Two Weeks Through Paradise: Solomon Islands Uncovered
From WWII relics to coral cathedrals, island-hopping adventure awaits
Trip Overview
Fourteen days in the Solomon Islands peel back a world where jungle-draped volcanoes spear up through turquoise lagoons and traditional dugout canoes still outnumber motorboats. You'll snorkel above Japanese shipwrecks, hike to thundering waterfalls, and sleep in eco-lodges where the only soundtrack is coconut fronds rustling and waves licking volcanic sand. The rhythm balances raw adventure with lazy island time, sliding from Honiara's markets to the Western Province's remote atolls.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$120-180 per day
Best Seasons
April to October (dry season)
Ideal For
Divers and snorkelers, History enthusiasts, Adventure seekers, Cultural explorers, Nature photographers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Touch Down in the Tropics
Honiara
Arrive and acclimate with WWII history and sunset views over Iron Bottom Sound
Morning
Honiara Central Market exploration
Dawn arrives on the scent of frangipani and diesel while Honiara shakes itself awake. Thread through narrow aisles where betel nut splashes the concrete scarlet, past pyramids of papaya and reef fish strung up like drops of mercury. Vendors bark prices in Pijin while children chase chickens between the stalls.
Lunch
Island Food Garden
Afternoon
Guadalcanal American Memorial and WWII Museum
Climb through humid air thick with ghosts to the memorial above Henderson Field. Inside the museum, run your fingers over rusted dog tags and inhale decades-old canvas in the tropical heat while studying Japanese Zero replicas and coral-encrusted helmets hauled up from Iron Bottom Sound.
Open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Evening
Dinner at Breakwater Cafe
Watch the sun dissolve into Iron Bottom Sound while tasting ika mata sharpened with lime
Where to Stay Tonight
Point Cruz (Heritage Park Hotel)
Central location with harbor views and reliable WiFi for first-night planning
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Exchange currency at BSP bank near the market - better rates than airport
Day 1 Budget: $120-150
2
Iron Bottom Sound's Ghost Fleet
Honiara
Dive or snorkel above WWII shipwrecks, then explore Japanese caves
Morning
Bonegi Beach wreck snorkeling
Slide into warm Pacific water where the Hirokawa Maru rests on its flank like a slumbering metal whale. Schools of yellowstripe scad flick through cargo holds while coral gardens erupt across rusted deck plates. Salt pricks sun-warmed skin as you drift above 1942 frozen in time.
Book through Dive Munda or Solomon Islands Dive Expeditions
Lunch
Tavanipupu Island Resort day trip lunch
Afternoon
Japanese Caves exploration
Drop into limestone caves where 1942 still murmurs. Your torch picks out spider webs thick as fishing nets and the smell of bat guano mixes with machine-oil stains. Rough volcanic rock still remembers where Japanese soldiers once crouched under American bombardments.
Hire guide Johnson from Henderson Village - his grandfather fought here
Evening
Traditional panpipe performance at Yacht Club
Sip SolBrew beer while bamboo pipes create melodies under the stars
Where to Stay Tonight
Point Cruz (Heritage Park Hotel)
Second night allows rest before early flight to Western Province
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Bring reef shoes - the wreck sites have sharp coral and urchins
Day 2 Budget: $130-160
3
Flight to the Western Frontier
Gizo
Leave Guadalcanal behind for the Western Province's turquoise playground
Morning
Honiara to Gizo flight
Climb aboard the 19-seater twin otter while propeller buzz rattles your spine. Volcanic islands drift below like green jade set in sapphire water, cloud shadows sliding across reef systems visible even at 8,000 feet. Aviation fuel and anticipation mingle in the cabin air.
Book with Solomon Airlines - only 2-3 flights weekly
Lunch
PT109 Bar & Restaurant
Afternoon
Gizo town orientation and Kennedy Island
Stroll dusty streets past trade stores stacked with tinned fish and rice, the air heavy with copra smoke and ocean salt. Later, boat across to tiny Kennedy Island where JFK swam after PT-109 went down. Wade through warm shallows while baby blacktip reef sharks orbit curiously in ankle-deep water.
