Honiara offers a mix of Melanesian culture, WWII history, island scenery, and local markets. While it’s not overly built-up, it’s rich in atmosphere and acts as a jump-off point for nearby beaches, waterfalls, and offshore islands.

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🏛️ 1. Visit the National Museum & Cultural Centre

A great introduction to Solomon Islands culture:

• Traditional tools, shell money, and carvings

• Photography exhibits about Melanesian history

• Outdoor displays and cultural gardens

Perfect as a first stop in the capital.

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🛍️ 2. Explore Honiara Central Market

One of the most vibrant places in the city:

• Fresh tropical fruit (pineapple, soursop, guava, pawpaw)

• Hand-woven baskets and shell crafts

• Local seafood

• Everyday island life

Go in the morning when it's most active.

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🏖️ 3. Snorkel Bonegi Beach (Bonegi #1 and #2)

Honiara’s best accessible snorkeling spot:

• Two famous WWII wrecks in shallow water

• Coral gardens and tropical fish

• Calm, shaded beaches

Bonegi #2 is especially popular with divers.

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🗺️ 4. Tour WWII Sites Around Guadalcanal

Honiara played a major role in the Pacific War. Important sites include:

• Henderson Field

• Bloody Ridge / Edson’s Ridge

• Vilu War Museum (open-air plane wrecks and tanks)

• American Memorial overlooking the city

• Japanese Peace Memorial

• Wrecks and historical markers scattered across the region

Great for history lovers.

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🌊 5. Take a Trip to Savo Island

Just off the coast from Honiara:

• Active volcano hike

• Hot springs beside the sand

• Dolphin encounters (spinner dolphins)

• Coastal villages

• Quiet beaches and warm water snorkeling

Easily done as a day trip.

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🌿 6. Visit Tenaru Falls

A jungle hike that leads to one of Guadalcanal’s most beautiful waterfalls:

• Clear blue pool for swimming

• Dense rainforest scenery

• A great half-day adventure

A guide is recommended for the trail.

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🏝️ 7. Mbonege Reef, Turtle Beach & Kakabona Area

The western outskirts of Honiara offer calm seaside spots:

• Local food stalls

• Reef-side swimming

• Sunset views

• Good snorkeling

A relaxed alternative to the busier city center.

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🍽️ 8. Enjoy Local Food & Waterfront Dining

Try Solomon-style dishes such as:

• Grilled reef fish

• Coconut-based curries

• Taro, cassava, and island greens

• Fresh seafood platters

Popular spots include:

• Coral Sea Resort & Casino

• Tavanipupu Restaurant (if staying)

• Bamboo Bar & Grill

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🎨 9. Meet Local Carvers & Artisans

Western Guadalcanal villages produce:

• Ebony carvings

• Traditional shell jewelry

• War shields

• Canoe prow designs

These are among the Pacific’s finest handcrafted arts.

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🌅 10. Relax at the Waterfront or Botanical Gardens

Honiara’s quieter escapes:

 

• The botanical gardens (partially restored)

• Waterfront promenades

• Peaceful seaside spots for sunset

The Guadalcanal campaign (1942–1943) was a turning point in the Pacific War, and today the island is filled with memorials, battlefields, and intact relics. Many sites are easily accessible from Honiara.

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🗺️ 1. Visit Henderson Field (Guadalcanal Airport)

Once the most fiercely contested airfield in the Pacific, now Honiara’s main airport.
You can:

• See plaques and memorials describing the airfield’s battles

• Visit viewpoints overlooking historic runways

• Learn about its role in air superiority battles (“Cactus Air Force”)

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🪖 2. Explore Bloody Ridge / Edson’s Ridge

One of the most important Marine Corps defensive lines.
At the site you will find:

• A memorial to the Marine Raiders

• Information boards explaining the nighttime assaults

• Sweeping views of the ridgeline where fighting occurred
  Some guided tours walk you along the ridge positions.

