Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and also of Guadalcanal Province. The capital has a population of approximately 80,000 people and offers a number of services such as the international airport, hotels, restaurants and shops, a yacht club and sea port, National Museum and National Art Gallery, National Parliament and Government House, post office, tourist offices, schools, churches, banks and hospitals, and a bustling Central Market. It is the international gateway for travellers wishing to access the various provinces and islands of the Solomons.
Outside of the city, Guadalcanal’s lush rainforest encases the rugged terrain which offers several hiking possibilities across the island to Tenaru Falls, Mataniko Falls or the Boarare Cascades.
WWII wrecks are scattered along the beaches and on the seabed of “Iron Bottom Sound”, a sombre reminder of the tragic battles that took place.
Honiara is a worthwhile stopover point for World War history enthusiasts wishing to visit some of the land based WWII sites and for scuba divers wanting to dive the wrecks of Iron Bottom Sound.
Honiara Geographical Information
Honiara is located on the north western coast of the island of Guadalcanal and includes a sea port at Point Cruz. The Matanikau River flows through the town which revolves around the Kukum Highway, connecting the international airport (the former Henderson Field) in the east of Honiara with the settlement of White River in the west, passing the National Referral Hospital and Chinatown.
The town overlooks the large lagoon known as “Iron Bottom Sound”. This expansive body of water is the final resting place of the many ships and aircraft that plummeted to its depths during the WWII Battle of Guadalcanal.
Things to do in Honiara
Honiara offers a range of water and land based activities, guided historical and cultural tours.
Scuba Diving
Iron Bottom Sound is the resting place of a variety of wrecks including troop carriers, transport ships, submarines and planes.
Snorkelling
A snorkelling trip will provide the opportunity to view the variety of marine life and hard and soft corals. It is possible to snorkel on some WWII wrecks.
Golf
Honiara Golf Club has a golf course. The club sits on the former site of the US Army Air Corps airfield.
Hiking
If you enjoy jungle treks, then a guided trip to the Mataniko Falls and caves is highly recommended. The tour is a leisurely 4-5 hour round trip. It offers different routes, allowing the return trip to be either on foot or to swim or float back down the river on a rubber tube.
The spectacular Tenaru Falls can be found a one hour’s drive and a three-hour hike from Henderson International Airport.
World War II tours
Guadalcanal was a major turning point in the Pacific Campaign of WWII. Many relics from the battles can be found on land as well as underwater. This tour takes the visitor to view relics, museums, and monuments of great significance to both the Japanese and US Allied Forces. Areas of interest include Bloody Ridge, US Memorial, Vilu Outdoor War Museum, Bonegi Wreck, Vouza Monument, Henderson Air Field and Memorial Garden.
Cultural village tours
Solomon Islanders are proud to introduce visitors to their unique way of life. A village visit is a great way to gain an insight into their everyday village life. Experience their unhurried way of life, learn about their customs and cultural history, enjoy traditional singing and dancing and view cooking, weaving and handcrafts.
Island day trips
Enjoy a day trip to the Florida Islands. Explore the islands, laze on a beach, swim in the calm, crystal clear water, play beach volleyball, paddle a canoe or just kick back in a hammock with a book and cool drink.
Honiara town centre
Honiara has many interesting shops, some specialising in local handicrafts, others in duty free goods. The range of products however is limited. Here also is the centre of commerce, banks, postal service, Telecom, restaurants, tourist information centre and local tour operators.
A good selection of restaurants offers a variety of cuisine. Some hotel restaurants feature cultural nights with local musicians and groups performing traditional song and dance. There are a number of Chinese restaurants and others that specialise in fresh local seafood such as Coconut Crab and Lobster. Japanese, Thai and Italian dishes can also be found on the menus in Honiara.
The outdoor markets around town are a wonderful opportunity to mix with the locals. Here you will find an interesting array of local goods and produce, from fresh fish and vegetables, fruit, peanuts and betel nuts, to carvings, basket ware, calico lava-lavas and shells.
The gardens of the National Art Gallery are popular, while the reconstructed Government House and the National Museum are worth visiting.
When to Travel to Honiara
The climate is tropical, the average daytime temperature is about 28˚C, the water temperatures between 27˚C to 29˚C. Wetter periods are predominantly between November and April. The average amount of precipitation per year is about 2,000 mm and thus somewhat lower than the average of the entire Solomon Islands (3,000 mm).
Honiara Hotels and Resorts
 |
Coral Sea Resort & Casino
On the waterfront 1.5km from the town centre |
Budget: $$$-$$$$ Pool: Yes Beach/Beachfront: Yes Bar: 2 Restaurant: 2 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: Yes Gym: No Spa: No Tour Desk: Yes |
 |
Heritage Park Hotel
On the waterfront 7 min walk from town centre |
Budget: $$$$ Pool: Yes Beach/Beachfront: Yes Bar: 2 Restaurant: 3 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: Yes Gym: Yes Spa: Yes Tour Desk: Yes |
 |
Honiara Hotel
On the hillside 5 min drive from town centre |
Budget: $$$ Pool: Yes Beach/Beachfront: No Bar: 2 Restaurant: 3 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: Yes Gym: Yes Spa: No Tour Desk: Yes |
 |
King Solomon Hotel
Located on the hillside – 10 min from town centre |
Budget: $$$ Pool: Yes Beach/Beachfront: No Bar: 2 Restaurant: 1 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: No Gym: Yes Spa: No Tour Desk: Yes |
 |
Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel
On the waterfront 5 min walk from town centre |
Budget: $$$-$$$$ Pool: Yes Beach/Beachfront: Yes Bar: 1 Restaurant: 3 |
Wifi: Yes Onsite Shop: Yes Gym: No Spa: No Tour Desk: Yes |
- Geographical Information
-
Honiara Geographical Information
Honiara is located on the north western coast of the island of Guadalcanal and includes a sea port at Point Cruz. The Matanikau River flows through the town which revolves around the Kukum Highway, connecting the international airport (the former Henderson Field) in the east of Honiara with the settlement of White River in the west, passing the National Referral Hospital and Chinatown.
