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Honiara, Solomon Islands - Things to Do in Honiara

Things to Do in Honiara

Honiara, Solomon Islands - Complete Travel Guide

Honiara, the vibrant capital of the Solomon Islands, sits on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal Island and serves as the gateway to this remarkable Pacific archipelago. This bustling port city combines modern amenities with traditional Melanesian culture, offering visitors a unique blend of World War II history, tropical landscapes, and authentic island life. The city's waterfront location provides stunning views across Iron Bottom Sound, while its markets, museums, and cultural centers showcase the rich heritage of the Solomon Islands' diverse communities. As the political and economic hub of the Solomon Islands, Honiara offers the best infrastructure for travelers while maintaining its laid-back Pacific charm. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions including pristine beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites from the Pacific War. With its friendly locals, colorful markets, and proximity to some of the world's best diving spots, Honiara provides an authentic Melanesian experience that few other Pacific destinations can match.

Top Things to Do in Honiara

Central Market Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in local life at Honiara's bustling Central Market, where vendors sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, betel nuts, and traditional crafts. The market is a vibrant hub of activity where you can interact with locals, sample exotic fruits, and purchase handmade souvenirs including shell jewelry and woven baskets. This authentic cultural experience provides insight into daily life in the Solomon Islands and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (6-8 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small bills (Solomon Islands dollars) for purchases and consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 to help navigate and translate.

World War II Historical Sites Tour

Explore Honiara's significant World War II history through visits to key battlefields, memorials, and museums including the National Museum and various war relics scattered throughout the city. Learn about the pivotal Guadalcanal Campaign and see remnants of aircraft, weapons, and other wartime artifacts. The tour provides deep insights into the Pacific Theater and the impact of the war on local communities.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours through local operators for $50-80 per person including transportation. Best visited during dry season (April-October) for easier access to outdoor sites. Look for guides with historical expertise.

Iron Bottom Sound Diving Adventure

Discover one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations in Iron Bottom Sound, where numerous WWII ships and aircraft rest on the ocean floor. This underwater museum offers incredible diving experiences for both beginners and advanced divers, with excellent visibility and abundant marine life. The wrecks have become artificial reefs teeming with tropical fish, corals, and other sea creatures.

Booking Tip: Book with certified PADI operators charging $80-120 per dive including equipment. Advanced Open Water certification recommended for deeper wrecks. Best conditions April-November with 20-30m visibility.

Bonegi Beach Snorkeling and Relaxation

Visit the beautiful Bonegi Beach, famous for its black volcanic sand and excellent snorkeling opportunities over accessible WWII wrecks just offshore. The beach offers a perfect combination of relaxation and underwater exploration, with clear waters and diverse marine life including colorful reef fish and corals. The site includes both Bonegi I and Bonegi II beaches, each with unique underwater attractions.

Booking Tip: Entry fee around $10 SBD, bring your own snorkeling gear or rent locally for $15-20. Best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds. Pack lunch and drinks as facilities are limited.

Traditional Village Cultural Tour

Experience authentic Melanesian culture through visits to traditional villages near Honiara, where you can witness traditional crafts, dances, and customs. Participate in cultural demonstrations including traditional cooking methods, basket weaving, and storytelling sessions with village elders. These immersive experiences provide genuine insights into Solomon Islands' rich cultural heritage and community life.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or tour operators for $40-60 per person including transportation and village fees. Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people.

Getting There

Honiara is accessible via Henderson Field (HIR), located about 11 kilometers east of the city center. Solomon Airlines operates regular flights from Brisbane, Nadi, Port Vila, and other Pacific destinations, with some connections through Australia and Fiji. International visitors typically need to transit through Brisbane or Nadi, with flight times of 2-3 hours from these hubs. The airport offers basic facilities and taxi services to the city center costing around $50-70 SBD, while some hotels provide airport transfers for guests.

Getting Around

Transportation in Honiara primarily consists of taxis, rental cars, and local buses. Taxis are readily available but negotiate fares in advance as meters are uncommon - expect to pay $20-50 SBD for city trips. Rental cars are available from local agencies for around $200-300 SBD per day, though road conditions can be challenging during rainy season. Local buses and minivans provide affordable transport along main routes for $5-10 SBD, while walking is feasible for the compact city center despite limited sidewalks.

Where to Stay

Point Cruz (city center)
Kukum area
Ranadi industrial area
White River
Henderson Airport vicinity
Rove area

Food & Dining

Honiara's dining scene reflects its multicultural population with a mix of local Solomon Islands cuisine, Asian influences, and international options. The Central Market area offers authentic local food including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes like kokoda (raw fish in coconut milk). Several restaurants serve Chinese, Indian, and Western cuisine, while the yacht club and hotels provide upscale dining experiences. Local specialties include fresh tuna, lobster, and tropical fruits, often prepared with coconut and local spices. Street food vendors and local eateries offer budget-friendly meals for $20-50 SBD, while restaurant meals range from $80-200 SBD.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Solomon Islands

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Le Bernardin

4.6 /5
(4023 reviews) 4

La Tartaruga

4.6 /5
(608 reviews) 2
liquor_store store

La Villa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(498 reviews)

Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande

4.9 /5
(349 reviews)

La Vela Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(360 reviews)

HOTTO

4.5 /5
(244 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Honiara is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is lower and humidity more manageable. This period offers the most favorable conditions for outdoor activities, diving, and sightseeing with less risk of tropical storms. The wet season (November-March) brings heavy rainfall, high humidity, and potential cyclones, though temperatures remain consistently warm year-round at 26-30°C. Diving conditions are generally good throughout the year, but visibility is best during the dry months.

Insider Tips

Bring cash (Solomon Islands dollars) as credit card acceptance is limited outside major hotels and restaurants
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are expensive and hard to find locally
Learn basic Pijin phrases as it's widely spoken alongside English and helps with local interactions

Explore Activities in Honiara