Day-by-Day Itinerary
Touch down in the capital, settle in, and get your first taste of Solomon life with a sunset stroll along the waterfront.
Morning
International Arrival & Transfer
Arrive at
Honiara International Airport (HIR). Complete immigration and customs. Take a pre-booked taxi or hotel shuttle to your accommodation in the city center. The drive offers initial views of Guadalcanal's mountainous interior.
1-2 hours
$20-30
Pre-arrange airport transfer with your hotel for convenience.
Lunch
The Lime Lounge
International & Local
Mid-range
Afternoon
Settle & Point Cruz Waterfront Walk
Check into your hotel and relax after your flight. In the late afternoon, take a gentle walk along the Point Cruz waterfront. Watch local fishing boats and see the Japanese WWII memorial. It's a great introduction to the city's pace.
1-2 hours
$0
Evening
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel restaurant or venture to King Solomon Hotel for their buffet, often featuring local dishes like fish in coconut cream.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Honiara (Hotel (e.g., Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara Hotel))
Central location provides easy access to the National Museum, markets, and tour operators for the following days.
Exchange some currency (Solomon Islands Dollars - SBD) at the airport or banks in town. Smaller islands have very limited ATM access.
Day 1 Budget: $180
Look into the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal at key historical sites and explore the energetic
Central Market.
Morning
Guadalcanal Battlefield Tour
Join a guided half-day tour to key WWII sites. Visit Bloody Ridge (Edson's Ridge), the Japanese Peace Memorial, and the American Memorial at Skyline Ridge. Guides provide powerful context to the fierce jungle fighting that occurred here.
3-4 hours
$50-70
Book through Solomon Islands Historical Tours or your hotel concierge a day in advance.
Lunch
Cafe at the National Museum
Light meals & snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Visit the excellent National Museum to understand Solomon Islands' diverse cultures and history. Then, spend time in the sensory overload of
Honiara's
Central Market. It's the best place to see local produce, handicrafts, and daily life.
2-3 hours
$5 (museum entry)
Evening
Dinner with a View
Head to the rooftop bar/restaurant at the
Honiara Hotel for dinner and drinks with panoramic views over the city and Iron Bottom Sound.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Honiara (Hotel)
Same base as previous night for continuity before flying out tomorrow.
At the market, try buying some 'betel nut' (buai) if offered by a vendor—it's a huge part of local culture—but be prepared for the strong, stimulating effect.
Day 2 Budget: $160
Fly to the Western Province's charming capital, Gizo, and spend your first afternoon on the water.
Morning
Domestic Flight to Gizo
Take a morning Solomon Airlines flight from
Honiara to Gizo (GZO). The 1-hour flight offers impressive aerial views of the archipelago. Upon arrival, take a short boat taxi to your island accommodation.
3 hours (including transfer)
$150-200
Book domestic flights well in advance, in peak season. Flights are weight-restricted.
Lunch
PT109 Café
Burgers, seafood, casual
Mid-range
Afternoon
Settle in & Gizo Town Walk
Check into your overwater bungalow or island lodge. In the afternoon, take a boat taxi to Gizo town. Stroll the main street, visit the small market, and see the iconic Gizo Wharf—the social hub of the town.
2 hours
$10 (boat taxi)
Evening
Island Sunset & Dinner
Watch the sunset from your lodge's deck. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner prepared by your hosts, likely featuring lobster, tuna, or reef fish.
Where to Stay Tonight
Small island near Gizo (e.g., Fatboys Resort, Sanbis Resort) (Island Resort or Overwater Bungalow)
Staying on a small island offers immediate access to pristine water, peace, and a true getaway feeling, just minutes from Gizo town.
Bring a sturdy dry bag for all boat trips. Splashes are common, and you'll want to keep your camera and documents safe.
Day 3 Budget: $280
Visit the iconic Kennedy Island and experience the incredible underwater world, either diving or snorkeling.
Morning
Snorkel/Dive at Kennedy Island
Take a short boat ride to Plum Pudding Island, locally known as Kennedy Island, where future US President JFK swam after PT-109 was sunk. The surrounding coral gardens are fantastic for snorkeling. Divers can explore nearby sites like Toa Maru, a impressive Japanese WWII wreck in shallow water.
