Solomon Islands tourist attractions remain hidden gems in one of the top 10 least visited countries in the world. The destination rivals the Maldives with clear waters and the planet’s largest double barrier reef lagoon. Njari Island holds the record for the highest fish species counts recorded in a single dive.
Travelers planning to visit Solomon Islands can explore WWII historical sites and traditional village experiences. Active volcanoes and beaches add to the appeal. This trip guide covers 17 must-see attractions, including things to do in Honiara Solomon Islands. You can visit Central Market and explore nearby Mataniko Falls and Bonegi Beach.
Kennedy Island
Image Source: Dive Gizo
What Makes Kennedy Island Famous
This 1.17-hectare uninhabited island earned its international recognition following the PT-109 incident during World War II. August 1943 saw a Japanese destroyer named Amagiri ram the torpedo boat commanded by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy and split it in two. Two American sailors died in the collision. Kennedy and the surviving crew swam through open waters to reach what was then called Plum Pudding Island. Kennedy later led his crew to the larger Olasana Island. Melanesian scouts Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana rescued them there after coastwatcher Reg Evans dispatched the scouts. A small shrine stands on the island that Eroni Kumana himself built to commemorate the rescue. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and her son Jack Schlossberg recreated Kennedy’s historic swim in August 2023 and covered approximately 1.2 km between Naru and Olasana Islands.
Location and How to Get There
Kennedy Island sits just 3 km northeast of Gizo, the provincial capital of Western Province. You can reach it in under 10 minutes by boat. Visitors can arrange boat transport from Gizo market jetty. Charter costs range from SBD 300 to 400 for a round trip. The entry fee is SBD 50 per person and you pay the local caretaker upon arrival. Most resorts and independent operators in Gizo organize trips to the island.
Things to Do on Kennedy Island
The island offers a 10-minute walking loop with palm-fringed beaches and views back toward Gizo. Joel has been the caretaker since 2018. He shares detailed accounts of the PT-109 story and points out where Kennedy’s crew came ashore. Snorkeling conditions are best along the northern side. Shallow coral formations host abundant reef fish in clear waters there. Besides the underwater exploration, visitors can see the historical marker and enjoy the tranquil beaches with minimal development.
Njari Island – World’s Best Diving Destination
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Why Njari Island is a Must-Visit
Njari Island sits within the Coral Triangle and hosts around 279 fish species observable in a single dive. This makes it the fourth highest fish count in the world for dive sites. The northwest corner dive site, nicknamed “Grand Central Station,” earned its name from dive operator Danny Kennedy, who described it as having the highest concentration of fish he had encountered. Danny and Kerrie Kennedy supported a Rapid Ecological Assessment by The Nature Conservancy in 2004, which highlighted Njari’s exceptional biodiversity during a rigorous 35-day study. The reef’s recovery from earthquake damage and destructive fishing practices demonstrates nature’s resilience when protected.
How to Reach Njari Island
This uninhabited island lies about 1.9 miles (3.1 km) northwest of Gizo town in the Western Province. Njari functions as a remote anchorage for small expedition ships and luxury yacht charters, with no cruise terminal, pier, or port infrastructure. Vessels operated by Coral Expeditions (Coral Adventurer), Ponant, Silversea Expeditions, and Swan Hellenic access the island and carry between 100 to 500 passengers. All transfers occur via ship’s tenders or Zodiac inflatable craft to the Eastern Beach Landing on the island’s eastern side. Sea conditions determine operational feasibility, as even modest swells can cancel or shorten visits.
Snorkeling and Beach Activities
The Eastern Beach Landing provides access to coral reefs that begin within feet of the shoreline in multiple directions. Reef-safe footwear is recommended due to the proximity of coral formations. Snorkeling takes place within the immediate reef system surrounding the beach, where crystal-clear waters teem with colorful fish and multi-colored corals. Expedition activities include guided snorkeling on the reef and naturalist-led beach walks. The small beach allows crossing the uninhabited island in under one minute.
Best places to visit in Oceania.