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🛩️ 3. Vilu War Museum (Outdoor Battlefield Park)

A must-see outdoor museum west of Honiara.
Highlights include:

• Wrecked Japanese Zero fighters

• Wreckage from American Wildcats & Dauntless bombers

• Tanks, artillery pieces, and anti-aircraft guns

• Substantial relics recovered from the jungle and reefs
  All set in a quiet tropical clearing.

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🗽 4. American War Memorial (Skyline Ridge)

A well-maintained monument with:

• Marble panels detailing each stage of the campaign

• Panoramic views over Honiara and Ironbottom Sound

• Peaceful atmosphere for reflection

Great at sunset.

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🏯 5. Japanese Peace Memorial

Located at Mt. Austen area.
Features:

• A large stone pagoda

• Memorial tablets

• Views over former Japanese defensive fields

• A quiet garden area honoring Japanese soldiers

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🔱 6. Red Beach (Allied Landing Site)

The beach where U.S. Marines landed on Aug 7, 1942.
You can:

• Walk the shoreline where the first assaults occurred

• Visit nearby plaques and memorials

• Enjoy snorkeling afterward (calm waters)

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📜 7. Mt. Austen, Gifu Position & Hill 27

These inland positions were some of the fiercest jungle battles.
Visitors can:

• Visit dugouts and foxhole areas

• Walk jungle trails with a guide

• View relics scattered in the area

• See the Gifu Memorial installed by Japanese veterans

This area is best visited with a knowledgeable guide.

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🌊 8. Ironbottom Sound

The waters off Guadalcanal contain:

• Dozens of sunken ships

• Dive sites with Japanese and American wrecks

• Memorial markers along the coast

You can take boat tours or dive tours to see:

• USS Atlanta

• Canberra

• Destroyers sunk during the “Slot” battles

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⚓ 9. Bonegi Beach #1 & #2 (Japanese Wrecks)

Two of the most accessible shore-dive wrecks in the world.
At Bonegi you can:

• Snorkel or dive a Japanese transport ship sitting just offshore

• Explore coral-covered hulls

• See reef fish & turtles

These beaches combine history with amazing marine life.

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🏞️ 10. Mbetilonga Ridge (Command Posts & Positions)

Another high ground battlefield with:

• Trails through jungle fighting positions

• Foxholes and defensive lines

• Memorials in a few locations

Guided tours often cover the ridge, Mt. Austen, and Gifu together.

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🔎 11. Museum Displays in Honiara

Several small collections scattered around:

• Solomons National Museum

• Private displays kept by local historians

• Small roadside exhibits with recovered gear, helmets, and ammo boxes

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⭐ Recommended WWII Tour Companies

If you want authenticity and real battlefield insight:

 

• Tulagi Dive (for wreck diving & land tours)

• Guadalcanal American Memorial Tours

• Private local historians who offer ridge walks and historical briefings

Munda is a peaceful, scenic town on New Georgia Island, famous for its world-class diving, beautiful lagoons, WWII relics, and friendly coastal villages. It’s quieter than Gizo but rich in nature and history.

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🤿 1. World-Class Diving & Snorkeling

Munda is one of the premier dive hubs in the Solomons, with clear water and abundant marine life.

Top dive sites include:

• Shark Point — reef sharks, big pelagics, and dramatic walls

• Alice in Wonderland — giant coral formations resembling mushrooms

• Rainbow Reef — colorful soft corals and schooling fish

• Gotha’s Wreck — a sunken Japanese WWII aircraft

• Caves, walls, and vibrant coral gardens

Munda’s dive centers are highly regarded for eco-friendly practices.

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🌊 2. Explore Roviana Lagoon

A calm, turquoise lagoon dotted with islands, traditional villages, and mangroves.

Activities:

• Kayaking

• Swimming & snorkeling

• Boat tours to small uninhabited islands

• Visiting local communities

You’ll often see dolphins and sea turtles.

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🏝️ 3. Visit Skull Island

One of the most famous cultural sites in the Solomons.

It features:

• Ancestral shrines

• Traditional warrior skulls (historic headhunting era)

• Stone altars

• Local stories about Roviana chiefs and rituals

A guided visit is required and helps support local custodians.