3-4 hours
$50 (snorkel tour) / $100-120 (2-tank dive)
Book through your resort or Dive Gizo. Let them know your certification level if diving.
Lunch
Picnic on a Sandbank
Packed lunch from resort
Budget
Afternoon
Relax or Village Visit
Return to your resort for relaxation or opt for a guided visit to a local village on Kolombangara Island. Learn about traditional customs, shell money (tafuliae), and daily life. It's a respectful and eye-opening cultural exchange.
2-3 hours
$30-40 (village visit)
Arrange village visits through your resort; it's polite to bring a small gift like school supplies.
Evening
Beach Barbecue
Many resorts offer a beach BBQ night. Feast on grilled fish and local vegetables under the stars.
Where to Stay Tonight
Small island near Gizo (Island Resort)
Continuing your island base for easy access to marine activities.
If not a diver, consider a 'Discover Scuba' experience. The calm, clear waters around Gizo are an ideal place to try it for the first time.
Day 4 Budget: $220
A full-day boat adventure to culturally significant Skull Island and the chance to see wild dolphins.
Morning
Boat Trip to Skull Island
Start a boat tour to the remote Skull Island in the Vonavona Lagoon. This sacred site is home to a shrine containing ancestral skulls and artifacts, offering a profound insight into pre-Christian customs and headhunting history. A local guide is essential.
2 hours (travel & visit)
$80 (full-day tour)
Book a full-day private boat charter through your resort, which can include Skull Island and dolphin spotting.
Lunch
Lunch on a Secluded Beach
Packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Dolphin Spotting in Vonavona Lagoon
Cruise the impressive Vonavona Lagoon, keeping an eye out for pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins that frequent these waters. The boat captain will know likely spots. The lagoon itself, with its tiny islets and clear water, is impressive.
2-3 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Low-Key Resort Evening
After a long day on the water, enjoy a quiet dinner at your resort and perhaps a night snorkel if offered.
Where to Stay Tonight
Small island near Gizo (Island Resort)
Returning to your comfortable base after the day trip.
When visiting Skull Island, dress modestly and follow your guide's instructions precisely. It is a sacred site, not a tourist attraction. Photography may be restricted.
Day 5 Budget: $200
Travel by boat to Munda, a diving and fishing hub, and explore its WWII airfield and lush interior.
Morning
Boat Transfer to Munda
Take a scheduled passenger ferry or a private charter boat from Gizo to Munda on New Georgia Island. The journey (2-3 hours) traverses beautiful lagoons and channels. You'll arrive at Agnes Lodge's iconic jetty.
3-4 hours
$50-80
Agnes Lodge can help arrange the transfer. Schedule and weather dependent.
Lunch
Agnes Lodge Restaurant
Hearty local & international
Mid-range
Afternoon
Munda Walk & WWII Airfield
After settling in, take a walk through Munda village. See the remnants of the strategically important WWII Munda Airfield, now the local airstrip. Visit the small Peter Joseph WWII Museum for a local perspective on the conflict.
2 hours
$5 (museum donation)
Evening
Lodge Life
Agnes Lodge is famous for its communal dining. Share stories with other travelers over a family-style dinner.
Where to Stay Tonight
Munda (Lodge (e.g., Agnes Lodge, Zipolo Habu Resort))
Munda is the perfect base for exploring the New Georgia islands and the gateway to Marovo Lagoon. Agnes Lodge has legendary hospitality.
Agnes Lodge is cash-only. Ensure you have enough Solomon Islands Dollars withdrawn in
Honiara or Gizo.
Day 6 Budget: $190
Paddle through serene mangrove forests and visit a village known for its traditional shell money makers.
Morning
Mangrove Kayaking
Join a guided kayak tour through the tranquil waterways of the Roviana Lagoon. Paddle through dense mangrove forests, observing birdlife and the intricate root systems. It's peaceful, beautiful, and a great upper-body workout.
2-3 hours
$30-40
Book through your lodge. Tours usually include pickup from the lodge jetty.
Lunch
Lodge Lunch
Lodge fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit a Shell Money Village
Take a short boat trip to a village like Nusa Roviana or Lale, where artisans still practice the ancient craft of making shell money (tafuliae). Watch as they grind, polish, and string shells into valuable traditional currency used for bridal payments and compensation.
