Senior travel: Honiara
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 66 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Point Cruz harbour front and yacht clubStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minUneven pavement; level in places.
- Solomon Islands National Museum and Cultural CentreStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minLevel galleries but steps at the entrance; check with staff.
- Central MarketThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 50 min
- Bonegi wrecksThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 120 min
- American War Memorial (Skyline Ridge)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 30 minSteps up to the platform; the ridge road is rough.
- Vilu Village War MuseumStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 75 minUneven grass and gravel paths.
- Edson's (Bloody) RidgeStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 100 minGrass slopes and uneven paths.
Getting around in Honiara
Honiara is difficult for wheelchairs and strollers: broken pavements, steps, heat and few lifts. A car and driver make things possible, but most sights are not step-free.
- Pavements:
- Broken, missing or blocked by vendors in many places.
- Transport:
- Taxis and hired cars; minibuses have steps and no ramp.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets are rare; hotels are the best option.
Medicines and health on the ground
- Malaria tablets · 4–6 weeks before: Travel clinic prescription; start before arrival.
- Malaria:
- Present all year: take advice on prophylaxis, use repellent and sleep under a net.
- Dengue:
- Mosquito-borne; use repellent by day and night.
- Heat and sun:
- Very strong UV; hat, sunscreen and water.
- Food and water:
- Drink bottled or filtered water; eat hot food.
- Medical care:
- Limited; take insurance with evacuation cover and your own medicines.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.