Skull Island (Nusa Kunda)
Image Source: We Seek Travel
The Sacred History of Skull Island
Nusa Kunda serves as a repository for human remains relocated from New Georgia Island when Christian missionaries arrived in the early 20th century. The islanders practiced headhunting and displayed skulls on poles in front of their houses. Corpses were left upright until decomposition occurred before skull removal. Chiefs received prominent placement and worship within these traditional shrines. The shrine contains approximately 50 male skulls that range from 300 to 1,000 years old and are positioned on coral burial mounds. Ordinary villagers had their skulls placed at the bottom. Big Men and chiefs occupied the top positions. Missionaries dismantled these centuries-old customs, and locals relocated all skulls to this single sacred island to save them from destruction. Shell money, carved clam used to settle disputes and marriage payments, decorates several niches in the coral platform.
Location and Getting There
The island sits in Vonavona Lagoon, 30 minutes by boat from Munda in Western Province. Gizo and Munda serve as the closest access points, though no public transport exists. Zipolo Habu Resort on nearby Lola Island arranges visits in just 10 minutes by boat. Only chiefs can conduct tours. Regular islanders are prohibited from escorting visitors. The kastom fee stands at 50 SBD per person.
Important Tips for Visiting
Visitors must wait for the boatman’s prayer before stepping ashore. Stories tell of strange afflictions that befall those who disregard this ritual. Chiefs perform traditional ceremonies to inform spirits of incoming visitors and prevent potential curses. You need reef shoes or sturdy sandals since no jetty exists and visitors step directly onto sandy or coral shorelines. Photography requires guide permission beforehand, though most guides permit it freely. Early morning or late afternoon offers calmer water and softer light than midday.
WWII Sites and Museums in Honiara
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Solomon Islands National Museum
Honiara houses several solomon islands landmarks that preserve the region’s WWII legacy and cultural heritage. The Solomon Islands National Museum, officially 55 years old, ranks among the oldest government institutions in the country. The museum’s origins trace back to 1951. Geoffrey F. C. Dennis and James L. O. Tedder combined their private collections during the British protectorate period. The collection has more than 2,000 objects and includes natural science specimens, archeological artifacts and Second World War relics. Entry remains free, though donations support ongoing preservation efforts. The museum conducts active archeological research programs. Recent excavations at Apunirereha rock shelter in Malaita Province uncovered prehistoric faunal remains, stone tools and human remains.
Vilu War Museum
Fred Kona founded the Vilu War Museum in 1975. He created an open-air display of American and Japanese equipment from the Guadalcanal campaign of 1942-43. The museum sits about 45 minutes west of Honiara along West Guadalcanal Road. Fred died in 1994, and his family assumed operations after that. Aircraft on display include a Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, F4U Corsair, Lockheed P-38F Lightning, Douglas SBD Dauntless and sections of a Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty bomber. Four Type 96 15cm howitzers and other Japanese artillery pieces occupy the grounds. The museum faced vandalism during civil tensions but continues operations through family stewardship.
American War Memorial and Bloody Ridge
The Guadalcanal American Memorial was dedicated on August 7, 1992. This marked the 50th anniversary of the Red Beach landings. The 24-foot pylon sits on Skyline Ridge and honors Americans and allies who died during the Guadalcanal Campaign from August 7, 1942 to February 9, 1943. Annual commemorative ceremonies occur each August 7. The Bloody Ridge Memorial sits nearby and marks where Lieutenant Colonel Merritt A. Edson’s forces defended Henderson Field during September 11-14, 1942. The battle resulted in 850 Japanese casualties and 104 U.S. Marine losses. The memorial sits about 5 kilometers south of Honiara Airport.
Gizo Markets
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What to Experience at Gizo Markets
Gizo Municipal Market functions as the commercial heart of Western Province. Vendors arrive by dugout canoe along the waterfront to sell their goods. The market covers over 2,500 square meters and was redeveloped in 2020 with climate-resilient infrastructure that can withstand Category 5 cyclone winds. Five distinct sectors organize the marketplace:
- Root Crops and Vegetables: Taro, yams, sweet potatoes and fresh vegetables displayed under protective canopies
- Fisherman’s Area: Daily catches of snapper, tuna and reef fish arrive each afternoon
- Coconuts and Handicrafts: Coconut water vendors and woven baskets that showcase local craftsmanship
- Firewood and Cooked Food: Island delicacies prepared by women vendors using traditional methods
- Seaweed Delicacy: ‘Ime,’ a green slippery seaweed wrapped in kakake leaves that locals call a specialty
Vendors arrange produce on banana leaves spread across the ground. Prices are handwritten on the leaves or small cartons. Eggplants, tomatoes and peppers create a contrast against bright green foliage with their colors.
