Where to Stay in Solomon Islands
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Solomon Islands
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The capital region offers the widest selection of accommodation in the country, from budget guesthouses to the nation's only upscale hotels. Most properties cater to business travelers, NGO workers, and tourists using Honiara as a gateway to outer islands. The area also provides access to WWII historical sites and serves as the primary hub for domestic flights and ferry connections.
Home to some of the country's best dive sites and WWII wrecks, Western Province offers several dedicated dive resorts and small lodges, particularly around Gizo and the surrounding islands. Accommodation here is typically rustic but well-maintained, with many properties operating on an all-inclusive basis catering specifically to divers. This region provides the most developed tourism infrastructure outside Honiara.
The most populous province offers limited but authentic accommodation options, primarily in Auki and a few coastal villages. Properties here are basic and primarily serve domestic travelers, government workers, and adventurous tourists interested in traditional culture. Accommodation is significantly more rustic than in Western Province, with village homestays providing the most culturally immersive experiences.
Comprising numerous islands around Guadalcanal, Central Province offers scattered accommodation options ranging from village stays to small eco-lodges and dive resorts. The region is less visited than Western Province but provides excellent opportunities for off-the-beaten-path experiences, particularly around Savo Island and the Russell Islands. Accommodation infrastructure is minimal and advance arrangements are essential.
One of the least developed provinces for tourism, Isabel offers extremely limited accommodation consisting mainly of basic guesthouses in Buala and occasional village homestays. The province attracts adventurous travelers seeking pristine rainforests, traditional villages, and complete isolation from tourist crowds. Facilities are very basic and require flexible expectations.
Remote and rarely visited, this province offers minimal accommodation infrastructure with a handful of basic guesthouses in Kirakira and very limited options elsewhere. The region appeals to serious adventure travelers and researchers rather than conventional tourists. Accommodation is rudimentary but provides access to untouched rainforests, traditional cultures, and exceptional biodiversity.
The country's most remote province includes the far-flung Santa Cruz Islands, Reef Islands, and Duff Islands. Accommodation is extremely limited, consisting of basic guesthouses in Lata and occasional village stays on outer islands. Access is challenging and expensive, with irregular flights and boat services. The few visitors are typically researchers, government workers, or intrepid travelers seeking the ultimate remote Pacific experience.
Home to Lake Tegano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this small province offers very limited accommodation options, primarily basic guesthouses and village homestays. Rennell Island attracts naturalists and birdwatchers interested in the unique raised coral atoll ecosystem. Facilities are extremely basic and visitors must be completely self-sufficient and culturally sensitive.
One of the least visited provinces, Choiseul offers minimal tourism infrastructure with basic accommodation in Taro and occasional village stays. The province remains largely traditional and undeveloped, appealing to travelers interested in authentic cultural experiences and pristine natural environments. Accommodation is very basic and requires advance coordination through local contacts.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Solomon Islands
International hotel chains are completely absent from Solomon Islands. The closest to chain accommodation are a couple of Australian-managed hotels in Honiara that maintain professional standards similar to international mid-range properties. Most hotels are independently owned and operated by Solomon Islander families, Chinese-Solomon Islander business owners, or small Australian/New Zealand expat operators. This independence means service standards and facilities vary widely, but it also ensures authentic local character.
Local accommodation is dominated by family-run guesthouses, small hotels, and informal homestay arrangements. In provincial centers, Chinese-owned hotels and guesthouses are common, typically offering basic but clean rooms with fans or air conditioning. Village homestays, arranged through local contacts or tour operators, provide the most authentic cultural experiences, with guests sleeping in traditional leaf houses or simple guest huts and sharing meals with host families. These arrangements require cultural sensitivity and flexibility but offer unparalleled insights into Solomon Islands life.
Leaf house stays in traditional villages represent the most unique accommodation experience in Solomon Islands, where guests sleep in thatched structures built using customary methods and participate in daily village life. Dive resorts on remote islands offer overwater bungalows and beachfront bures (bungalows) that blend Pacific architectural styles with basic modern amenities. Some conservation-focused eco-lodges operate in rainforest settings, providing rustic accommodation while supporting environmental protection and community development. Liveaboard dive boats also offer multi-day accommodation for serious divers exploring remote atolls and reef systems.
Booking Tips for Solomon Islands
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Dive resorts and lodges in Western Province and other remote areas have limited capacity and fill up months ahead during peak season (July-September). Many operate on a weekly all-inclusive basis and require minimum stays. Contact properties directly via email, as online booking platforms have limited Solomon Islands inventory.
Communication infrastructure can be unreliable, so confirm accommodation bookings multiple times before arrival, ideally through multiple channels (email, phone, WhatsApp). Request written confirmation and bring printed copies, as properties may not have computerized booking systems. For village homestays, work through established tour operators or community tourism networks to ensure arrangements are properly communicated.
Even mid-range accommodation may experience power outages, water supply issues, or maintenance challenges due to the country's infrastructure limitations. Bring a flashlight, consider packing a universal plug adapter, and maintain realistic expectations. What properties lack in modern amenities they often compensate for with genuine hospitality and unique cultural experiences that are impossible to find in more developed destinations.
Many remote lodges and dive resorts operate exclusively on all-inclusive packages covering accommodation, meals, and activities. While this increases upfront costs, it often represents better value than paying separately, especially given limited dining options outside properties. Clarify exactly what's included before booking, particularly regarding diving, transfers, and alcoholic beverages.
Taxis at Henderson International Airport are limited and expensive. Most hotels in Honiara offer airport pickup services for a fee (typically SBD 300-500). For remote properties, boat or domestic flight transfers must be arranged in advance and are often included in package rates. Never arrive without confirmed transportation, especially for properties on outer islands with infrequent or non-existent public transport.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Solomon Islands
Book 3-6 months in advance for travel during the dry season (April-October), particularly for dive resorts and the limited upscale hotels in Honiara. Dive lodges with good reputations often fill up 6-12 months ahead for the prime July-September period. Honiara hotels can fill quickly during parliamentary sessions or major events, though availability is generally better than at dive resorts.
Booking 1-3 months ahead is usually sufficient during shoulder months (March-April, October-November). Some properties offer slight discounts during these periods, though price variations are minimal. This timing provides good availability while avoiding the wettest weather, making it ideal for flexible travelers seeking better value.
During the wet season (November-March), many properties have good availability and some offer modest discounts, though several remote dive resorts close entirely for maintenance or due to rough seas. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is typically sufficient, but confirm that properties are actually operating, as some outer island lodges reduce services or close temporarily during the wettest months.
For Solomon Islands, booking 2-3 months in advance strikes the best balance between securing preferred properties and maintaining flexibility. Always book dive resorts and remote lodges earlier (3-6 months), while Honiara hotels and basic guesthouses can often be booked closer to travel dates. Direct contact with properties is more reliable than online booking platforms given the country's limited digital infrastructure.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Solomon Islands