Negotiate boat price at Gizo wharf - aim for $30-40 round trip
Evening
Sunset drinks at Gizo Hotel
Watch flying fish skip across glass-calm water while the sky burns orange
Where to Stay Tonight
Gizo town (Gizo Hotel or Sanbis Resort)
Central for diving operations and island hopping
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Withdraw cash at BSP ATM in Gizo - no banks on outer islands
Day 3 Budget: $180-220
4
Swimming Through Coral Cathedrals
Gizo
Dive or snorkel the world-famous Grand Central Station and Toa Maru wreck
Morning
Grand Central Station dive/snorkel
Sink through crystal water where eagle rays glide like underwater bombers. The reef wall plunges into cobalt depths and coral formations mimic pink and purple brain architecture. Pressure pops your ears while trumpet fish hang vertical, merging with sea fans as wide as satellite dishes.
Dive Gizo or Sanbis Resort offer daily trips
Lunch
Fatboys Resort floating deck
Afternoon
Toa Maru Japanese wreck dive
Surface intervals reek of diesel fumes and salt spray before dropping again to the 140-meter supply ship. Inside the holds, intact Saki bottles lie beside coral-crusted motorcycles. Your bubbles rise past portholes where glassfish swirl like silver tornadoes.
Advanced certification recommended - sits at 30-40 meters
Evening
Beach BBQ at Sanbis Resort
Feast on reef fish grilled over coconut husks under the Milky Way
Where to Stay Tonight
Gizo town (Sanbis Resort)
Overwater bungalows perfect after full diving day
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Bring underwater camera - visiblity often exceeds 30 meters
Day 4 Budget: $150-200
5
Island Hopping Paradise
Njari Island and surrounds
Private island escape with excellent snorkeling and Robinson Crusoe vibes
Morning
Njari Island day trip
Skim across glassy water while dolphins sprint the bow wave. Njari's white sand appears like a mirage, palm fronds clacking in trade winds. Wade through warm shallows where coral bommies raise underwater gardens, the crunch of dead coral underfoot mixing with the taste of salt spray.
Arrange through Sanbis or Gizo Hotel - includes BBQ lunch
Lunch
Beach BBQ on Njari Island
Afternoon
Snorkeling and beach lounging
Drift above coral gardens while parrotfish crunch loudly on reef architecture. The sun scorches your back and cool currents curl around your legs. You hear only water shifting and the odd coconut thudding onto sand as you hover between worlds above and below.
Evening
Return to Gizo for sunset
Cold SolBrew at PT109 bar with dive masters sharing stories
Where to Stay Tonight
Gizo town (Gizo Hotel)
Back to budget-friendly option after splurge day
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Bring cash for island fee - $10 per person collected by local chief
Day 5 Budget: $120-150
6
Village Life on Skull Island
Skull Island and Lola Island
Cultural immersion with skull shrines and traditional village visits
Morning
Skull Island visit
Thread narrow passages between mangroves where herons stand guard like sentinels. The tiny island lifts from the lagoon, coral stones stacked high with weathered skulls from headhunting days. Humid air carries the weight of history while salt wind hisses through coconut palms overhead.
Include guide to explain cultural significance
Lunch
Village lunch with local family
Afternoon
Lola Island snorkeling and village tour
The boat leaves you at a reef where giant clams snap shut with audible clicks. Later, stroll through Lola village where children giggle at palagi visitors and women weave pandanus mats in cool shade. Cooking-fire smoke mingles with frangipani blossoms.
Bring small gifts for village children - school supplies appreciated
Evening
Return to Gizo
Dinner at Gizo Hotel restaurant - try the tuna sashimi
Where to Stay Tonight
Gizo town (Gizo Hotel)
Central base before heading to Munda
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Ask permission before photographing skull shrine - always offer small donation
Day 6 Budget: $100-130
7
Overwater to Munda Magic
Munda
Journey south to New Georgia Island for pristine diving and jungle adventures
Morning
Gizo to Munda boat transfer
The 2-hour boat ride slices across Roviana Lagoon while flying fish launch skyward in silver arcs. Isolated islands drift past with smoke curling from cooking fires, engine drone blending with the slap of waves against the hull and the occasional splash of dolphins.
Book through Agnes Gateway Hotel - includes pickup
Lunch
Agnes Gateway Hotel restaurant
Afternoon
Munda town exploration and WWII relics
Walk dusty roads past rusted Japanese anti-aircraft guns still pointing skyward at phantom enemies. The air tastes of woodsmoke and sea salt while village dogs bark at strangers. Stop at the tiny museum where 1943 Coca-Cola bottles sit beside coral-encrusted dog tags.