Location and Best Time to Visit
Gizo’s commercial center houses the market. Palm trees and harbor waters border the site. Hours run from 6am to 6pm, though actual operations depend on vendor schedules. Fishermen bring their catches in the afternoon. This is the best time for fresh seafood.
What to Buy and Try
Products arrive from Gizo Town and neighboring islands including Kolombangara, Vella, Ranogga and Simbo. Pineapples stand out for their sweetness. Fresh coconut water provides natural refreshment. Hand-woven palm baskets and traditional handicrafts offer authentic souvenirs. Women vendors prepare cooked island dishes throughout the day. Market income supports their families.
Wreck Diving in Iron Bottom Sound
Image Source: Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo
Why the Solomon Islands Has So Many Wrecks
The six-month Battle of Guadalcanal, fought between August 1942 and February 1943, turned the waters between Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Florida Island into a naval graveyard. Over 50 vessels sank during this campaign. Allied servicemen named the area Iron Bottom Sound to recognize the mechanical wreckage resting on its floor. The brutal fighting marked the Pacific War’s turning point and represented Japan’s first major defeat. Momentum moved to Allied forces. Savage gun and torpedo actions sent front-line warships to the bottom within minutes in the darkness.
Best Wreck Diving Locations
Iron Bottom Sound holds at least 50 diveable wrecks, and most rest within recreational limits. The 508-foot Hirokawa Maru (Bonegi 1) lies in depths from 10 to 164 feet. Soft corals and gorgonians cover its hull. Kinugawa Maru (Bonegi 2) rests nearby in 6.5 to 85 feet of water. The Japanese I-1 submarine sits scattered across 33 to 98 feet after salvage divers blew it apart. A Boeing B-17E bomber rests on sandy slopes between 33 to 62 feet. USS Aaron Ward lies upright in 63 to 75 meters for technical divers.
Diving Operators and When to Go
Tulagi Dive, Emperor Divers Honiara, Dive Gizo, and Solomons Master organize wreck diving expeditions. Shore diving access exists for Bonegi wrecks. Operators provide road transport. Visibility exceeds 30 meters in warm tropical waters.
Weekend getaways from Honolulu.
Savo Island Active Volcano
Image Source: Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program
About the Active Volcano
The Savo Island stratovolcano rises 485 meters above sea level 35 kilometers from Honiara. This 6 x 7 km island features a shallow elliptical summit crater measuring 1 x 1.5 km. The volcano last erupted between 1835 and 1847 but remains active with eruptions predicted every 200 to 300 years. Recent observations since 2021 indicate heightened seismic activity. Experts conclude Savo has awakened from dormancy. Local resident Lawrence Loga describes hearing loud noises that resemble bomb explosions. The 1840s eruption was severe enough to eliminate all life on the island.
Geothermal Features and Wildlife
Hot springs discharge alkaline waters near the volcanic crater at temperatures reaching 100°C. Fumaroles, small geysers and steaming ground occupy the summit crater and southern flanks. Hikers encounter streams that heat as they approach the volcano. Water boils from the ground. The island hosts megapode birds that bury eggs in volcanic-heated sand to incubate them. Villagers excavate these eggs, which are slightly larger than duck eggs, as a local food specialty.
How to Visit Savo Island
Boat transfers from Honiara across Iron Bottom Sound take about one hour. Savo Sunset Lodge coordinates visits and cultural performances in neighboring Kuila village. Two hiking options exist: a 30-minute trek to geothermally heated waterfalls and hot springs, or a four-hour experience into the volcano’s crater featuring gurgling geysers and steaming fumarole fields.
Wild Dolphin Nursery
Image Source: Edward Cavanough
What is the Wild Dolphin Nursery
A natural coastal sanctuary sits off Savo Island’s southern shores. Wild bottlenose dolphin pods gather here to breed and raise their young in protected waters. This dolphin nursery is different from captive facilities or aquariums. It gives you a rare chance to observe these marine mammals in their authentic habitat without human intervention.
