country
Solomon IslandsSolomon Aelan
First trip: 1–2 nights in Honiara for the Second World War sites, then fly to one lodge base in the Western Province (Munda, Gizo or Marovo Lagoon) for 5–8 nights; do not chain several provinces on the domestic network.
Solomon Islands is almost 1,000 islands with little tourism infrastructure. Honiara is the only real gateway; the Western Province's lagoons and wreck dives are reached by Solomon Airlines domestic flights and then boat, and both depend on weather. Malaria is present, facilities are basic, and cash rules outside Honiara.
All regions, cities and parks in Solomon Islands (Atlas) →
Regions
Arrival, markets and Second World War battlefields
1–3 nights
Munda, Gizo and Marovo Lagoon for diving, snorkelling and village stays
5–8 nights
Artificial islands of Langa Langa Lagoon and the Florida (Nggela) group; basic facilities
2–4 nights
Arrive
HIR
Honiara International
Only international gateway; flights from Brisbane, Nadi and Port Moresby
Time math
- 5 days
- Honiara 1 + Western Province lodge 4
- 9 days
- Honiara 2 + Munda or Gizo 3 + Marovo Lagoon 4 (boat transfer)
- 14 days
- Honiara 2 + Western Province 8 + Malaita or Nggela 3 + Honiara 1 before departure
Country rules
- Many nationalities receive a visitor permit on arrival with an onward ticket, but rules vary: check Solomon Islands Immigration for your passport before booking.
- Most land and reefs are under customary ownership: pay custom fees for visits, snorkelling or diving where asked, and ask before using a beach or taking photos.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and thighs; swimwear only at lodges or beaches.
- Ask before photographing people or entering village land.
- Sunday is for church in most communities; activities may not run.
- Independence Day (Jul 7)
- Public holiday and celebrations in Honiara; offices close.
- Cyclone season (Nov–Apr)
- Storms can cut flights and boats for days.
- Christmas and New Year
- Many people travel home to their islands; services slow down.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 4/5
- Currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD, SI$). Cards work only at larger Honiara hotels and a few lodges.
- ATMs are in Honiara and a few provincial centres (Gizo, Auki); bring enough cash in small notes for custom fees and markets.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Safety
- Malaria is present throughout: take medical advice on prophylaxis and use nets and repellent.
- Unexploded Second World War ordnance remains on Guadalcanal and in the Western Province; stay on paths and do not touch old munitions.
- Honiara has seen civil unrest in the past; avoid crowds and demonstrations and check your government's advice.
- Crocodiles live in some rivers and coastal mangroves; ask locally before swimming.
- Medical care is basic; carry insurance with evacuation cover.
- Cyclones (Nov–Apr) can stop flights and boats.
Solomon Islands connects to Brisbane, Nadi, Port Vila and Port Moresby; the Western Province lodges are the reason to come.
Sources
- UK FCDO travel advice — Solomon Islands (official)
- Wikivoyage — Solomon Islands (secondary)