Home › Itineraries › 7 Days

Solomon Sojourn: From War Relics to Coral Kingdoms

A Week of Culture, History & Island Adventure

Trip Overview

This complete week-long journey unveils the soul of the Solomon Islands, blending poignant WWII history with impressive natural wonders. Starting in the capital, Honiara, you'll explore the pivotal battlefields of Guadalcanal before escaping to the pristine waters of the Florida Islands. The itinerary has a moderate pace, balancing insightful cultural tours with ample time for excellent snorkeling, village visits, and relaxation on palm-fringed beaches. Highlights include the somber Skull Island, the colorful Central Market, diving on iconic wrecks, and experiencing the legendary 'Bonegi I' wreck just offshore. This trip is a look at into a nation defined by resilience, beauty, and outstanding underwater marvels.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-250 per day
Best Seasons
April to November (dry season)
Ideal For
History ensoiasts, Adventure divers & snorkelers, Cultural travelers, Couples seeking a unique getaway

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Honiara & Guadalcanal's Echoes

Honiara, Guadalcanal
Arrive in the capital, settle in, and begin your historical immersion with a visit to the powerful WWII memorials.
Morning
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Honiara International Airport (HIR). Take a pre-arranged taxi to your accommodation. After checking in, take a short walk along the Matanikau River to acclimate to the tropical pace.
2-3 hours $30 (taxi)
Pre-arrange airport transfer with your hotel for ease.
Lunch
The Leaf Hut
Local & International Mid-range
Afternoon
Guadalcanal American Memorial & Bloody Ridge
Visit the beautifully maintained Guadalcanal American Memorial for an overview of the campaign. Then, drive to the historic ridge (Edson's Ridge), a key battlefield. Walking the quiet, grassy knolls has a somber perspective on the fierce fighting.
3 hours $50 (guided tour or taxi for the afternoon)
Consider hiring a local guide at the memorial for a more insightful tour.
Evening
Dinner with a View
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the King Solomon Hotel's poolside restaurant, offering impressive sunset views over Ironbottom Sound.

Where to Stay Tonight

Central Honiara (Heritage Park Hotel or similar)

Centrally located for easy access to the museum and markets, with good amenities.

Exchange currency at the bank in town for the best rates; ATMs can be unreliable.
Day 1 Budget: $180
2

Culture, Crafts & The Coast Road

Honiara & Western Guadalcanal
Dive into local life at the hectic markets, explore the national museum, and journey west to the iconic Bonegi wrecks.
Morning
Honiara Central Market & National Museum
Spend time in the colors and chaos of the Central Market, the heart of Honiara. Then, visit the excellent National Museum to understand Solomon Islands' rich cultural heritage, from traditional shell money to canoes.
3 hours $5 (museum entry)
null
Lunch
Market stalls or nearby local 'kai bar'
Fresh local seafood and staples Budget
Afternoon
West Guadalcanal Coast Road & Bonegi Wrecks
Take a taxi or join a tour west along the coastal road. The main attraction is the 'Bonegi I' (Japanese transport ship) wreck, its rusting hull visible just meters from the beach. It's one of the world's most accessible wreck dives and snorkels.
4 hours $60 (transport & snorkel gear rental)
Arrange a driver for the afternoon or book a specific wreck tour.
Evening
Local Dinner
Try a 'plate' at a local eatery like Clay Cafe for authentic, hearty Solomon Islands food in a simple setting.

Where to Stay Tonight

Central Honiara (Same as previous night)

Provides a consistent base for exploring Guadalcanal.

Bring reef shoes for Bonegi; the beach is rocky. The best snorkeling is at high tide.
Day 2 Budget: $160
3

The Sacred Island & Departure for Great destination

Central Province (Florida Islands)
Take a poignant boat trip to Skull Island before transferring to the tranquil Florida Islands for island time.
Morning
Boat Trip to Skull Island
Start an early morning boat tour from Honiara to Skull Island (Mbara Island). This sacred ancestral shrine site, adorned with skulls and carvings, has a profound connection to the islands' pre-Christian past. Respect is paramount.
3-4 hours $80 (boat charter)
Must be booked in advance through a local tour operator in Honiara.
Lunch
Pack a lunch from your hotel or grab snacks before the boat trip.
Picnic Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to the Florida Islands
Return to Honiara and take a scheduled passenger ferry or pre-arranged speedboat transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the Florida Islands. Check into your island accommodation and breathe in the serene, slower pace of life.
2-3 hours (including transfer) $40 (ferry)
Ferry schedules change; confirm with your island lodge who can often arrange the best transfer.
Evening
Island Sunset & Dinner
Your first spectacular Florida Islands sunset, followed by a fresh seafood dinner at your lodge.

Where to Stay Tonight

Tulagi or nearby island (e.g., Oema) (Tulagi Dive Lodge or Oema Beach House)

Perfect bases for exploring the incredible WWII wrecks and reefs of the Floridas.

Carry small denominations of Solomon Dollars (SBD) for incidental purchases on the islands.
Day 3 Budget: $220
4

excellent Wreck Diving & Island Life

Florida Islands
A full day dedicated to the underwater museums of Ironbottom Sound, followed by a taste of village life.
Morning
WWII Wreck Dive or Snorkel (e.g., USS Aaron Ward)
Dive or snorkel on one of the many legendary WWII wrecks. The USS Aaron Ward, a destroyer sitting upright in clear water, is a highlight, teeming with marine life. Operators cater to all skill levels.
3 hours $120 (2-tank dive) / $40 (snorkel trip)
Book all diving directly with your lodge well in advance.
Lunch
Lodge-provided lunch
Island-style Mid-range
Afternoon
Village Visit & Kayaking
Visit a local village on a nearby island like Oema or Boli. Meet the community, see traditional crafts, and learn about daily life. Later, paddle a kayak through the calm, mangrove-lined channels.
2-3 hours $20 (village donation)
Your lodge can arrange a respectful village visit; always ask permission before taking photos.
Evening
Beach BBQ
Many lodges offer a beach BBQ night—a fantastic way to enjoy the stars and fresh catch.