Local guide can arrange village walks
Evening
Sunset at Barrie's Bar
Watch the sky turn pink over Vonavona Lagoon with cold beer
Where to Stay Tonight
Munda (Agnes Gateway Hotel)
Dive center attached and best restaurant in town
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Munda has limited ATMs - bring cash from Gizo
Day 7 Budget: $100-140
8
Diving the Casino and Beyond
Munda
Excellent wall diving and plane wrecks in crystal clear water
Morning
Casino dive site
Drop down the wall where the reef plunges into midnight blue. Giant gorgonian fans wave like underwater banners while grey reef sharks patrol the edge. Nitrogen narcosis tingles as you sink past coral bommies where lionfish flare their venomous spines in territorial display.
Dive Munda operates daily trips
Lunch
Reef side lunch on boat
Afternoon
Douglas SBD Dauntless bomber wreck
The American dive bomber stands upright at 20 meters, coral gardens sprouting from wings like underwater flower boxes. Swim through the cockpit where gauges still read 1943. The metallic tang of compressed air mixes with salt as you stare through the pilot's eternal view.
Open water certification minimum
Evening
Dinner and dive stories
Agnes Lodge restaurant - try the mud crab
Where to Stay Tonight
Munda (Agnes Gateway Hotel)
Rinse tanks and gear storage available
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Bring reef hook for strong currents at Casino site
Day 8 Budget: $150-180
9
Jungle Trek to Mataniko Falls
Munda interior
Trade fins for boots and hike through pristine rainforest to hidden waterfalls
Morning
Mataniko Falls trek
Follow muddy tracks beneath towering mahogany trees where boots squelch with every step. Jungle canopy filters sunlight into green cathedral light and bird calls ricochet through humid air. Accept wild guava from village children as you ford streams where freshwater prawns tickle your ankles.
Guide required - arrange through hotel
Lunch
Packed village lunch
Afternoon
Swimming at waterfalls
The falls tumble 15 meters into a jade pool, the crash whipping up perpetual mist. Leap from volcanic rocks into deep water, the shock of cool mountain water against sun-baked skin. Butterflies flit through spray while jungle green and wet earth mingle in the air.
Evening
Return to Munda
Cold beer at Agnes Lodge - legs will thank you
Where to Stay Tonight
Munda (Agnes Gateway Hotel)
Hot showers essential after muddy jungle trek
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Wear long pants - wait-a-while vines have nasty thorns
Day 9 Budget: $100-140
10
Village Homestay Experience
Skull Island village
Authentic cultural immersion staying with local family in traditional village
Morning
Village arrival and welcome ceremony
Arrive by banana boat while children flood the shore singing welcome songs. The village chief delivers his greeting in Roviana language, then translates into melodic Pijin. The kava ceremony follows, earthy drink numbing lips while women launch into string-band songs, harmonies drifting above the lagoon.
Arrange through Dive Munda - includes meals
Lunch
Village feast
Afternoon
Canoe making demonstration and fishing
Watch master carvers turn breadfruit trunks into outrigger canoes with adzes handed down through generations. Afterward, glide across the lagoon in the same hand-carved hulls, the sun-warmed wood against your calves while you cast nets for mullet. Eat raw sea urchin straight from the spiny shell, creamy, briny, alive.
Evening
Traditional storytelling and stargazing
Listen to ancestral tales while the Southern Cross burns bright above
Where to Stay Tonight
Village homestay (Traditional leaf house)
Real feel beats any resort
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Bring small gifts - kerosene lanterns, fishing line, or children's books
Day 10 Budget: $80-100
11
Marovo Lagoon Magic
Marovo Lagoon
World's largest saltwater lagoon with pristine coral and traditional villages
Morning
Munda to Marovo Lagoon boat transfer
The 2-hour crossing skims over water that shifts from pale jade to deep sapphire. Slip through narrow channels where mangrove forests hide kingfishers flashing electric blue among the roots. The salt breeze carries woodsmoke from cooking fires on lonely islands.
Uepi Island Resort offers transfers
Lunch
Uepi Island Resort lunch
Afternoon
Lagoon snorkeling and village visit
Float above coral gardens while giant clams snap shut with audible clicks. The water is so clear you can pick out reef structures 30 meters down. Later, wander Mbili village where women weave pandanus mats and children strum ukulele songs beneath almond trees heavy with nuts.
Uepi resort coordinates village visits
Evening
Sunset paddleboarding
Watch the sky turn orange while paddling over coral bommies
Where to Stay Tonight
Marovo Lagoon (Uepi Island Resort)
Overwater bungalows on edge of 2,000-foot drop-off
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Bring reef shoes - the lagoon has sharp coral patches
Day 11 Budget: $200-250
12
Diving the Marovo Drop-Off
Marovo Lagoon
Vertical wall diving and artificial reef created by islanders
Morning
Uepi Point wall dive
Drop over the edge where the reef wall falls 2,000 feet into cobalt darkness. Grey reef sharks circle in the current while barracuda schools form silver tornadoes. Feel the temperature drop several degrees as you descend past gorgonian fans wider than dinner tables.