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🪖 4. Discover WWII Relics

Munda was a major battlefield during the Allied advance.

You can visit:

• Runway relics from the Japanese-built airstrip

• Craters and foxholes in the jungle

• Wrecked vehicles and aircraft

• Local museums with recovered memorabilia

Some relics are accessible by short hikes; others are underwater.

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🌴 5. Relax at Ondongga Village & Beaches

Near Munda you’ll find beautiful, quiet beaches for:

• Swimming

• Snorkeling

• Sunset views

• Meeting local craftsmen (wood and shell carving)

Great area for peaceful afternoons.

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🎣 6. Game Fishing & Lagoon Fishing

The waters around Munda are rich with:

• Giant trevally (GT)

• Dogtooth tuna

• Spanish mackerel

• Wahoo

• Coral trout

Both deep-sea and reef-fishing tours are available.

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🏞️ 7. Visit Hopei and Dunde Villages

Perfect for cultural immersion. Here you can:

• Watch traditional woodcarvers at work

• Learn about Roviana culture

• Purchase incredible hand-carved pieces

• Walk through village paths shaded by coconut palms

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🚣 8. Day Trip to Lolomo Lagoon & Vona Vona Lagoon

These lagoons offer:

• Pristine water

• Quiet motu-style islands

• Perfect snorkeling spots

Some visitors do combined lagoon + Skull Island boat trips.

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🛶 9. Kayak or Paddleboard the Reef Systems

Rentals are available and the calm lagoon makes paddling easy for beginners.

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🍽️ 10. Enjoy Local Food & Beachfront Relaxation

Most travelers stay at:

• Agnes Gateway Hotel

• Zipolo Habu Resort

Both offer:

 

• Fresh fish

• Island curries

• Produce from local gardens

• Cold drinks overlooking the water

Gizo, located in the Western Province, is known for world-class diving, relaxed island life, beautiful beaches, and easy access to famous WWII and cultural sites. It’s one of the most traveler-friendly towns in the country.

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🤿 1. Dive or Snorkel at Some of the Pacific’s Best Reefs

Gizo is a major dive hub with stunning, crystal-clear waters.

Top spots include:

• Toa Maru Wreck — A massive Japanese transport ship resting on its side

• Grand Central Station — Channels full of big fish, sharks, rays, and schooling trevally

• Naru Gap — Coral walls and turtles

• Kennedy Island Reef — Great for snorkelers

Marine life includes rays, reef sharks, barracuda, parrotfish, and sea turtles.

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🏝️ 2. Visit Kennedy Island (JFK Island)

A short boat ride from Gizo.

You can:

• Walk around the entire island in minutes

• Snorkel clear blue shallows

• See the memorial to John F. Kennedy and the story of PT-109

• Enjoy a peaceful, postcard-perfect beach

Great for a half-day trip.

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🐠 3. Relax at Njari Island — A Snorkeling Paradise

Often considered one of the BEST snorkeling spots in the Solomons.

Expect:

• Ultra-clear water

• Dense, colorful coral gardens

• Huge diversity of tropical fish

• White-sand beaches and quiet lagoons

Perfect for photographers.

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🛶 4. Explore Vona Vona Lagoon

A lagoon filled with tiny islands, mangroves, and calm clear water.

Activities:

• Kayaking

• Snorkeling shallow reefs

• Visiting Skull Island (nearby)

• Beach picnics

One of the most beautiful areas near Gizo.

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🪖 5. Skull Island (Cultural Site)

Close to Gizo by boat.

Features:

• Historic headhunting-era shrines

• Ancestral skull collections

• Stone altars and shells

• Guided cultural storytelling from Roviana & Kazukuru descendants

One of the most famous traditional sites in the Solomons.

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🐬 6. Go Dolphin & Turtle Watching

Around Gizo and the lagoons you can often see:

• Spinner dolphins

• Bottlenose dolphins

• Sea turtles resting on coral heads

Boat tours are easy to arrange.

