to makers. Bargaining aggressively is not culturally appropriate; accept quoted prices or politely decline.
The concept of wantok — the network of social obligation to one's extended language group — shapes social and economic relationships throughout Solomon Islands society. Understanding this dynamic, even superficially, helps explain aspects of local life that may otherwise seem puzzling to outside visitors.
