Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Solomon Islands Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Solomon Islands – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
240 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) £1 ≈ SBD 10.72 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 2/5
Cashless payments are not widely accepted in the Solomon Islands. Cash is commonly used for transactions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in the Solomon Islands, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in the Solomon Islands, with alcohol consumption limited to licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors. |
| Independence Day (7 July) |
Celebrates Solomon Islands' independence from the UK |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
A festive time of family gatherings |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | The Solomon Islands are known for their stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands
Best for diving and snorkelling May to October; rough seas and rain November to March
Cyclone season November to April, which can disrupt flights and inter-island boats
Malaria is widespread year-round, with the highest risk during the wet season
Island-wide differences are small, but the Western Province (Gizo, Munda) is a main diving area
Don't miss
- 🤿 Dive the wrecks of Bonegi Beach and Marovo
- 🌊 Explore the vast Marovo Lagoon, world's largest
- 🪖 Visit WWII relics at Vilu War Museum
- 💦 Trek lush trails to Tenaru Waterfalls
- 🏝️ Relax on pristine beaches of Kennedy Island
- 🛍️ Discover indigenous culture in Honiara's Central Market
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Solomon Islands?
What makes the Solomon Islands truly special is their remarkable combination of natural beauty and cultural authenticity that remains largely undiscovered by international tourists. The islands offer exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life among vibrant coral reefs. Beyond the beaches, you'll find lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes and traditional villages where ancient customs are still practiced daily.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Lagoon Festival
-
Roviana Lagoon Festival
-
Shell Money Festival
-
Spear Dancing Festival
-
Melanesian Arts Festival
-
Christmas Celebrations
-
Easter Celebrations
-
Guadalcanal Anniversary
-
Honiara Day
Knowledge before you go
- Bring mosquito protection; malaria and dengue are widespread.
- Medical facilities outside Honiara can be under-resourced, so pack essentials and solid travel insurance.
- Watch for WWII unexploded ordnance on land and underwater; follow local warnings carefully.
- Stay alert in Honiara for petty crime and sudden unrest; avoid protests and don’t flash valuables.
How to travel to Solomon Islands
Most international visitors arrive at Honiara International Airport on Guadalcanal, with connections from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Solomon Airlines, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways operate regular flights to Honiara. Visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities. Alternatively, some travelers arrive by cruise ship, with occasional visits to Honiara and other ports. For the adventurous, private yachts can navigate the Solomon Islands, though proper clearance procedures must be followed upon arrival.
Access summary
- Fly into Honiara Airport (HIR) from Brisbane, Fiji, PNG.
- From PNG/Vanuatu: Direct flights to HIR; boats between islands.
- Solomon Airlines based at HIR; no major alliance.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Solomon Islands
Accommodation in the Solomon Islands ranges from basic guesthouses to mid-range hotels and a few higher-end eco-resorts, particularly in diving destinations. Honiara offers the widest selection of hotels, while outer islands typically feature simpler lodgings or small resorts focused on diving and fishing. Some remote areas offer homestays with local families, providing authentic cultural experiences. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the dry season (May-October) when tourism peaks.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Solomon Islands
Getting around the Solomon Islands primarily involves boat travel due to the archipelago's geography. Inter-island transportation is available through scheduled ferry services and charter boats, though schedules can be irregular. Domestic flights operated by Solomon Airlines connect major islands, providing faster but more expensive alternatives to sea travel. On larger islands like Guadalcanal, local buses and taxis provide transportation in and around Honiara, while shared taxis serve other populated areas. For more remote locations, hiring local boats or arranging transportation through accommodations is often necessary.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Solomon Islands are around 44% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to SBD) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The Solomon Islands are generally safe for tourists, though petty theft can occur in urban areas, particularly Honiara. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings. Remote areas are typically very safe, but natural hazards like strong currents and rugged terrain require caution.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited outside Honiara, with basic care available in the capital. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended. Malaria is endemic throughout the country and dengue fever outbreaks can occur, so mosquito protection is essential.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is minimal throughout the Solomon Islands. Natural attractions, transportation and accommodations present significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Even in Honiara, sidewalks are often uneven or missing and buildings rarely have accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe to drink in the Solomon Islands. Bottled water is widely available in towns but may be harder to find in remote areas. When traveling to outer islands, carry water purification tablets or a portable filter.
Packing recommendations for Solomon Islands
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
high SPF
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🪰
Insect repellent
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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