Things to Do in Solomon Islands

About Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands spread across 992 islands in the Pacific, and most travelers have never heard of them. Coral reefs here remain mostly untouched. WWII wrecks sit where they sank. Traditional villages operate the way they have for centuries. You'll find leaf houses next to rusted tanks and artillery. The combination works. Waters are clear enough to spot manta rays from the surface, and coral gardens shelter thousands of tropical fish in colors that don't look real. Villages still practice kastom ceremonies. Some keep headhunting skulls and shell money from earlier eras—the history is real, not performed for tourists. Guadalcanal has volcanic peaks worth climbing. The Western Province has lagoons that stretch for miles. This isn't a place for beach resorts or easy tourism. Come here if you want to see how island cultures function, not how guidebooks say they should. The trip matters more than the photos.

Travel Tips

Transportation: PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) buses cost 5-15 SBD ($0.63-1.88) for city routes in Honiara. Taxis charge 20-50 SBD ($2.50-6.25) for local trips - agree on fares beforehand. Car rental limited to few operators at 400-600 SBD ($50-75) daily. Inter-island flights with Solomon Airlines cost 800-2,000 SBD ($100-250) depending on destination. Boat transport between islands costs 100-500 SBD ($12.50-62.50) depending on distance and boat type. Canoe hire for village visits runs 200-400 SBD ($25-50) per day. Walking safe in Honiara downtown during daylight. Airport transfers typically included by hotels or cost 100-200 SBD ($12.50-25).

Money: Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) is the currency. ANZ and BSI ATMs in Honiara dispense 2,000-4,000 SBD ($250-500) per transaction but often empty. Cards accepted only at major hotels and some restaurants. Budget $40-70 USD daily including accommodation and basic meals. Australian dollars widely accepted, especially for larger purchases. Banking hours 8:30am-3pm weekdays, 8:30am-11:30am Saturdays. Money changers near central market offer competitive rates. Cash essential for all rural travel and island hopping. US dollars also accepted at some establishments but change comes in SBD.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Good morning' in English or local Pijin phrases like 'Gud morning tude'. Over 70 languages create incredible cultural diversity across islands. Traditional kastom (custom) ceremonies important - participation by invitation only. Photography requires permission, especially of people and traditional sites. Shell money still used in some traditional exchanges alongside modern currency. Respect for chiefs and elders absolute in village settings. Church attendance very high - Sunday services are major social events. Traditional crafts include wood carving and shell work. WWII history significant - battle sites treated with respect. Extended family and clan relationships central to social structure.

Food Safety: Fresh fish at Central Market costs 30-80 SBD ($3.75-10) per kilogram. Traditional root vegetables like kumara cost 10-20 SBD ($1.25-2.50) per kilogram. Coconut crab when available costs 200-400 SBD ($25-50) per kilogram. Sol Brew beer at bars costs 15-25 SBD ($1.88-3.13). Traditional laplap (root vegetables cooked in leaves) at village feasts varies by invitation. Bottled water essential at 8-15 SBD ($1-1.88) per liter. Tropical fruits like pawpaw and mango seasonal and cheap at markets. Betel nut widely chewed - leaves cost 2-5 SBD ($0.25-0.63). Traditional earth oven cooking produces exceptional flavors when experienced through cultural exchanges.

When to Visit

The Solomon Islands enjoy a tropical climate year-round, but timing significantly impacts your experience. The dry season (April-October) offers the most comfortable conditions with temperatures averaging 24-28°C (75-82°F), minimal rainfall (100-150mm monthly), and calmer seas perfect for diving and snorkeling. This peak season sees accommodation prices increase 30-40%, requiring advance bookings. May through September provides the ultimate balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The wet season (November-March) brings higher temperatures (26-32°C/79-90°F), heavy rainfall (200-400mm monthly), and occasional cyclones, but also 25-35% lower prices and lush landscapes. Cultural ensoiasts should visit during the Festival of Arts (July, held biennially) or Independence Day celebrations (July 7th). Divers prefer April-May and September-October for optimal visibility, while WWII history buffs find August's Guadalcanal commemorations particularly moving. Budget travelers benefit from the shoulder months of April and October, offering good weather at moderate prices. Families should avoid January-February due to cyclone risks, while adventure seekers might embrace the dramatic wet season atmosphere if properly prepared for challenging conditions.