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: Domestic flights with Solomon Airlines connect major islands, but book early as seats are limited. Island-hopping via local boats requires patience and flexibility—always carry rain gear and confirm departure times the same day, as schedules change with weather.

Money: Solomon Island Dollars (SBD) are essential as credit cards are rarely accepted outside Honiara. Bring Australian Dollars for easy exchange, and always carry cash for accommodations, meals, and transport as ATMs are scarce beyond the capital.

Cultural Respect: Always ask permission before photographing people or villages, and offer a small payment if requested. Remove shoes when entering homes, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, and participate respectfully in kastom ceremonies when invited by community elders.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid raw vegetables in remote areas. Fresh tropical fruits, grilled fish, and coconut-based dishes are generally safe. Try traditional laplap (root vegetables cooked in coconut milk) from established village kitchens.

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.