Low – budget‑friendly basics
Medium – moderate mid‑range costs
High – pricey lodging, dining & transport
Solomon Islands
intro
A culturally rich archipelago in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands are a destination for the truly adventurous traveler. The nation is renowned for its world-class scuba diving, with countless WWII wrecks scattered across the seafloor, and its authentic, vibrant Melanesian culture. This is a land of dense jungles, active volcanoes, and remote, traditional villages.
Additional Information
The Solomon Islands offer a raw and authentic travel experience. The country's history is deeply marked by World War II, particularly the Battle of Guadalcanal, and it has become a pilgrimage site for history buffs and wreck divers. The waters of the "Ironbottom Sound" are littered with sunken warships and planes from both the Allied and Japanese forces. Beyond the history, the marine biodiversity is staggering, with pristine coral reefs teeming with life, making it a top-tier global diving destination.
The culture is incredibly diverse, with over 70 living languages. Visitors can experience traditional village life, witness unique customs, and buy intricate handcrafted items like carved wooden bowls. Travel here is challenging, with very limited tourist infrastructure, but for those seeking an unvarnished, adventurous, and historically significant Pacific journey, the Solomon Islands are unparalleled.
Reasons to Visit
- World-Class Wreck Diving: Explore a vast underwater museum of WWII shipwrecks and planes.
- Pristine Coral Reefs: Dive and snorkel in one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet.
- Authentic Melanesian Culture: Experience a rich and diverse culture with ancient traditions and welcoming villages.
- WWII History: Visit the historic battlefields of Guadalcanal and learn about a pivotal campaign of the Pacific War.
Things to Avoid
- Independent Travel Without Planning: Infrastructure is extremely limited. It is essential to pre-book all accommodation, transport, and tours with reputable local operators.
- Ignoring Health Precautions: The Solomon Islands are a high-risk area for malaria. It is crucial to consult a doctor about prophylaxis and to protect against mosquito bites.
- Disrespecting 'Kastom':'Kastom' (customary law) is very important. Always be respectful, dress modestly in villages, and ask permission before entering areas or taking photos.
- Swimming in Unknown Rivers: Be aware of the presence of saltwater crocodiles in some river systems and coastal areas.
Local Transportation Tips
Travel between the islands is primarily by domestic flights on small aircraft. Local transport is by ferry and motorized canoe. On the islands themselves, getting around is done via minivans or by hiring a private vehicle with a driver. The roads are often in very poor condition.
Travel Etiquette
- Greetings: A friendly wave and a smile are a common greeting.
- Modest Dress: When visiting villages, it is important for women to wear skirts or sarongs that cover the knees, and for both men and women to cover their shoulders.
- Gift-Giving: When visiting a village, it is customary to bring a small gift for the chief. Your guide can advise on this.
- Punctuality: A relaxed "island time" approach to schedules is common.
Did You Know?
During the Battle of Guadalcanal, future U.S. President John F. Kennedy famously had his patrol boat, PT-109, rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer. He and his crew swam to a nearby island and were later rescued with the help of local Solomon Islanders.
Cool Solomon Islands Stats
- An Island Nation: The country consists of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands.
- Linguistic Diversity: There are over 70 distinct languages spoken in the Solomon Islands. The official language is English, but the lingua franca is Solomons Pijin.
- Ironbottom Sound: The strait between Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands is nicknamed "Ironbottom Sound" because of the dozens of ships and planes that were sunk there during WWII.
Recommended Age Group
The Solomon Islands are suitable only for very adventurous and resilient Adults who are experienced in rugged travel and are passionate about diving or WWII history.
- Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended.
- Kids (3-12 years): Not recommended.
- Teens (13-19 years): Not recommended.
- Adults (20-64 years): Recommended for experienced adventure travelers, divers, and history enthusiasts who are prepared for very basic infrastructure and challenging logistics.
- Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended.
Accessibility Level: Low
- This is a developing nation with no accessibility infrastructure for tourists.
- The terrain is rugged, and travel is by small planes and boats.
- There is no accessible public transport or accommodation.
- Diving and visiting historical sites require a high degree of physical mobility.
