Solomon-Islands

The Solomon Islands are a largely undiscovered archipelago of emerald isles, vibrant coral reefs, and living history. The capital city, Honiara, located on Guadalcanal, is home to key WWII sites including Henderson Field, Bloody Ridge, and the Solomon Islands National Museum, which provides insights into both war history and indigenous traditions. The Western Province is the crown jewel for many travelers. Gizo, the second-largest town, is a relaxed island base surrounded by lagoons, sandbars, and dive sites. Don’t miss Skull Island, a sacred cultural site of the local Roviana people with a unique collection of ancestral skull shrines. Nearby, Kennedy Island is where future U.S. President John F. Kennedy famously swam ashore after his boat was sunk in WWII. Munda, a short hop away, offers superb scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Reef Point, Shark Point, and the Wickham Harbour wrecks. In the far east, Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world, is surrounded by volcanic islands and traditional villages. It’s a paradise for kayaking, eco-tours, and authentic cultural encounters. The remote Temotu Province, including Nendo Island, is a window into Polynesian outliers with unique language and customs, while the Isabel and Malaita provinces remain some of the most culturally intact regions, where custom dances and canoe-making are still practiced.

Traditional Solomon Islands cuisine is centered on root vegetables, seafood, and tropical fruits, offering a diet that is both simple and flavorful. Staples include cassava, taro, kumara (sweet potato), and breadfruit, often boiled or roasted, and accompanied by fish either grilled, curried, or cooked in coconut milk. Coconut is the star of many dishes — its milk is used to flavor soups, rice, and seafood, while grated coconut may be mixed into dough or desserts. One popular traditional dish is poi, a fermented taro paste with a tangy taste and pudding-like texture, often served during feasts or ceremonies. Fish and chips, a British colonial legacy, remains popular in urban centers, while in the provinces, meals are more likely to feature reef fish, octopus, or crayfish cooked over open flames. Laplap, a baked pudding of starchy vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, is also commonly shared during gatherings. Sweet options include pawpaw (papaya), bananas, and sago pudding with coconut cream. Imported foods are increasingly present in Honiara, but in the outer islands, meals are deeply rooted in local ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

Getting around the Solomon Islands requires patience and flexibility. Domestic flights operated by Solomon Airlines connect major islands like Guadalcanal, Western Province, Malaita, Isabel, and Temotu. Flights can be irregular due to weather or logistics, so it’s wise to confirm schedules in advance and allow buffer time between connections. In the provinces, outboard motor canoes are a common mode of inter-island transport. Trips between islands like Gizo and Munda or across Marovo Lagoon are often arranged locally with village boatmen — negotiation and cash payment are standard. On larger islands, minibuses and pickup trucks act as shared taxis, particularly in and around Honiara. Roads are mostly unsealed outside of the capital, and conditions can deteriorate quickly in rain. Car rentals are available but expensive, and driving is on the left side of the road. For short distances in towns like Gizo or Auki, walking is safe and scenic. Bicycles and motorbikes are also popular in flatter coastal areas. Don’t expect timetables — travel here moves at “island time.”

The Solomon Islands are not a classic budget destination, but frugal travelers can still navigate it affordably by embracing local transport, staying in village-run guesthouses, and eating locally. In rural areas, accommodations known as “rest houses” offer clean rooms with mosquito nets and shared bathrooms for around SBD 150–300 per night (roughly USD $20–40). Local markets are great for fresh produce, and home-cooked meals can often be arranged with hosts or local vendors. Street snacks like fried fish, cassava chips, or banana fritters are inexpensive and filling. Using shared outboard boats instead of chartering private ones, traveling in groups to split costs, and avoiding unnecessary flights are all smart ways to keep spending down. English is widely spoken, so don’t hesitate to ask for local recommendations on cheaper options.

