🇸🇧 Solomon Islands

10 best places in Honiara

Honiara is Guadalcanal's tropical capital, where the heavy memory of World War Two's fiercest battles sits alongside buzzing markets and coral reefs just offshore.

Market

Central Market

The city's main market comes alive at dawn as village vendors pile up tropical fruit, fresh fish and root vegetables.

Museum

Solomon Islands National Museum

The National Museum and Cultural Centre on Mendana Avenue displays traditional artifacts and house styles from across the islands.

Sight

Guadalcanal American Memorial

This hilltop memorial on Skyline Ridge honors the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal with sweeping views over the city and sound.

Sight

Bonegi Beach WWII Wrecks

Just off Bonegi Beach, sunken Japanese warships lie close enough to shore for snorkelers to explore without diving gear.

Park

Botanical Gardens

A quiet hillside garden above the city showcasing native plants and colorful tropical birds.

Sight

Tropicbird Lookout

This viewpoint above Honiara offers the best panorama of the city, harbor and the blue waters of Iron Bottom Sound.

Park

Mataniko Falls

A cascading waterfall a short trip from downtown, perfect for a refreshing swim in its clear natural pools.

District

Point Cruz

The waterfront harbor district where boats depart for nearby islands and reef excursions.

Restaurant

Hadyn's Steakhouse

A favorite steakhouse pairing juicy cuts with fresh Solomon Islands seafood.

Café

Tenkai Sushi Café

A cozy café serving sushi and Asian dishes, a welcome break from the tropical heat downtown.

FAQ

Is Honiara worth visiting?

Honiara is a working capital rather than a resort, with a busy central market, the national museum and memorials from the battle for Guadalcanal. The Solomon Islands' real draw sits outside it: wreck diving from the Second World War, reefs and the villages of the Western Province. Most travellers treat the city as a staging post on the way there.

Is Honiara safe?

The centre is usually calm by day, but people do not walk around after dark, and riots with arson hit Honiara in 2021 - the political mood flares up periodically. Petty theft happens, so leave valuables at the hotel. Check your government's current advisory before you book.

How do you get to the Solomon Islands?

Direct flights are few: the usual routings go through Brisbane, Port Moresby, Nadi or Port Vila, schedules are thin and connections need planning. Domestically, small planes and ferries link the islands, and neither runs strictly to timetable. Leave slack in your plans for the journey home.

Best time to visit the Solomon Islands?

Roughly May to October is drier and calmer, while November to April brings rain and the cyclone season. Underwater visibility for divers is generally better in the dry months. It is hot and humid year-round, so light clothing and sun protection are constants.