Location and Best Time to Visit
The sanctuary sits just offshore from Savo Island. You can reach it 45 minutes to one hour from Honiara by boat, depending on current sea conditions. Sea state determines whether visits are feasible. Rough waters or approaching storms can force cancelations. The Solomon Islands’ location within the Coral Triangle creates ideal dolphin habitat through a blend of deep ocean channels and mangrove-clad shorelines.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Multiple dolphin species frequent these waters. You’ll find spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, and striped dolphins. Visitors observe dolphins engaging in bow-riding behavior, where they surf the wake created by boats with enthusiasm. The combination of abundant marine life and minimal human presence throughout the archipelago creates conditions where dolphins view boats with curiosity rather than fear. They approach vessels and perform acrobatic displays.
Marovo Lagoon
Image Source: Dive Adventures
The World’s Largest Double Barrier Reef Lagoon
Marovo Lagoon sprawls across 700 square kilometers and ranks as the world’s largest double-barrier enclosed lagoon system. The double barrier reef formation stretches 130 kilometers along the northern boundary. Approximately 100 individual islands dot its length. Depths plunge to 400 feet in underwater corridors, and some contain sunken WWII aircraft. The lagoon hosts over 900 tropical fish species and 1,000 more marine species. Dugongs, manta rays, and sea turtles live here. Visiting cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins and orcas pass through.
Activities in Marovo Lagoon
Shallow coral gardens provide easy snorkeling near mangrove-clad islands. Scuba divers explore vertical drop-offs and wartime wrecks. Kayaking through mangrove channels reveals hidden sand cays and secluded beaches. The indigenous Marovo people have inhabited the lagoon for over 30,000 years. Village visits offer cultural immersion through kava ceremonies and traditional canoe-building demonstrations. Giant clam beds cluster in shallow waters and create memorable underwater encounters.
How to Get There and Where to Stay
Visitors fly 40 minutes from Honiara to Seghe Airport and then transfer by boat to accommodations. Uepi Island Resort offers beachfront bungalows near premier dive sites. Vanua Kino, a family-run eco-lodge, sits five minutes by boat from Seghe. Monsoonal conditions make December through March best avoided.
Traditional Village Experiences on Rendova Island
What to Expect from Village Visits
Rendova Island villages operate without electricity, internet, running water supply or shops. They offer glimpses into life as it existed a century ago. Guided cultural tours reveal everyday customs and traditional crafts. You’ll see the rhythms of Melanesian community life. Village homestays allow overnight stays with Rendovan families and provide immersive exposure to daily routines and craft-making techniques. Religion exerts powerful influence in these communities. Churches stand in every village and services form central social gatherings.
Cultural Workshops and Activities
Visitors at Titiru Eco Lodge learn traditional fishing methods and age-old gardening techniques among Ughele community members. Local cooking preparations are also taught. Hands-on sessions include healing with natural herbs and participating in bamboo music performances. Local families demonstrate traditional fishing and canoe handling through practical, unscripted interactions. Shell-money customs are shared as well. The surrounding community sources produce, prepares meals, guides activities and constructs accommodations. Tourism becomes a steadfast dedication. This represents the biggest income source for many families. It supports daily needs and traditional social obligations.
How to Arrange a Village Visit
Family-run lodges and eco-lodges throughout Rendova coordinate village experiences with local guides. Titiru Eco Lodge operates through community involvement and embeds visitors into Ughele village life. Staying inland near villages provides authentic interactions within walking distance of beaches. This contrasts with commercial resort experiences.
Island names that share a name.
Mataniko Falls
Image Source: Take your Backpack
Why Visit Mataniko Falls
This waterfall hike draws backpackers seeking adventure without excessive costs and ranks high on the list of things to do in Honiara Solomon Islands. The falls feature a spectacular double-sided split where water rushes down over boulders into pools, with one section cascading into a high cave below. The source emerges from a cave that Japanese forces used as a hiding spot during WWII and provided them access to fresh water. Swimming holes at the base reward trekkers after the hike. Visitors can explore the cave system by torchlight at the time water levels permit, or float back to the starting village through river passages.