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🛍️ 7. Explore Gizo Town

While small, Gizo has a friendly local vibe.

Highlights:

• Central Market (fish, fruit, woodcarvings)

• Handicraft shops selling ebony carvings & shell jewelry

• Small cafés and waterfront views

• A lively harbor with colorful boats

It’s one of the most walkable towns in the islands.

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🌋 8. Hike Kolombangara Island (Nearby Volcano)

A huge extinct volcano visible from Gizo.

You can:

• Take a boat to the base villages

• Hike rainforest trails

• See waterfalls and river pools

• Spot rare birds

A guide is REQUIRED for summit climbs.

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🎣 9. Go Sportfishing

Gizo’s waters are full of:

• Giant trevally

• Wahoo

• Yellowfin tuna

• Coral trout

• Mahi-mahi

Local captains know the best offshore spots.

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🌅 10. Visit Saeraghi Beach (Ghizo Island)

One of the most beautiful beaches on Ghizo Island.

Expect:

• Soft white sand

• Swaying palms

• Clear water

• Great sunset views

A top place to relax for a few hours.

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⭐ Where Most Travelers Stay

 

• Fatboys Resort — Overwater bungalows with incredible lagoon views

• Sanbis Resort — Quiet, private island feeling

• Gizo Hotel — In town, convenient for markets and boats

Savo Island is a compact, circular volcanic island just a short boat ride from Honiara. It offers a mix of geothermal adventure, wildlife viewing, authentic culture, and quiet beaches—perfect for a day trip or overnight eco-stay.

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🌋 1. Hike the Active Volcano (Mount Savo)

Savo is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the Pacific.

The hike features:

• Steaming fumaroles

• Bubbling mud pools

• Warm streams

• Lava formations

• Views of the island’s forest canopy

A local guide is required, and the hike takes 3–5 hours depending on the route.

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🔥 2. Visit the Hot Springs on the Beach

Savo has natural geothermal areas where boiling hot water bubbles up beside the shoreline.

You can:

• Walk among the volcanic vents

• Cook eggs in the hot pools (a traditional tourist activity)

• Learn about geothermal legends from locals

It’s one of the island’s most unique experiences.

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🐬 3. Go Dolphin Watching (Spinner Dolphins)

Just off Savo’s coast, you’ll find:

• Large pods of spinner dolphins

• Clear blue water

• Great opportunities for boat photography

Some tours allow snorkeling nearby, though not directly with the pods.

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🏝️ 4. Enjoy the Quiet Beaches

Savo’s beaches are rustic, quiet, and surrounded by jungle. Expect:

• Black volcanic sand in some areas

• Clear water

• Coconut palms

• Gentle snorkeling spots

It’s very peaceful—far less crowded than beaches near Honiara.

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🏘️ 5. Visit Traditional Villages

Savo is known for its strong cultural traditions, especially:

• Custom dances

• Shell money crafting

• Village storytelling

• Coastal fishing communities

Visitors are usually welcomed with warmth and hospitality.

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🐢 6. Turtle & Bird Watching

Depending on the season:

• Sea turtles nest on certain beaches

• Rare birds live in the volcanic forest interior

• You may spot megapodes (melemeg birds) that bury eggs in warm volcanic soil to hatch them

This is a fantastic wildlife spot.

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🛶 7. Snorkeling & Lagoon Exploration

While less famous than Western Province, Savo still offers:

• Coral patches

• Bright blue shallows

• Calm areas for swimming

• Great natural scenery for photographers

Ask a local boatman for the best snorkel locations.

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🍽️ 8. Try Local Island Cooking

Meals on Savo typically include:

• Fresh reef fish

• Taro and cassava

• Coconut-based dishes

• Tropical fruit picked that morning

Many eco-lodges and village stays offer home-cooked meals.

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🌅 9. Watch the Sunset from the Coast

The west side of Savo faces the open sea, offering:

• Unobstructed sunsets

• Colorful skies

• Dramatic silhouettes of palm trees and volcanic peaks

A perfect way to end the day.