Things To Do
in Honiara
Nestled on the northern coast of Guadalcanal Island, Honiara serves as the bustling capital city of the Solomon Islands. This vibrant metropolis is not only the administrative and economic heart of the country but also a hub rich in World War II history, evidenced by its numerous war memorials and museums.
The city's surroundings are adorned with lush tropical hills and beautiful beaches, making it a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
- "Ola" - Hello
- "Tenk yu" - Thank you
- "Sori" - Sorry
- "Bai mi go" - I will go
- "Kasa" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Honiara Central Market, a vibrant hub filled with local produce and crafts. Experience the local culture as you interact with friendly vendors and sample tropical fruits.
Visit the nearby National Museum to learn about Solomon Islands' rich history and culture. The museum displays artifacts and provides insights into the indigenous way of life.
Enjoy a sunset walk along the waterfront. Consider dining at a local restaurant to try traditional Solomon Islands cuisine.
Take a short trip to Mbonege Beach and spend your morning swimming or relaxing under the sun. The beach is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery.
Continue enjoying the beach by snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life. Pack a picnic to enjoy a leisurely lunch by the shoreline.
As the sun sets, unwind with a beach bonfire. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of the waves while stargazing in the clear night sky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and landscapes, including beaches and rainforests.
- Rich cultural heritage and traditional practices among local communities.
- Friendly and welcoming local population.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
- Growing tourism sector with potential for economic development.
- Limited infrastructure and public services, including healthcare and education.
- Potential for political instability and governance issues.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes.
- Limited job opportunities and economic challenges.
- Higher cost of living compared to some nearby nations.
Best Activities in Honiara
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life in the waters around Honiara.
Enjoy the lush rainforests and scenic trails in the surrounding areas of Honiara, such as Tenaru Falls and Mt. Austen.
Engage in fishing trips or kayak along the picturesque coastline to experience the serene waters and stunning landscapes of the Solomon Islands.
Places to Visit in Honiara
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a picturesque landscape with a variety of tropical plants and flowers, ideal for photography and peaceful strolls.
Provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding sea, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Features a memorial park with a vantage point offering breathtaking vistas of Honiara and the Iron Bottom Sound, significant for its historical and scenic appeal.
Food in Honiara
Honiara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh fish marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, and island spices, then grilled to perfection. Best enjoyed at local beachside grills and restaurants like the Sea King Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A refreshing and zesty salad made with ripe papaya, lime, and chili, often served as a side dish at various local eateries and food stalls.
A hearty soup made with taro, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs, usually found at local family-owned eateries and street food markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is an excellent place to sample local fruits, vegetables, and freshly caught seafood. Don't miss the chance to try the diverse array of street food offerings, including barbecued skewers, cassava chips, and coconut-based sweets.
A vibrant market offering an assortment of ready-to-eat local delicacies like fish parcels wrapped in banana leaves, sweet potato balls, and varieties of fresh fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to show respect to elders in Honiara, Solomon Islands. This includes using polite language and addressing them with their appropriate title.
Engaging in traditional customs and practices, such as traditional dances and ceremonies, is highly valued in Honiara. It is important to show interest and respect for these practices.
Families are an integral part of society in Honiara, and understanding the hierarchy and dynamics within families is important. Showing respect for family members and understanding their roles is crucial.
Safety
Tipping in Honiara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Honiara, Solomon Islands. It is not expected or mandatory to tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Honiara, and credit cards are not widely accepted. It's important to carry enough cash for transactions, especially in more rural areas where card facilities may be limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season is the best time to visit Honiara, Solomon Islands, with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded tourist attractions. This is a great time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
The wet season in Honiara brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. While the landscape is lush and green during this time, outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather. The wet season also coincides with the cyclone season, so travelers should be cautious and monitor weather forecasts.
Honiara at Night
Hiking in Honiara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering stunning views of Honiara and the surrounding ocean. The trail is moderately challenging and takes around 2-3 hours to reach the summit.
A beautiful hike to scenic waterfalls set amidst lush rainforest. The trail is less crowded and provides opportunities for swimming and enjoying nature.
A trail that follows the Kukum Highway leading to various viewpoints and local villages. It’s an easier hike suitable for families.
This hike begins at Bonegi Beach and leads to Tenaru Falls through dense forest, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and taking about 4-5 hours.
A hiking trail that takes you to a stunning waterfall. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife and offers a great spot for swimming and relaxation.
Aiports
How to reach Honiara by plane.
The main international airport serving Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands.
The main international airport in Fiji, located approximately 1,900 km from Honiara.
An international airport in Australia, approximately 2,800 km from Honiara, providing connections to various international destinations.
The main airport serving Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, located about 1,500 km from Honiara.
New Zealand's international airport located approximately 3,000 km from Honiara, serving numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Honiara, making up a significant majority of the population, characterized by diverse cultural practices and languages.
A smaller demographic group in Honiara, contributing to the cultural fabric with distinct traditions and beliefs.
Another minority group in Honiara, representing the diverse Pacific cultures.
Includes immigrants primarily from Chinese and Indian backgrounds, contributing to the economic activities and cultural diversity.
Comprising expatriates and descendants of European settlers, contributing to business and cultural sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby Union is one of the most popular sports in Honiara, with both amateur and professional leagues and numerous clubs participating in competitions.
Soccer is widely played and followed in Honiara, with local clubs and a national league that engage the community and foster talent.
Netball enjoys significant popularity, especially among women, with many local schools and clubs participating in regular matches and tournaments.
Basketball has a growing fan base in Honiara, with many youth leagues and community programs encouraging participation.
Cricket is also being embraced in Honiara, with local matches and an increasing interest from the youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Honiara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Solomon Islands cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants and cafes in Honiara offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, often spotlighting the abundance of tropical fruits, root vegetables, and coconut-based preparations.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find suitable dining options at various restaurants and cafes in Honiara, with a growing awareness of gluten-free requirements leading to more menu choices catering to this dietary need.