Where to Stay Tonight

Tulagi or nearby island (Same as previous night)

Continuity for multi-day diving packages and relaxation.

Even if you don't dive, a 'bubble watcher' (snorkeler) trip to the wreck sites is a must—you can see the outlines from the surface.
Day 4 Budget: $250 (with diving)
5

Sand, Snorkel & Secret Lagoons

Florida Islands
A day of pure tropical bliss, hopping between deserted sand cays and lively coral gardens.
Morning
Boat Trip to a Sand Cay
Charter a boat with your lodge to a pristine, uninhabited sand cay like 'Mbabanga' or 'Lela Beach'. Spend the morning beachcombing, swimming, and feeling like a castaway in great destination.
3-4 hours $80 (boat charter split between group)
Group together with other guests at your lodge to share costs.
Lunch
Picnic on the sand cay
Pack lunch from lodge Budget
Afternoon
Coral Garden Snorkeling
On the return trip, stop at a well-known shallow reef garden. The biodiversity is staggering—expect colorful soft corals, clownfish, parrotfish, and maybe even a turtle.
1-2 hours Included in boat charter
null
Evening
Relaxed Lodge Dinner
Enjoy a quiet dinner at your lodge, swapping stories with fellow travelers.

Where to Stay Tonight

Tulagi or nearby island (Same as previous night)

Maintains the relaxing island base.

Bring a UV shirt for sun protection during long snorkeling sessions; the sun is intense.
Day 5 Budget: $180
6

Tulagi Town & Historical Immersion

Tulagi Island
Explore the former colonial capital, its quiet streets holding echoes of a busy past, and enjoy a final afternoon in the water.
Morning
Walking Tour of Tulagi Town
Explore the sleepy former capital. See the old British Residency, the Commissioner's House ruins, the Japanese gun emplacements, and the memorial to Coastwatchers. It's a fascinating walk through layered history.
2 hours $0 (self-guided)
Ask your lodge manager for a simple map or a guide to show you around.
Lunch
Tulagi Market or small local stall
Simple local fare Budget
Afternoon
Final Dive or Relaxation
Choose a final dive on a new wreck or reef, or simply relax. Options include the spectacular 'Kashi Maru' wreck or the impressive 'Twin Tunnels' reef site. Non-divers can enjoy the lodge's beach or go for a paddle.
3 hours (for dive) $120 (dive) / $0 (relaxation)
null
Evening
Farewell Feast
A special final dinner at your lodge, often featuring a traditional 'umu' (earth oven) feast if arranged.

Where to Stay Tonight

Tulagi or nearby island (Same as previous night)

Last night in island great destination.

Visit the small Tulagi Market in the morning when it's most active for the best selection of local fruit.
Day 6 Budget: $200 (with diving)
7

Return to Honiara & Departure

Honiara
Catch the morning ferry back to Honiara, with time for last-minute souvenir shopping before your flight home.
Morning
Ferry to Honiara & Souvenir Shopping
Take the morning ferry back to Honiara. Upon arrival, visit the Arts Village or craft shops near the museum for last-minute souvenirs like traditional carvings, shell jewelry, or baskets.
3-4 hours (including ferry) $40 (ferry)
Confirm ferry time the night before; departures are often early.
Lunch
Point Cruz Yacht Club
Pub-style & Local Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport
Depending on your flight time, do some final people-watching at the waterfront before taking a taxi to Honiara International Airport for your departure.
1 hour $30 (taxi)
Allow plenty of time for airport check-in, which can be leisurely.
Evening
Departure
Flight out of Honiara (HIR).

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (N/A)

Departure day.

If you have a late flight, some hotels offer day rooms or luggage storage for a small fee.
Day 7 Budget: $100

Practical Information

Getting Around

Inter-island travel relies on scheduled passenger ferries (realistic but not always punctual) and private boat charters arranged by lodges. In Honiara, taxis are the main option—agree on a fare before getting in. For day trips on Guadalcanal, hiring a taxi for a half/full day is most efficient. Internal flights exist but are less practical for this specific itinerary.

Book Ahead

Accommodation on the Florida Islands (essential), all diving activities, the Skull Island boat tour, and your Honiara airport transfer. Ferry tickets can often be booked a day in advance.

Packing Essentials

Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, rash guard/UV shirt, snorkel gear (optional but convenient), reef shoes, waterproof dry bag, torch (flashlight), small SBD cash, adaptors for Type I plugs.

Total Budget

Approximately $1300-1700 per person (excluding international flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in basic guesthouses in Honiara, use PMVs (public buses) on Guadalcanal, and focus on snorkeling instead of diving. Opt for longer ferry rides over speedboats and eat primarily at local markets and kai bars. Daily budget could drop to $80-100.

Luxury Upgrade

Book private guided tours for all historical sites, charter private boats for all inter-island transfers and excursions, and stay at the most exclusive island resorts (like the remote Fatboys Resort in the Russell Islands). Add a liveaboard dive boat trip for the ultimate underwater experience.

Family-Friendly

Focus more on beach time and village cultural exchanges. Choose accommodations with family rooms. The Bonegi wreck snorkel is great for older kids. Reduce the number of historical site visits and incorporate more easy nature walks, like the Vilu War Museum's open-air displays.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Solomon Islands

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Solomon Islands

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Solomon Islands

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Solomon Islands

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Solomon Islands

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.