Dive center on Uepi Island
Lunch
Resort restaurant
Afternoon
Artificial reef snorkeling and giant clams
Swim above concrete blocks islanders sank to build fish homes. The structures bloom with soft corals while parrotfish crunch algae like underwater lawnmowers. Giant clams the size of dinner plates filter plankton, their mantles electric blue and green like living gemstones.
Evening
Traditional feast night
Taste smoked reef fish and hear panpipe music under the stars
Where to Stay Tonight
Marovo Lagoon (Uepi Island Resort)
Remote great destination worth the splurge
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Night diving available - see Spanish dancers and flashlight fish
Day 12 Budget: $200-250
13
Return to Guadalcanal
Honiara
Journey back to the capital for final island experiences and shopping
Morning
Marovo to Honiara via Seghe
Multiple flight hops haul you from lagoon great destination back to the world. The twin otter bounces through small clouds while passengers white-knuckle the armrests during turbulence. Watch Marovo's turquoise patches shrink below, replaced by Guadalcanal's green mountains.
Solomon Airlines connects through Seghe
Lunch
Honiara Yacht Club
Afternoon
National Museum and craft market
Handle 3,000-year-old Lapita pottery shards while frangipani scent drifts through open windows. Later, haggle for shell money necklaces and carved dolphin hooks at the craft market, the rasp of wood carving mixing with reggae from nearby taxis.
Museum closes at 4:30pm sharp
Evening
Farewell dinner at Heritage Park
Splurge on mud crab while watching the harbor lights
Where to Stay Tonight
Point Cruz (Heritage Park Hotel)
Convenient for airport departure tomorrow
See all Solomon Islands accommodation options →Buy duty-free SolBrew beer at hotel shop - better than airport prices
Day 13 Budget: $150-200
14
Final Pacific Sunrise
Honiara
Last morning to soak in island vibes before departure
Morning
Early morning at Bonegi Beach
One last swim in the Pacific as sunrise paints the sky coral pink. The wreck sites lie visible through familiar clear water below, now old friends from day two. Taste salt on your lips and feel sand still warm from yesterday's sun while you lock every sensation into memory.
Pre-arrange taxi for airport - allow 45 minutes
Lunch
Airport departure
Afternoon
Departure
Takeoff gives an aerial farewell to the scattered emerald islands. Watch reef systems draw abstract patterns in turquoise water below while jet fuel smell mingles with the salt air you've come to crave. The islands shrink to pinpricks as you climb through clouds.
Evening
None
Airport departure tax included in ticket prices since 2019
Day 14 Budget: $50-80
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Domestic flights connect Honiara to Gizo and Seghe, book Solomon Airlines well ahead. Boats are essential for island hopping. Negotiate prices at the wharves. PMVs (public minibuses) rattle between Honiara sites for $1-2. Water taxis in Gizo and Munda run $30-50 for most trips.
Book Ahead
Domestic flights need booking weeks ahead, Solomon Airlines fills fast. Uepi Island Resort requires advance reservations. Dive trips in Gizo and Munda need pre-booking during peak season. Village homestays need 48-hour notice through local operators.
Packing Essentials
Reef shoes are essential for every beach. Bring cash, ATMs exist only in Honiara, Gizo, and Munda. Pack malaria tablets and strong insect repellent. Include waterproof sunscreen and long-sleeve shirts for sun protection. Bring small gifts for villages: fishing line, kerosene lanterns, children's books.
Total Budget
$2,000-2,800 total including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities for 14 days
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Stay in village homestays throughout ($30-50/night), eat local food from markets, take local boats instead of resort transfers. Skip resort islands for public islands like Lola and Tetepare. Budget version totals $1,200-1,500.
Luxury Upgrade
Upgrade to Agnes Lodge premium suites, stay at Tavanipupu private island resort, charter private boats between islands. Add helicopter transfers and champagne sunset cruises. Luxury version totals $4,000-5,000.
Family-Friendly
Shorter boat rides, focus on Honiara's WWII sites and beach resorts with pools. Replace technical diving with shallow snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides. Stay at resorts with family rooms and kids' activities. Budget increases 20% for family accommodation.
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