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Solomon Islands
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands' World War II History and Reefs

Capital
Honiara
Currency
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Language
English
Best Time
May–Oct
Time Zone
SBT (UTC+11)
Flag of Solomon Islands
👋 Overview

Welcome to Solomon Islands

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.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

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.

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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.

02

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.

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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.

03

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.

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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.

🍴 On the menu

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.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

The Solomon Islands is composed of nearly 1,000 islands scattered across the South Pacific, and it was the site of some of the most significant and brutal battles of the Pacific theater during World War II, including the Battle of Guadalcanal, one of the war's major turning points, and rusting wrecks of ships and planes from the conflict remain scattered throughout the islands' waters today, drawing wreck-diving tourism. The country is also home to some of the most linguistically diverse populations on Earth relative to its size, with well over 70 distinct indigenous languages spoken across its scattered island communities.

2

The Solomon Islands sits along a highly active section of the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes, and the country has also faced some of the most severe impacts of sea level rise anywhere in the world, with several small islands within the archipelago having already disappeared underwater in recent decades. Traditional shell money remains culturally significant in parts of the Solomon Islands, still used in certain ceremonial exchanges such as bride price payments, alongside the country's official currency.

3

The islands are also home to significant populations of saltwater crocodiles, among the largest reptiles on Earth, which remain a genuine and respected danger in coastal and river areas.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

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.

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