Solomon Islands
Nearly a thousand islands scattered east of Papua New Guinea make up a country of WWII wrecks, coral walls and immense lagoons such as Marovo and Langa Langa, where custom still governs land and reef. Guadalcanal's battlefields recall a turning point of the Pacific War. Infrastructure is basic and travel slow, which is exactly why so few people come.
Overview
The Solomon Islands are a scattered nation of nearly a thousand islands east of Papua New Guinea, with more than 70 languages and most of its people living in villages. Every visit starts in Honiara on Guadalcanal, where WWII battlefields and the beach-entry wrecks at Bonegi lie within an hour's drive. From there, most travellers fly west to the New Georgia group: Munda and Gizo for diving and surfing, and Marovo Lagoon for eco-lodges and canoe trips. Malaita, a short flight or boat ride east, is the place for Langa Langa Lagoon's artificial islands and shell-money makers.
Travel here runs on 'Solomon time': flights are small and sometimes delayed, ships are irregular, and many lodges are reached only by boat. Costs are higher than you might expect, since much is imported and accommodation is limited, but village guesthouses keep things affordable. The reward is reefs and lagoons with few other visitors, warm hospitality and a culture little shaped by tourism. Nearly all land and reefs are under customary ownership, so small custom fees for visiting sites are normal. It suits divers, WWII enthusiasts, surfers and patient, flexible travellers rather than anyone wanting polished resorts.
Map of Solomon Islands
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Marovo Lagoon
Often billed as the world's largest saltwater lagoon, Marovo is a maze of forested islands, reefs and villages known for fine woodcarving, enclosed by a double barrier reef. Stay at eco-lodges and dive, snorkel or paddle between islets.
- 2History
Guadalcanal battlefields
The August 1942 to February 1943 campaign was a turning point of the Pacific War. Local guides lead tours of Bloody Ridge, Henderson Field and the American and Japanese memorials, and the open-air Vilu War Museum displays aircraft and guns.
- 3Adventure
Bonegi wrecks
Two Japanese transport ships sunk in November 1942 lie just off the beaches at Bonegi, west of Honiara. Both start within easy finning distance of the shore, making them superb shore dives and snorkels among coral-encrusted hulls.
- 4Culture
Langa Langa Lagoon
South of Auki on Malaita, communities live on artificial islands built from coral blocks and still make traditional shell money, threading polished discs into long strands used in bride price. Visits are arranged locally, with custom fees.
- 5Beach
Kennedy Island
A tiny palm-covered islet near Gizo where a young John F. Kennedy and his crew swam ashore after their boat, PT-109, was sunk in 1943; now a picnic and snorkelling stop on boat trips from Gizo.
Biggest cities
Honiara
The capital is a sprawling, functional town rather than a beauty, but has the National Museum, a lively Central Market, WWII memorials and dive shops for the Bonegi wrecks.
Noro
A port town on New Georgia built around its tuna cannery and fishing fleet; few visitors stay, but it lies close to Munda and the dive sites of the Western Province.
Auki
Malaita's small, friendly provincial capital and market town is the gateway to Langa Langa Lagoon, the artificial islands of Lau Lagoon and traditional villages; boats run daily from Honiara.
Figures are rounded from the 2019 census; Honiara's covers the city council area, and its fast-growing fringe on Guadalcanal adds more. Noro and Auki are the only other towns of any size.
When to go to Solomon Islands
Best time: May–Oct.
Average climate in Honiara
Festivals & events
- JulIndependence Day
On 7 July the Solomons celebrate independence from Britain in 1978 with ceremonies at Lawson Tama stadium in Honiara, custom dancing, panpipe bands and sports across the provinces.
- AugGuadalcanal landings anniversary
Around 7 August, Solomon Islands, American and Japanese representatives hold ceremonies at the US memorial on Skyline Ridge and at other battle sites to mark the 1942 landings.
How much does Solomon Islands cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Taro pudding
Grated taro mixed with coconut cream, wrapped in leaves and baked for hours in a motu, a stone earth oven; the centrepiece of feasts, weddings and church celebrations.
Slippery cabbage
Tender leafy greens simmered in coconut milk, often with fish or tinned tuna; the everyday vegetable served alongside rice, sweet potato or cassava.
Ngali nuts
Rich, almond-like canarium nuts sold at Honiara Central Market in season, eaten fresh or smoked, or baked into puddings.
Getting around
Solomon Airlines flies small planes from Honiara to dozens of airstrips, including Munda, Gizo (whose airstrip is on Nusatupe island, a short boat ride from town), Seghe for Marovo, and Auki. Passenger ships and faster boats link Honiara with Malaita and the Western Province, while outboard-powered banana boats handle local hops. Honiara has minibuses and taxis; agree fares first. Roads beyond Guadalcanal's north coast are limited.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- GI220V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +677
- Time zone
- UTC+11 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Tipping isn't customary and isn't expected; a sincere thank-you, or a contribution to a village school or church project, is more appropriate.
- Etiquette
- Almost all land and reefs are customarily owned, so ask permission and pay small custom fees before swimming, diving or photographing. Women should cover their thighs, and Sunday is kept for church.
- Main airports
- Honiara International Airport (HIR), Honiara
Visas & entry for Solomon Islands
Shown for a British passport.
Check the entry requirements
If you are visiting Solomon Islands as a tourist, you must apply for a ‘tourist visa’ through the new Solomon Islands Immigration Division visa portal.
The visa costs 100 US dollars. You will need to provide:
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BBat LyssavirusTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in the Solomon Islands: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Solomon Islands
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | National Day of Thanksgiving |
| Mon 28 Dec 2026 | National Day of Thanksgiving (observed) |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Holy Saturday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Whit Monday |
| Fri 18 Jun 2027 | King's Birthday |
| Wed 7 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Solomon Islands Pijin
| English | Solomon Islands Pijin | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Halo | HAH-loh |
| Thank you | Tanggio | TANG-ghee-oh |
| Please | Plis | pleess |
| Excuse me | Skius mi | SKYOOS mee |
| How much is this? | Hao mas nao diswan? | how MAHS now DIS-wun |
Know before you go
- Carry Solomon Islands dollars in cash before leaving Honiara: ATMs are scarce in the provinces, and lodges in remote lagoons may not take cards.
- Malaria is present throughout the islands; check antimalarial and vaccine advice on TravelHealthPro before you travel, and pack strong repellent and long sleeves.
- Domestic flights use small aircraft with tight baggage allowances and frequent schedule changes, so keep spare days in your itinerary and reconfirm flights the day before.
Solomon Islands travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Solomon Islands?
The best time to visit Solomon Islands is generally May–Oct. Peak months are May, June, July, August, September and October. Average highs in Honiara range from 30°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Solomon Islands cost per day?
Roughly £70 a day on a tight budget, £150 mid-range and £300+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).
What plug type does Solomon Islands use?
Type G and I sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Solomon Islands?
Traffic drives on the left in Solomon Islands — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Solomon Islands?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Solomon Islands?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: If you are visiting Solomon Islands as a tourist, you must apply for a ‘tourist visa’ through the new Solomon Islands Immigration Division visa portal. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Solomon Islands before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/solomon-islands/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Solomon Islands?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Bat Lyssavirus and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