The town overlooks the large lagoon known as “Iron Bottom Sound”. This expansive body of water is the final resting place of the many ships and aircraft that plummeted to its depths during the WWII Battle of Guadalcanal.
- Activities
-
Things to do in Honiara
Honiara offers a range of water and land based activities, guided historical and cultural tours.
Scuba Diving
Iron Bottom Sound is the resting place of a variety of wrecks including troop carriers, transport ships, submarines and planes.Snorkelling
A snorkelling trip will provide the opportunity to view the variety of marine life and hard and soft corals. It is possible to snorkel on some WWII wrecks.Golf
Honiara Golf Club has a golf course. The club sits on the former site of the US Army Air Corps airfield.Hiking
If you enjoy jungle treks, then a guided trip to the Mataniko Falls and caves is highly recommended. The tour is a leisurely 4-5 hour round trip. It offers different routes, allowing the return trip to be either on foot or to swim or float back down the river on a rubber tube.The spectacular Tenaru Falls can be found a one hour’s drive and a three-hour hike from Henderson International Airport.
World War II tours
Guadalcanal was a major turning point in the Pacific Campaign of WWII. Many relics from the battles can be found on land as well as underwater. This tour takes the visitor to view relics, museums, and monuments of great significance to both the Japanese and US Allied Forces. Areas of interest include Bloody Ridge, US Memorial, Vilu Outdoor War Museum, Bonegi Wreck, Vouza Monument, Henderson Air Field and Memorial Garden.Cultural village tours
Solomon Islanders are proud to introduce visitors to their unique way of life. A village visit is a great way to gain an insight into their everyday village life. Experience their unhurried way of life, learn about their customs and cultural history, enjoy traditional singing and dancing and view cooking, weaving and handcrafts.Island day trips
Enjoy a day trip to the Florida Islands. Explore the islands, laze on a beach, swim in the calm, crystal clear water, play beach volleyball, paddle a canoe or just kick back in a hammock with a book and cool drink.Honiara town centre
Honiara has many interesting shops, some specialising in local handicrafts, others in duty free goods. The range of products however is limited. Here also is the centre of commerce, banks, postal service, Telecom, restaurants, tourist information centre and local tour operators.A good selection of restaurants offers a variety of cuisine. Some hotel restaurants feature cultural nights with local musicians and groups performing traditional song and dance. There are a number of Chinese restaurants and others that specialise in fresh local seafood such as Coconut Crab and Lobster. Japanese, Thai and Italian dishes can also be found on the menus in Honiara.
The outdoor markets around town are a wonderful opportunity to mix with the locals. Here you will find an interesting array of local goods and produce, from fresh fish and vegetables, fruit, peanuts and betel nuts, to carvings, basket ware, calico lava-lavas and shells.
The gardens of the National Art Gallery are popular, while the reconstructed Government House and the National Museum are worth visiting.
- When to Travel
-
When to Travel to Honiara
The climate is tropical, the average daytime temperature is about 28˚C, the water temperatures between 27˚C to 29˚C. Wetter periods are predominantly between November and April. The average amount of precipitation per year is about 2,000 mm and thus somewhat lower than the average of the entire Solomon Islands (3,000 mm).
- Hotels and Resorts
-
Honiara Hotels and Resorts
Coral Sea Resort & Casino On the waterfront 1.5km from the town centre
Budget: $$$-$$$$
Pool: Yes
Beach/Beachfront: Yes
Bar: 2
Restaurant: 2Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: Yes
Gym: No
Spa: No
Tour Desk: YesHeritage Park Hotel On the waterfront 7 min walk from town centre
Budget: $$$$
Pool: Yes
Beach/Beachfront: Yes
Bar: 2
Restaurant: 3Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: Yes
Gym: Yes
Spa: Yes
Tour Desk: YesHoniara Hotel On the hillside 5 min drive from town centre
Budget: $$$
Pool: Yes
Beach/Beachfront: No
Bar: 2
Restaurant: 3Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: Yes
Gym: Yes
Spa: No
Tour Desk: YesKing Solomon Hotel Located on the hillside – 10 min from town centre
Budget: $$$
Pool: Yes
Beach/Beachfront: No
Bar: 2
Restaurant: 1Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: No
Gym: Yes
Spa: No
Tour Desk: YesSolomon Kitano Mendana Hotel On the waterfront 5 min walk from town centre
Budget: $$$-$$$$
Pool: Yes
Beach/Beachfront: Yes
Bar: 1
Restaurant: 3Wifi: Yes
Onsite Shop: Yes
Gym: No
Spa: No
Tour Desk: Yes