Things To Do
in Honiara
Honiara is the capital and largest city of the Solomon Islands, located on the north coast of Guadalcanal Island. The city is a compact mix of colonial-era buildings, market bustle, and Pacific island village life, with strong ties to World War II history visible around the island. Honiara is a practical gateway for diving wrecks, reef snorkeling and visiting remote villages and provincial towns.
Expect a relaxed, informal atmosphere with limited infrastructure compared with larger regional capitals but rich cultural warmth and natural beauty.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant local markets where you can experience the lively atmosphere and sample fresh tropical fruits. Immerse yourself in the local culture by chatting with vendors and learning about their crafts and produce. Afterward, stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
In the afternoon, explore the historic sites of Honiara, including the National Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Solomon Islands. Take your time to appreciate the artifacts and stories behind the islands' history. Post-museum, consider visiting the nearby National Parliament Building for a brief photo opportunity.
As the sun sets, unwind at a local café or restaurant to savor authentic Solomon Island cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while watching the colorful sunset over the ocean, a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the beach, soaking in the tranquil sounds of the waves.
Early morning is perfect for a guided tour to the beautiful rainforest of Guadalcanal. Engage in birdwatching or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature, breathing in the fresh, earthy scents of the flora. The lush landscape offers picturesque views and opportunities to encounter local wildlife.
After a hearty lunch, embark on a snorkeling trip to the nearby Coral Sea where you can admire the vibrant underwater life. Swim among the colorful reefs and enjoy the warmth of the sun above, making this an unforgettable experience. Return to Honiara in the late afternoon to relax and refresh.
In the evening, head to the local craft market to shop for unique handmade souvenirs and gifts. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market as locals gather for nightly activities, providing you a chance to engage further with the culture. Find a cozy spot nearby to enjoy dinner while listening to live music, if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich WWII history and excellent wreck-diving opportunities
- Warm local hospitality and strong cultural experiences
- Close access to pristine reefs and relatively uncrowded islands
- Compact capital makes short stays convenient
- Limited infrastructure and fewer modern conveniences than larger capitals
- Reliance on cash outside of major hotels and businesses
- Seasonal heavy rains and occasional cyclone risk
- Medical facilities are basic; serious cases may require evacuation
- "Gud moning" - Good morning
- "Tenkyu tumas" - Thank you very much
- "Plis" - Please
- "Hao nao?" - How are you?
- "Wanem nem blong yu?" - What is your name?
Places to Visit in Honiara
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic coastal outlooks over the waters that contain many WWII ship and plane wrecks—especially atmospheric at sunrise or sunset.
Vivid colors, people, fresh produce and crafts create lively street-photography opportunities; good for close-up cultural shots.
Scenic ridgelines, battle relics and sweeping views over Guadalcanal—powerful for landscape and historical photography.
Busy foreshore scenes, fishing boats and everyday life along the main coastal strip—handsome for candid urban photos.
Underwater photography of reefs, colorful fish and dive wrecks (with appropriate dive operator) around Guadalcanal and nearby islands.
Food in Honiara
Honiara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Melanesian earth-oven dish of meat or fish, root vegetables and greens cooked in banana leaves; often served at community feasts and special occasions.
Must-Try!
Locally caught fish prepared simply with coconut, lime or salt—available at markets, beach stalls and restaurants around Honiara.
Staple root vegetables boiled or roasted and often served with coconut-based sauces or stews.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market for fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and prepared snacks; great place to try fresh tropical fruit, grilled fish and buy handicrafts.
Small seaside vendors and stalls offering quick bites, grilled fish and local snacks—good for an informal meal with ocean views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Local authority structures and elders are respected—ask permission before photographing village ceremonies or entering chiefly areas.
Dress modestly (no swimwear or very revealing clothing) when visiting villages or attending community events; remove hats and shoes if requested.
Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially children—use a friendly approach and a smile.
Small practical gifts (school supplies, packaged food items) or a modest cash contribution for community events are appreciated when visiting villages; consult a local host or guide for appropriate items and protocol.
Safety
Tipping in Honiara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory and not widely expected, but a small tip or rounding up is appreciated in restaurants or for good service. For guides, drivers or crew on private tours, modest tips are customary if you feel service was excellent.
The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD); many tourists use cash in USD or SBD. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is essential for markets, taxis and small businesses. ATMs exist in Honiara but can be unreliable—carry enough cash and check with your bank about card usage and fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy rain showers, high humidity and occasional tropical storms/cyclones during the wet season. Some rural roads and trails can become muddy or impassable, and sea conditions may be rough—plan travel with flexibility and check boat schedules.
Drier, slightly cooler and sunnier conditions make this the preferred time for hiking, diving and island hopping. Sea conditions are generally calmer, improving visibility for snorkeling and wreck dives.
Honiara at Night
Hiking in Honiara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking routes around Mount Austen offer scenic views, rainforest sections and access to WWII battle sites—best done with a local guide for history and navigation.
Shorter walks following river valleys and ridgelines that pass through village areas and forest patches—suitable for half-day hikes and birdwatching.
Accessible lowland walks and short boat transfers to islets provide gentle coastal hikes, beachcombing and snorkeling opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Honiara by plane.
Main international gateway located near Honiara—serves domestic and regional flights and is the primary entry point for international travelers.
Regional airport serving the Western Province and convenient for access to diving areas and the provincial town of Munda; reachable by domestic flight from Honiara.
Serves Gizo and the Western Province island groups—useful for island hopping, diving and resort access; reachable from Honiara on domestic services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Melanesian people from Guadalcanal and other provinces, each with distinct languages and customs.
There is a small Chinese merchant community and a presence of expatriates (aid workers, business personnel) contributing to a multicultural urban population.
Honiara is home to people from across the Solomon Islands provinces, creating a mix of languages and cultural practices, with Solomon Islands Pijin widely used as the lingua franca.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the most popular team sports across the islands, with local clubs and community matches drawing interest.
Rugby is a common sport, especially in community and school competitions, with passionate local support.
Both a pastime and an economic activity—recreational fishing is popular among locals and visitors, with tournaments occasionally held.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Honiara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; markets supply vegetables and fruit, and simple coconut-based vegetable stews are sometimes available—ask clearly and be prepared to adapt or cook your own where possible.
Seafood, coconut and starches dominate local cooking; if you have allergies or require halal, notify restaurants and hotel staff in advance. Major hotels are more likely to accommodate specific dietary requests than small stalls.