🇸🇧Solomon Islands

WWII history and some of the Pacific's least-dived reefs, side by side.

Capital

Honiara

Best time

May–October

Language

Solomon Islands Pijin, English

Currency

Solomon Islands dollar

The Solomon Islands saw some of the Pacific War's fiercest fighting, leaving behind an unusual concentration of wreck diving around Guadalcanal, alongside the untouched lagoons and reefs of Marovo — one of the least-visited diving destinations left in the region.

···

⚓ Iron Bottom Sound wrecks

···

🐠 Marovo Lagoon

···

🏝️ Remote village culture

···

🏄 Uncrowded surf breaks

Trip essentials

Budget: Budget: €40–60/day · Mid-range: €90–150/day · Luxury: €200+/day — remote lodges push costs higher

Visa: Not required for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.

Suggested days: 7 — 7 days allows Guadalcanal's WWII sites plus a proper stay in Marovo Lagoon. Shorter trips (4 days) usually stay around Honiara and Guadalcanal only.

Getting there: Honiara International Airport (HIR) is the main gateway

Getting around: Domestic flights and boats connect the main islands; few paved roads exist beyond Honiara

Safety: Honiara requires normal city caution; outer islands are generally relaxed and welcoming

Tipping: Not traditionally expected

Power plug: Type I, 220V

Tastes of Solomon Islands

Poi

A starchy paste made from taro or cassava, a staple alongside most meals.

Motu

Fish and vegetables cooked in coconut milk, a common everyday dish.

Kokoda

Raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream, the Solomon Islands' version of the Pacific-wide dish.

Ngali nut

A locally harvested nut used in various traditional dishes and snacks.

Top attractions

···

Iron Bottom Sound

The waters off Guadalcanal where dozens of WWII warships and aircraft sank during fierce naval battles, now one of the world's most significant wreck-diving sites.

···

Marovo Lagoon

One of the largest saltwater lagoons on Earth, ringed by double barrier reefs and traditional villages, with diving and snorkeling that sees only a fraction of the visitors found in better-known Pacific destinations.

···

Remote village stays

Many of the outer islands retain strong traditional culture, with simple guesthouses run by local families offering a genuine, unscripted look at daily island life.

···

Uncrowded surf breaks

Several islands have reef breaks that attract a small, dedicated surf tourism scene, largely overlooked in favor of better-known Pacific surf destinations.

Suggested itinerary

Days 1–2

Honiara & Guadalcanal

WWII history sites and wreck diving in Iron Bottom Sound.

Days 3–7

Marovo Lagoon

A multi-day stay at a lagoon-side lodge for diving, snorkeling, and village visits.

🚗 Small-plane flight or long boat transfer from Honiara

FAQ

Do I need a visa for the Solomon Islands?

Not for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.

Is this a good destination for non-divers?

Yes — WWII history, village stays, and lagoon scenery all stand on their own, though diving is the main draw for most international visitors.

How developed is tourism infrastructure?

Limited and genuinely low-key outside Honiara — most travelers book through a specialist Pacific operator rather than arranging everything independently.

Is Iron Bottom Sound diving suitable for beginners?

Some wrecks are shallow and accessible, but many of the best sites are deeper and better suited to experienced wreck divers.