2 hours
$20 (guide/boat fee)
Your lodge can arrange a village guide. Purchasing a small piece supports the craft directly.
Evening
Dinner & Local Music
Some nights, Agnes Lodge arranges local string band performances. Enjoy the melodies over dinner.
Where to Stay Tonight
Munda (Lodge)
Continuity at your Munda base.
If you buy shell money, keep it in your carry-on luggage. It can look suspiciously like bone or ivory to untrained security screeners, so be prepared to explain.
Day 7 Budget: $150
Journey into the UNESCO-listed Marovo Lagoon, the world's largest saltwater lagoon, and settle into a traditional village homestay.
Morning
Boat Transfer to Marovo Lagoon
Start a memorable boat journey from Munda into the heart of Marovo Lagoon. The trip (2-3 hours) passes countless forested islands and coral reefs. You'll arrive at a village like Chea or Uepi for your homestay.
3-4 hours
$60-80
This must be arranged in advance through organizations like Marovo Lagoon Homestays or via your lodge in Munda.
Lunch
Homestay Family Meal
Traditional village food
Budget
Afternoon
Village Orientation & Relaxation
Meet your host family and settle into your simple but comfortable room. Take a walk around the village with your host, learning about their way of life, gardens, and canoes. Swim from the village beach.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Authentic Village Evening
Share a dinner cooked by your host family, likely featuring root vegetables (taro, cassava) and fresh fish. Listen to stories and practice a few words of the local language.
Where to Stay Tonight
Marovo Lagoon Village (e.g., Chea, Uepi) (Village Homestay)
The only way to experience the culture and rhythm of life in the lagoon. It supports the local community directly.
Bring a small gift for your host family—practical items like soap, rice, sugar, or children's educational materials are highly appreciated.
Day 8 Budget: $120
Explore the lagoon's hidden corners using traditional transportation—the outrigger canoe.
Morning
Canoe Trip to a Secluded Bay
Your host will guide you in a traditional outrigger canoe (or a small motorboat) to a secluded part of the lagoon. Paddle through calm waters, past tiny islands, to a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling directly off the canoe.
3 hours
$20-30 (fuel/guide contribution)
Arrange with your host the night before.
Lunch
Picnic on a Sandbar
Packed lunch from homestay
Budget
Afternoon
Snorkel Coral Gardens
Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the lagoon's incredibly clear water. The coral reefs here are pristine, teeming with colorful fish, giant clams, and maybe even turtles. Your host will know the best spots.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Learn to Cook Local
Join your host family in preparing dinner. Learn how to make a simple dish like 'kakake' (fish in coconut milk wrapped in leaves) or roast taro in the fire.
Where to Stay Tonight
Marovo Lagoon Village (Village Homestay)
Second night to deepen the cultural connection.
The sun is intense on the water. Reapply reef-safe sunscreen frequently, and wear a rash guard or t-shirt while snorkeling.
Day 9 Budget: $100
Witness world-well-known woodcarving and participate in village life.
Morning
Visit Master Woodcarvers
Marovo is famous for its intricate woodcarving. Visit the workshop of a master carver in the village or a neighboring one. Watch as they transform local ebony and rosewood into impressive bowls, storyboards, and ceremonial figures using traditional tools.
2 hours
$0 (purchase optional)
Your host will know the best carvers. Buying directly supports the artist.
Lunch
Homestay Lunch
Local
Budget
Afternoon
Participate in Village Life
Choose an activity based on the day's village schedule. This could be helping in the garden, weaving palm leaves, fishing with a handline, or simply playing with the children. It's an unstructured time for genuine immersion.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Farewell Feast
Your host family may prepare a special farewell meal. It's customary to give a speech of thanks (tanggio tumas) at the end.
Where to Stay Tonight
Marovo Lagoon Village (Village Homestay)
Final night in the lagoon community.
If you buy a carving, your host can help arrange shipping to
Honiara. Do not attempt to carry large, untreated wood items on flights without proper certification.
Day 10 Budget: $120
Travel back to Munda and enjoy a well-earned afternoon of relaxation.
