Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands. It is on Guadalcanal.

Get in

The only international airport in the Solomon Islands is Honiara International Airport (Henderson Field), served by the following airlines.

• Fiji Airways [1] (once weekly service from Nadi)
• Air Niugini [2] (twice weekly to Port Moresby and twice weekly to Nadi)
• Solomon Airlines [3] (4/5 times weekly service to Brisbane)
• Virgin Australia [4] have flights to Brisbane every Tuesday and Thursday.

Get around

Taxis are relatively plentiful and cheap in Honiara. They can be either ordered of flagged down. There are also frequent minibuses that operate along the coastal strip from Henderson to White River stopping making numerous stops along the way (SBD$3 any distance).

See

• Honiara contains a wealth of World War Two sites: most of the hills in the Honiara area were the sites of fierce battles during World War Two.

Do

• Take a guided trek to one of the waterfalls nearby, such as the beautiful Matanikau Falls, about a two-hour walk from the starting point a short bus-ride from the city centre. Information on this and other walks can be found on the Exploring Solomons Wikispace.[5]

• Check out a service at one of the many churches. South Seas Evangelical Church has an easily-found location next to the central markets and beautiful singing. Its main Sunday service is at 9:30am. There is also a smaller evening service there most Sundays at 5pm.

• Beach it.

• Visit the museum. Located across from the Mendana Hotel.

• Wander through the bustling Central Market. It is a site to behold, in particular on Saturday mornings where you can pick up flowers and hand-made jewellery and crafts.

• And dive, explore, make plans or see the rest of the country...

Buy

• Crafts

There are many craft/souvenir shops located along the coastal strip. Handicrafts such as wooden carvings are also often sold in the covered area of Panatina Plaza carpark, and outside the entrance to the Rain Tree Cafe.[6]

Additionally, the central market is a great place to by local handicrafts, jewellery and lavalavas (sarongs). The latter come in a range of fabrics and brightly-coloured dip-dyed designs.

• Clothing

There are a number of shops selling secondhand clothing, which can be found easily along the main street and elsewhere.

Handmade kids' clothing such as skirts can be found at the Central Market.

• Other

A helpful guide to shopping in the Solomons can be found here: Solomon Island Newbie Guide: SHOPPING (What to buy part one) Includes some great gift ideas.

Eat and drink

There is surprising variety in Honiara with many restaurants catering to expats.

• The Lime Lounge

Is a coffee shop located near the Central Market serving coffee, cakes, burgers and sandwiches. It is relatively expensive.

• The Taj Mahal

Located near the airport has excellent Indian and Sri Lankan food and is excellent value.

• Korean BBQ

Located on what looks like wasteground near the Central Market. They serve excellent dishes even though the decor is quite rustic.

• Honiara Hotel

Located overlooking Chinatown has several restaurants; an excellent French restaurant, a Chinese restaurant (planned) and a general restaurant serving sandwiches and burgers.

• Iron Bottom Sound

There is an excellent Japanese restaurant here with a terrace where drinks can be served. An excellent place to watch the sunset.

• The Yacht Club

The favoured hangout of expats in Honiara, the yacht club has a variety of simple and inexpensive meals available nightly.

• Rain Tree Cafe

A beautiful sea front location on the west end of Honiara amid quiet gardens and under a thatch leaf house. Great coffee, smoothies, lassies and fresh organic food, wood fired pizzas. A great place for sunset meals, breakfasts and hanging out on weekends. Allow ample time for your order to be prepared. Locally owned and operated by local women. BYO. Rain Tree Cafe Website

• Lunch bars near the museum

There are a number of eateries here, on the same side of the main road as the museum, to its left if you are facing it from the main road. A range of lunch foods and drinks are on offer, including fish 'n' cassava chips and green (drinking) coconuts.

• Buy your own

The Central Market, located on the main road, is a great source of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fish and chips, as well as uncooked fish, are also sold there.

A helpful list of places to purchase groceries can be found here: Newbie Honiara Guide: Food

Sleep

There are many hotels in Honiara, mainly catering to expats. The Honiara Hotel, the King Solomon, Iron Bottom Sound, The Airport Motel and the Casino are a few.

For more budget accommodation, the United Church Resthouse is recommended. It's located in Lower Vavaya Ridge Road. Phone: +677) 20028.

Stay safe

Note that there has been civil unrest and riots in this city. It is worth keeping up-to-date with travel advisory warnings, such as those provided by the Australian or New Zealand governments.

Take care whilst at the Central Market for pick-pockets.

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