The Solomon Islands is generally safe, but due to its remote geography, a lack of infrastructure in some areas requires a cautious and prepared mindset. Petty theft can occur, especially in Honiara, so keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes where available. Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas. Political demonstrations can occur in Honiara but are usually peaceful — still, it's best to steer clear of large gatherings. Roads are poorly lit and often in poor condition, so exercise caution when driving or riding motorbikes. Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue fever are present, so use repellents, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under mosquito nets. Tap water is not consistently safe to drink — stick to bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice unless you know it’s made from purified sources. Emergency services and healthcare outside of Honiara are extremely limited, so comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Solomon Islanders are warm and welcoming, with strong customs rooted in respect, community, and spirituality. It’s important to dress modestly, especially in villages — women should wear skirts or wrap a sarong (called a lava-lava) and avoid revealing tops. Men are expected to wear shirts and avoid going shirtless in public. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or entering a village, and be especially respectful around sacred sites or skull shrines. Gifts of food or a small token when visiting a home are appreciated, and showing interest in local crafts or stories builds rapport. Sunday is a day of rest, with church services central to life across the islands. Be mindful of noise and activity levels, and don’t expect to arrange tours or boat rides on Sundays unless specifically agreed in advance. Traditional leadership is respected — village chiefs or elders may be introduced during your stay, and acknowledging them respectfully is important.

The Solomon Islands are perfect for adventurers, divers, anthropologists, cultural travelers, and eco-conscious explorers. This is a place for those who value authenticity over convenience, raw nature over resorts, and human connection over crowds. Whether you're tracing WWII history beneath the sea, paddling through untouched lagoons, or sitting around a village fire listening to ancestral stories, the Solomon Islands reward those who are willing to slow down and go deeper.

Budget travelers will find rustic guesthouses and eco-lodges throughout the islands, often run by local families. In Gizo, Rekona Lodge offers basic but clean rooms with warm hospitality. In Munda, Agnes Gateway Hotel is a backpacker favorite, offering both dorms and affordable private rooms. Mid-range options include Fatboys Resort, located on a private islet near Gizo, where traditional bungalows sit over turquoise water. On Malaita, Auki Lodge offers modern comforts with friendly service and easy access to the town’s market. Luxury travelers will find serenity at Tavanipupu Island Resort, an exclusive getaway famous for hosting Prince William and Kate Middleton. Its overwater bungalows, fine local cuisine, and tranquil setting make it the most luxurious stay in the country. In Honiara, Heritage Park Hotel provides a high-end urban option with sea views and a pool.

One common mistake is underestimating how remote and undeveloped parts of the Solomon Islands are. Many areas lack basic infrastructure, so travelers should come prepared — bring a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and any essential medications. Visitors often fail to plan inter-island transport ahead of time, assuming boats or flights will be readily available. In truth, transport can be irregular, weather-dependent, and entirely based on word-of-mouth or community networks. Another mistake is not carrying enough cash — electronic payment systems are unreliable or unavailable in most regions. Lastly, showing up in villages uninvited or assuming access to sacred sites without permission can offend locals. Always ask before entering, swimming near villages, or taking photographs of people or ceremonies.

Connectivity is limited, but the Solomon Airlines app is helpful for checking flight updates. Use Google Maps offline for basic orientation, though not all areas are mapped in detail. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are used locally, especially by hotel and tour operators. Download translation apps to assist with Pijin phrases, and a tide/weather app is useful for boating or diving. Local SIM cards from Our Telekom or bmobile can be purchased in Honiara for basic data and calls.

A 10-day adventure might begin with 2 days in Honiara, visiting WWII sites and the Central Market, followed by a flight to Gizo to snorkel reefs, visit Skull Island, and relax by the sea. From there, take a boat to Munda for diving and village visits, then continue to Marovo Lagoon for kayaking, eco-lodges, and community encounters. If time permits, fly east to Nendo Island in Temotu Province for an unforgettable look at remote Polynesian culture. End with a night back in Honiara to shop for handicrafts and unwind before departure.

The Solomon Islands was one of the key battlefronts in the Pacific during World War II — the Battle of Guadalcanal marked a turning point in the war, and shipwrecks still lie beneath the waters today, drawing history buffs and divers alike. The country has one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the Pacific, with new species of orchids, birds, and reef fish still being discovered in its rainforests and coral reefs. The customary land ownership system means most land belongs to tribal communities, and access to areas often requires local permission — adding a unique layer of human geography. Solomon Islanders also craft beautiful panpipe music, intricate shell jewelry, and traditional war canoes that reflect deep-rooted seafaring skills and symbolism.