WWII History Along the Trail
Mataniko River marked a front line during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Hikers encounter rusty shell fragments and foxholes on the route, and even a Japanese bomb resting in the rainforest. The trail crosses Galloping Horse Hills, featured in “The Thin Red Line” film. American troops drilled footholds into steep granite rocks near the falls. Hikers still use them to descend. GIs swam in these pools after the battle.
Hiking Details and What to Bring
The trek covers 8 kilometers round trip with 300 meters of ascent and takes 4 to 6 hours. Guides are required and cost SBD100 per person plus SBD50 for parking. You start from Lelei village after a short drive from Honiara. The moderate-rated trail involves steep climbs and muddy descents. Pack water, sturdy hiking boots and snacks. Visit between May and October to get optimal conditions.
Bonegi Beach
Image Source: Diveplanit
What Makes Bonegi Beach Special
Bonegi Beach, spelled Mbonege in the Guadalcanal language, stands apart as one of the solomon islands tourist spots where WWII shipwrecks rest available from shore. Three Japanese transports—Hirokawa Maru, Kinugawa Maru, and Kyushu Maru—lie with their tops just a few meters below the surface. Hirokawa Maru (Bonegi 1) and Kinugawa Maru (Bonegi 2) were both beached on November 15, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal. The 6,860-ton Hirokawa Maru now rests on its port side, bow in 5 meters and stern extending to 60 meters. These vessels have become living coral reefs that host diverse marine organisms over eight decades.
Snorkeling the Shipwreck
The wrecks sit in 3-4 meters of water, perfect to snorkel without specialized equipment. Hirokawa Maru’s bow reaches almost to shore in shallow water. Snorkelers can peer into cargo holds and observe rusted gun mounts. Hard corals blanket the superstructure and kingposts, while gorgonian sea fans fill spaces that metal plates once occupied. Marine life has snappers, butterflies, sweetlips, batfish, lionfish, nudibranchs, and anemonefish. Water remains warm year-round.
Location and How to Get There
The beach sits 12-15 kilometers northwest of Honiara along the coastal road and requires a 40-minute drive due to poor road conditions. Entry fees fluctuate, with recent reports showing SBD 100 for three visitors. No facilities exist on-site. Visitors must bring all snorkeling gear, refreshments, and sun protection. Visit before 10 AM or after 4 PM when temperatures moderate.
Solomon Islands Surfing Spots
Image Source: Stormrider surf guides
Why the Solomon Islands is a Surfing Paradise
Six major islands and over 900 smaller islands create countless breaks. Many remain unnamed and unexplored. The archipelago sits in the Pacific and receives both north and south swells. This makes it one of the most swell-friendly destinations on earth. Just 25,000 international visitors arrive annually, and only a couple hundred surfers are among them. These solomon islands tourist attractions promise uncrowded perfection. Crystal clear waters and powerful reef breaks define the experience. Waves fall between 3 to 6 feet but can reach 10 feet on bigger days.
Best Surf Locations
Paelonge near Gizo offers a long, shallow right exposed to swell. It works best when sections join up and turn hollow. Skull Island features the Solomon Islands’ longest right-hander. Santa Isabel Island’s Kologhose delivers a reeling left-hander that breaks over reef with palm-strewn islands as backdrop. Papatura Island Retreat provides access to Anchovies, PT’s, Kumma’s, Donuts and Tarzan’s. Surfers are limited to 14 maximum for guaranteed uncrowded conditions.
When to Visit for Surfing
The surf season runs from November through April. North Pacific swells arrive during this period. January and February bring the biggest swells, though waves remain consistent throughout this window. The same swells hitting Hawaii reach the Solomons approximately one week later. They arrive at reduced size but with very long period.
Sport Fishing Adventures
Image Source: Papatura
What Makes Solomon Islands Fishing World-Class
Serious sport anglers travel to these remote locations for exceptional tropical saltwater fishing. Giant trevally, tuna and reef predators thrive here with minimal fishing pressure. The waters sit in the Coral Sea between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Over 900 coral reef-fringed islands dot these waters and boast the planet’s highest marine biodiversity. Weather conditions remain favorable most of the year and create endless fishing options throughout the archipelago. Pristine coral reefs and lagoons offer world-class surface fishing. Monster giant trevally strike poppers and stickbaits here.