Address:
Solomon Islands, Pacific
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Basic Info
COUNTRY & Region
Solomon Islands,
Pacific
ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL
Low
LOCAL CURRENCY
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Price Level
High
SAFETY LEVEL
Recommended Duration
• More than a week
Activities To Do In Solomon Islands
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Solomon Islands is during the dry season for more pleasant weather and calmer seas.
- Dry Season (May to November): This is the best time to visit. The weather is generally dry and sunny, with lower humidity, making it ideal for diving and trekking.
- Wet Season (December to April): This period is hot and very humid, with heavy rainfall and a higher risk of tropical cyclones. Travel can be disrupted during this time.
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.
SAFETY Level
The Solomon Islands face challenges with crime, particularly in the capital, Honiara, where robberies and assaults can occur. It is very important to be vigilant, avoid walking alone after dark, and secure your accommodation. Outside of the capital, the risks are generally lower, but it's still wise to travel with reputable local operators, especially when visiting remote islands. Check for any civil unrest advisories before your trip.
The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.
Spoken Languages
The official language is English; Solomons Pijin is the lingua franca.
Learn The Language
- Halo (hah-loh): Hello
- Tagio (tang-ee-oh): Thank you
- Yes / No (yess / noh): Yes / No
- Lukem iu (look-em you): See you later
- Sore (soh-ree): Sorry
- Hamas fo diswan? (hah-mas foh dis-wan): How much is this?
Money & Payments
Everything you need to know about money while traveling
LOCAL CURRENCY:
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Price Level:
High
Cards Vs. Cash
How Much Cash to Carry (on you)
Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.
Local:
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
≈ USD
Average Daily Costs (per person)
Full daily spend estimation (accomodation, food, transportation, attractions).
Travel Style | Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) | ≈ USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | ||
Mid-range | ||
Comfort |
Best Value Tips
- Stay in locally-run village homestays or guesthouses instead of the expensive dive resorts for a more affordable and culturally immersive experience.
- Focus your trip on one island group (e.g., the New Georgia Islands or Guadalcanal) to minimize the very high cost of domestic flights.
- Eat at the central market in Honiara for fresh, cheap, and delicious local food.
Prices and daily costs are based on traveler averages. Expect differences during peak seasons or special events, and always check current rates before booking.
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What To Pack
Light, modest clothing, Strong insect repellent with DEET, Malaria prophylaxis, Dive certification card, A waterproof bag
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Food & Drink Highlights
Local Food Overview
The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is a classic Melanesian fare, based on fresh, local ingredients from the land and sea. The staple foods are root crops like taro, yam, and sweet potato ('kumara'), which are often cooked in an earth oven ('motu'). Coconut milk is a key ingredient, used to enrich and flavor many dishes.
Must Try Dish
: A simple, delicious, and fundamental vegetarian dish in the Solomon Islands. Chunks of taro root, a starchy and slightly nutty root vegetable, are slow-cooked in rich coconut milk until they are soft and tender, and the coconut milk has thickened into a creamy sauce. It is a comforting and authentic staple of daily life and can be found in villages and at local markets.
Food Experiences
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Step 1: Find the Perfect Accommodation
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Step 2: Book Your Flights
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Step 3: Let a Tour Guide Help
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Step 4: Rent a Car
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Step 6: Need a Visa?
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FAQs
Are the Solomon Islands safe to visit?
The Solomon Islands have security challenges. Crime rates can be high in the capital, Honiara, and there are occasional instances of civil unrest. It is essential to check the latest government travel advisories and to travel with a reputable local operator who understands the security situation.
What is the main island of the Solomon Islands?
The main island of the Solomon Islands is Guadalcanal, which is home to the capital city, Honiara, the international airport, and many of the most famous WWII battle sites.
Is it expensive to visit the Solomon Islands?
Yes, the Solomon Islands can be an expensive destination. The lack of tourist infrastructure means that flights, accommodation (especially at dive resorts), and organized tours are all costly.
Do I need a visa for the Solomon Islands?
Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, and EU nations, can receive a visitor’s permit on arrival for stays of up to 90 days. It is important to check the latest visa requirements for your nationality.
What are the Solomon Islands famous for?
The Solomon Islands are most famous for their incredible World War II history, particularly the Battle of Guadalcanal, and for offering some of the best and most untouched scuba diving in the world, with a huge number of shipwrecks and pristine reefs.
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