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Capital

Honiara

Currency

Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)

Language

English

Best Time

Mayโ€“Oct

Time Zone

SBT (UTC+11)

Flag of Solomon Islands
Welcome to Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands' World War II History and Reefs

Welcome to the Solomon Islands, a South Pacific archipelago rich in World War II history and pristine coral reefs. Guadalcanal, site of a pivotal wartime battle, offers moving memorials and remnants of history amid lush tropical scenery. Honiara, the capital, provides a relaxed gateway to the surrounding islands and their vibrant marine life. The islands' waters offer some of the best wreck diving in the world, with sunken ships and planes resting beneath the surface. Traditional villages throughout the islands maintain customs, carving traditions, and communal life largely unchanged for generations. Marovo Lagoon, one of the largest saltwater lagoons on Earth, offers stunning diving and traditional canoe travel. The islands' remoteness has preserved pristine reefs and rainforest rarely visited by outside travelers. The Solomon Islands invite adventurous travelers to discover a remote Pacific destination rich in history and beauty.

Popular City

Honiara

Honiara, the Solomon Islands’ capital on Guadalcanal, carries significant World War Two history, with Bloody Ridge and the American War Memorial marking sites from one of the Pacific campaign’s most pivotal battles. The National Museum offers a compact but informative look at traditional Solomon Islander culture, including shell money and war canoes. Point Cruz and the central market give a lively look at daily commerce, with produce and fish brought in from surrounding villages and islands. Wreck diving around Iron Bottom Sound, named for the numerous ships sunk during the Guadalcanal campaign, draws divers interested in World War Two history beneath the waves. Honiara’s relaxed pace and layered wartime history make it a compelling if lesser-visited Pacific capital. It serves as the practical gateway to the wider Solomon Islands archipelago.

Travel News

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Popular City

Auki

Auki, on Malaita island, offers access to the Langa Langa Lagoon, home to artificial islands built entirely by hand from coral by the Lau people to escape mainland conflicts and disease centuries ago. Traditional shell money is still crafted in villages around the lagoon using techniques passed down through generations. The town’s market reflects Malaita’s strong traditional culture, with produce and crafts brought in from surrounding villages. Malaita’s reputation for preserving customary practices makes it one of the more culturally distinct islands in the Solomons. Auki’s proximity to the lagoon’s artificial islands offers a genuinely unique cultural experience rarely found elsewhere in the Pacific. It rewards travelers interested in traditional Melanesian culture and craftsmanship.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

Gizo

Gizo, in the Western Province, serves as the gateway to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Solomon Islands, with vibrant coral reefs and World War Two wrecks scattered throughout the surrounding waters. The nearby Kennedy Island, named for future US president John F. Kennedy after his PT boat sank nearby, offers a short, popular boat excursion. Gizo’s relaxed harbor town atmosphere and easy access to surrounding islands make it a favorite base for divers and surfers exploring the Western Province. Local markets sell fish and produce from the surrounding lagoon islands. The nearby volcanic island of Kolombangara, with its dramatic conical peak, offers hiking for the more adventurous visitor. Gizo’s combination of diving, wartime history, and island access makes it one of the Solomon Islands’ most rewarding destinations.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Solomon Islands's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Poi

Poi is a signature Solomon Islands specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Fish in Coconut Milk

This popular Solomon Islands dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Cassava Pudding

A well-loved part of Solomon Islands cuisine, Cassava Pudding reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Taro Chips

Taro Chips is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Solomon Islands.

Grilled Reef Fish

Visitors often seek out Grilled Reef Fish for an authentic taste of Solomon Islands's everyday cooking and food culture.

Pork in Banana Leaves

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Solomon Islands.

Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet Potato Mash is widely recognized in Solomon Islands and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Coconut Crab

A memorable choice for travelers, Coconut Crab offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Solomon Islands.

Banana Leaf Pudding

This classic food is an important part of Solomon Islands's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout Solomon Islands. Explore local markets, independent cafรฉs and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

Solomon Islands

Somalia has the longest coastline of any country on mainland Africa, stretching along both the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, a geography that historically made it a critical hub for ancient maritime trade between Africa, Arabia, and Asia. The region is home to some of the oldest known trading civilizations in East Africa, having exported valuable commodities like frankincense and myrrh to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for thousands of years.

Somalia's Laas Geel rock art site, discovered relatively recently in 2002, contains some of the best-preserved ancient cave paintings in Africa, believed to be roughly 5,000 years old, depicting cattle, humans, and other figures in vivid color. The country has endured decades of civil conflict and periods without a fully functioning central government since 1991, yet Somaliland, a self-declared but internationally unrecognized state in the north, has maintained relative stability and functioning institutions of its own for much of that same period.

Somalia's culture places deep significance on poetry, historically an oral tradition so central to society that major political and social decisions were often debated and remembered through composed verse before being transcribed in writing.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltรซr), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.

Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"โ€”a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.