Types of Fish You Can Catch
Trevally, tuna and grouper rank among popular species. Opportunities vary by season and location. Anglers cast poppers along shallow reef flats for mackerel, coral trout, red bass and many other species. Reef edges yield Spanish mackerel, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and dogtooth tuna when trolled. Big coral trout, green jobfish and red emperors take soft plastics or bait when dropped deep. Surface-feeding tuna schools gather in blue water around FADs and seamounts. Billfish and mahi mahi also congregate in these areas.
How to Book a Fishing Charter
Popular fishing resorts or operators throughout the islands handle bookings. Spot-tail bass and mangrove jack offer additional freshwater opportunities in rivers.
Central Market in Honiara
Image Source: Tripadvisor
What to Experience at Central Market
The Honiara City Council owns this marketplace, the country’s largest fresh produce and fish outlet. The waterfront location at Iron Bottom Sound allows fishing boats to pull up to the market’s boat ramp and deliver catches straight from the water. Around 1,000 vendors operate daily stalls and sell everything from tropical fruits and vegetables to shell money and handwoven crafts. Women make up approximately 80% of these vendors. The market functions as a meeting place for diverse ethnic groups, with produce transported from all over the archipelago.
Best Things to Buy
Fresh organic produce dominates the offerings and includes taro, sweet potatoes, pineapples, coconuts, pumpkins, yams, and cooking bananas. Flower vendors sell arrangements and coconut oil flavored with sweet-smelling flowers. Malaitan shell valuables appear in original forms and as modern necklaces. Handwoven pandanus baskets, palm-frond broomsticks, and locally made jewelry provide authentic souvenirs. Most items sell in multiples of SBD 5.00.
Tips for Visiting
The market sits on Mendana Avenue near the waterfront and operates every day except Sunday. Arrive between 7-9 AM for optimal selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small Solomon Islands dollar notes and keep valuables discreet in crowds. Ask permission before photographing vendors or their products.
Tetepare Island Eco-Lodge
Image Source: Tetepare
Why Tetepare is Unique
Tetepare Island spans 120 square km and ranks as the largest uninhabited tropical island in the Southern Hemisphere. This rugged landmass cloaked in rainforest remains free from permanent residents. A research station and eco-lodge house temporary staff and visitors. The Tetepare Descendants’ Association manages one of the Solomon Islands’ leading conservation projects and protects primary lowland rainforest untouched by logging. This protection allows species rare throughout the archipelago to thrive here. Coconut crabs and saltwater crocodiles are abundant. Leatherback, green and hawksbill sea turtles nest on volcanic black sand beaches. All are listed as vulnerable or endangered.
Activities and Experiences
Rainforest trails range from 10-minute strolls to full-day hikes through primary forest. The fringing reefs reveal barracuda schools, massive bumphead parrotfish, green turtles and diverse reef fish when you snorkel. Moonlight coconut crab walks use coconuts to tempt the world’s largest land-based arthropod from hiding. Rangers conduct turtle monitoring and use rodeo-method captures during regular sessions. Boat trips circumnavigate the island and visit abandoned village sites. Dolphin pods in Livutana Bay are a common sight.
How to Visit and Stay
Four traditional Melanesian leaf houses accommodate up to 14 visitors maximum in twin or double beds. Shared outdoor showers, flush toilets and rainwater supply are available. Solar energy provides limited lighting. Cooks trained in the area prepare meals with organic ingredients from neighboring Rendova Island gardens. Munda town sits 1.5 hours away by speedboat. Visitors should pack all toiletries, snacks, medications and snorkeling gear since no shops exist on the island.
Island Hopping Through the Western Province
Image Source: Young Pioneer Tours
Why Island Hopping is a Must-Do
Domestic flights connect major destinations, but inter-island ferries offer affordable access to Western Province’s 11 main islands and many smaller isles. The islands sit close together and allow travelers to hop between destinations by motor canoe or banana boat. This approach reveals tucked-away villages and pristine beaches that international tourists seldom visit.