Morning
Boat Return to Munda
Bid farewell to your host family and take the boat journey back to Munda. The return trip has another chance to admire the vastness of the lagoon.
3 hours
$60-80
Pre-arranged with your homestay coordinator.
Lunch
Zipolo Habu Resort
Casual beachfront dining
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach Time & Relaxation
Check back into your lodge in Munda. The afternoon is for pure relaxation. Read a book in a hammock, swim off the jetty, or get a massage if available. Recharge after the village homestay.
3-4 hours
$0
Evening
Dinner at a Different Lodge
Take a short boat taxi to Zipolo Habu Resort for dinner, offering a different vibe and menu from Agnes Lodge.
Where to Stay Tonight
Munda (Lodge)
Familiar and comfortable base before the flight back to Honiara.
Use this afternoon to do laundry. Most lodges offer a service, which is essential before heading back to the capital.
Day 11 Budget: $180
Fly back to Guadalcanal and take an afternoon trip to nearby Savo Island for megapode bird eggs and hot springs.
Morning
Take a morning domestic flight from Munda's airstrip back to
Honiara. The flight is short, and you'll be back in the capital by late morning. Transfer to your hotel.
3 hours (including transfer)
$150-200
Book this return flight at the same time as your outbound flight to Gizo.
Lunch
Club Havanah
Chinese & Local
Mid-range
Afternoon
Boat Trip to Savo Island
From
Honiara's wharf, take a 45-minute boat ride to Savo Island. Visit a village to see the famous megapode bird nesting grounds, where locals harvest eggs from hot volcanic sand. Then, take a short hike to natural hot springs and mud pools.
4-5 hours
$70-90 (tour)
Book a tour through your hotel or a
Honiara-based operator like Dive Connections. Tours include guide and boat.
Evening
Try the popular local spot, Hong Kong Palace, for a hectic atmosphere and excellent Chinese food.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Honiara (Hotel)
Convenient for last-minute shopping and your international departure tomorrow.
The megapode egg harvest is a sensitive cultural practice. Observe quietly and follow your guide's lead. Do not touch the eggs unless invited.
Day 12 Budget: $320
A final adventure to a beautiful inland waterfall, followed by last-chance souvenir shopping.
Morning
Tenaru Falls Excursion
Take a guided 4WD trip to the impressive Tenaru Falls in Guadalcanal's interior. After a scenic drive, a moderate 45-minute hike through lush rainforest leads to the spectacular multi-tiered waterfall. Swim in the refreshing pool at its base.
4-5 hours
$60-80
Book through your hotel. Requires a moderate level of fitness for the hike.
Lunch
Picnic at the Falls
Packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Handicraft Shopping
Return to
Honiara. Visit the Handicraft Market near the
Central Market or the smaller stalls at the National Museum for last-minute souvenirs. Look for carvings, baskets, shell jewelry, and traditional pan pipes.
1-2 hours
Variable
Haggling is expected and part of the fun. Start at about half the asking price.
Evening
Farewell Feast
Enjoy a final dinner at the Heritage Park Hotel's restaurant, reflecting on your two-week journey through the Solomons.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Honiara (Hotel)
Final night close to the airport for an easy departure.
Pack your wooden souvenirs in your check-in luggage, not carry-on. Wrap them in clothing for protection.
Day 13 Budget: $180
Final morning in
Honiara before transferring to the airport for your international flight home.
Morning
Leisurely Breakfast & Last Stroll
Enjoy a final tropical breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you might have time for a last stroll along the waterfront or a final cup of Solomon Islands coffee.
1-2 hours
$0
Lunch
Airport Snack or In-flight
N/A
Budget
Afternoon
Airport Transfer & Check-in
Take your pre-arranged taxi or hotel shuttle to
Honiara International Airport (HIR). Check in for your international flight, paying any required departure tax if not included in your ticket.
2-3 hours
$20-30
Confirm international check-in time with your airline. Arrive 3 hours before departure.
Evening
Departure
Board your flight, carrying memories of WWII history, dynamic cultures, and pristine lagoons.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Have a small amount of local currency left for the airport snack bar or a final souvenir. You can't exchange SBD outside the Solomon Islands.
Day 14 Budget: $50