Popular Island Hopping Routes
Pelican Shipping Company operates routes from Honiara to Munda, Gizo, and Marovo Lagoon. Fares start at SBD300 for Marau Sound. Extended journeys reach Taro, the capital of Choiseul Province. These trips are priced from SBD1100 for a 40-hour voyage with stops at remote villages like Papara and Sasamunga. Banana boats charge about SBD150 per day for charters for shorter distances and zoom past coral cays through crystalline waters. Popular stops include Imagination Island (10 minutes from Gizo), Fatboys Resort on Mbambanga Island, and Lola Island’s Zipolo Habu Resort.
How to Arrange Your Island Hopping Trip
Book ferry tickets directly through Pelican Shipping Company or arrange banana boat transfers through Gizo-based resorts. Resorts like Fatboys provide rental boats for independent exploration between nearby islands. Buffer days accommodate potential weather delays or cancelations common throughout the archipelago.
Comparison Table
| Attraction | Location/Province | Distance from Major Hub | Activities | Entry Fee/Cost | Duration/Best Time | Features |
| Kennedy Island | Western Province, near Gizo | 3 km northeast of Gizo (under 10 min by boat) | Walking loop, snorkeling, WWII history tour | SBD 50 per person + SBD 300-400 boat charter | 10-minute walking loop | 1.17-hectare uninhabited island; PT-109 WWII site; Eroni Kumana built the shrine |
| Njari Island | Western Province, northwest of Gizo | 1.9 miles (3.1 km) northwest of Gizo | Diving, snorkeling, beach walks, birdwatching | – | – | 279 fish species in single dive (4th highest in world); “Grand Central Station” dive site |
| Skull Island (Nusa Kunda) | Western Province, Vonavona Lagoon | 30 min by boat from Munda; 10 min from Zipolo Habu Resort | Cultural tour, viewing sacred skulls | SBD 50 kastom fee | Early morning or late afternoon recommended | ~50 male skulls (300-1,000 years old); shell money displays; chief-guided tours only |
| WWII Sites and Museums in Honiara | Guadalcanal, Honiara | Various locations in/near Honiara | Museum visits, memorial tours, historical exploration | Free (National Museum); – (Vilu) | – | National Museum (est. 1969); Vilu War Museum; American Memorial; Bloody Ridge |
| Gizo Markets | Western Province, Gizo | Gizo town center | Shopping, local food tasting, cultural experience | – | 6am-6pm; afternoon best for fish | 2,500 sq m climate-resilient market; 5 distinct sectors; vendors arrive by dugout canoe |
| Wreck Diving in Iron Bottom Sound | Between Guadalcanal, Savo, Florida Islands | Various locations | Wreck diving, shore diving | – | Visibility over 30 meters | Over 50 diveable wrecks; depths from 10-164 feet; WWII Battle of Guadalcanal sites |
| Savo Island Active Volcano | 35 km from Honiara | 1 hour boat from Honiara | Hiking, hot springs, geothermal features, megapode egg hunting | – | 30-min trek or 4-hour crater hike | 485m stratovolcano; 100°C hot springs; last erupted 1835-1847; heightened activity since 2021 |
| Wild Dolphin Nursery | Off Savo Island’s southern shores | 45 min-1 hour from Honiara by boat | Dolphin watching, swimming with dolphins | – | Sea conditions dependent | Multiple dolphin species; natural breeding sanctuary; bow-riding behavior |
| Marovo Lagoon | Western Province | 40 min flight from Honiara to Seghe | Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, village visits, cultural experiences | – | Avoid Dec-March (monsoon) | 700 sq km; world’s largest double-barrier reef lagoon; 900+ fish species; 100 islands |
| Traditional Village Experiences on Rendova Island | Rendova Island, Western Province | – | Cultural workshops, traditional fishing, bamboo music, homestays | – | – | No electricity/internet/running water; traditional crafts; healing herbs; community-based tourism |
| Mataniko Falls | Guadalcanal, near Honiara | 8 km round trip from Lelei village | Hiking, swimming, cave exploration, WWII history | SBD 100 per person + SBD 50 parking | 4-6 hours round trip | Double-sided waterfall; WWII cave; 300m ascent; American-drilled footholds |
| Bonegi Beach | Guadalcanal, northwest of Honiara | 12-15 km northwest (40 min drive) | Snorkeling, wreck exploration | SBD 100 (for 3 visitors reported) | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM recommended | 3 Japanese WWII shipwrecks in 3-4m water; shore-accessible wreck diving; coral-covered vessels |
| Solomon Islands Surfing Spots | Various islands (Gizo, Santa Isabel, etc.) | Various locations | Surfing, wave riding | – | Nov-April (surf season); Jan-Feb biggest swells | 900+ islands with countless breaks; 3-10 feet waves; uncrowded; both north and south swells |
| Sport Fishing Adventures | Throughout archipelago | Various locations | Sport fishing, trolling, casting | – | Favorable weather most of year | Giant trevally, tuna, grouper; highest marine biodiversity; pristine reefs; low fishing pressure |
| Central Market in Honiara | Honiara, Guadalcanal | Mendana Avenue, waterfront | Shopping, fresh produce, handicrafts, cultural experience | Items in multiples of SBD 5.00 | 7-9 AM optimal; daily except Sunday | Country’s largest market; ~1,000 vendors (80% women); own boat ramp for fresh fish |
| Tetepare Island Eco-Lodge | Tetepare Island, Western Province | 1.5 hours by speedboat from Munda | Rainforest hiking, snorkeling, turtle monitoring, coconut crab walks | – | – | 120 sq km (largest uninhabited tropical island in Southern Hemisphere); 14 visitors max; primary rainforest |
| Island Hopping Through the Western Province | Western Province | Various routes from Honiara | Ferry travel, banana boat trips, village visits, beach exploration | SBD 300+ (ferries); SBD 150/day (banana boats) | – | 11 islands; Pelican Shipping routes; 40-hour voyages to remote villages; affordable inter-island access |
Enjoy Solomon Islands Tourist Attractions
The Solomon Islands offers a remarkable blend of natural wonders and cultural richness that few destinations can match. World-record diving at Njari Island sits alongside sacred skull shrines, active volcanoes, and pristine Marovo Lagoon. These 17 attractions showcase what makes this archipelago special. WWII historical sites and wild dolphin encounters create endless possibilities for adventurous travelers, along with traditional village experiences and uncrowded surf breaks. Just 25,000 annual visitors make the journey each year. Those who venture to these remote islands find authentic experiences untouched by mass tourism. The Solomon Islands rewards explorers seeking genuine adventure in the South Pacific’s last frontier.
FAQs
Q1. What are the Solomon Islands most famous for? The Solomon Islands are renowned for world-class diving with record-breaking marine biodiversity, WWII historical sites including shipwrecks and battlefields, pristine beaches, and the world’s largest double barrier reef lagoon at Marovo. The islands also feature unique attractions like active volcanoes, traditional villages, and some of the least crowded surf breaks in the Pacific.
Q2. Is it currently safe to visit the Solomon Islands? Yes, the Solomon Islands are generally safe for travelers. The country welcomes tourists to explore its natural and cultural attractions. As with any destination, visitors should exercise normal safety precautions, stay informed about local conditions, and follow guidance from tour operators and accommodations.
Q3. How long should I plan to stay in the Solomon Islands? The ideal duration depends on your travel goals. A week provides enough time for a relaxed beach vacation and exploring key attractions near Honiara. However, travelers wanting to experience multiple islands, dive sites, cultural villages, and outdoor adventures should plan for at least 10 days to fully appreciate what the archipelago offers.
Q4. What are the must-see attractions in the Solomon Islands? Top attractions include Kennedy Island for WWII history, Njari Island for exceptional diving, Marovo Lagoon for kayaking and snorkeling, Mataniko Falls for hiking, and Central Market in Honiara for cultural immersion. Other highlights include wreck diving in Iron Bottom Sound, traditional village experiences on Rendova Island, and the active volcano on Savo Island.
Q5. When is the best time to visit the Solomon Islands? The optimal visiting period is May through October for hiking and general tourism, avoiding the monsoon season from December to March. Surfers should visit between November and April when North Pacific swells arrive, with January and February offering the biggest waves. Diving conditions remain excellent year-round with warm waters and visibility typically exceeding 30 meters.
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