Honiara, Solomon Islands: Travel Guide to Guadalcanal's WWII History and Island Culture

Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, lies on the north coast of Guadalcanal, the largest island in an archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands in the southwestern Pacific. The city grew up around a US military base during World War II, when Guadalcanal was the scene of one of the most decisive campaigns of the Pacific War. Today, Honiara is the gateway to wartime relics, sunken warships, waterfalls and the rich Melanesian cultures of the Solomon Islands.

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Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Honiara

1. WWII Battlefields and Memorials

From August 1942 to February 1943, the Guadalcanal Campaign saw fierce fighting between Allied and Japanese forces for control of the island's airfield, today's Honiara International Airport. On Skyline Ridge, the US War Memorial features red marble walls engraved with accounts of the battles, while the Japanese Peace Memorial on Mount Austen commemorates the Japanese soldiers who died. Bloody Ridge (Edson's Ridge), south of the airport, was the scene of one of the campaign's most famous battles. About 25 kilometres west of the city, the open-air Vilu War Museum displays aircraft wrecks, artillery and memorials.

Booking tip: international platforms like GetYourGuide offer few tours in the Solomon Islands, so book a WWII battlefield tour through your hotel or a local operator. A knowledgeable guide brings the history to life.

2. Iron Bottom Sound and Wreck Diving

The waters off Honiara are known as Iron Bottom Sound because of the dozens of warships, aircraft and transport ships that sank here during the war. Today they form some of the most accessible wreck dives in the world. At Bonegi Beach, about 12 kilometres west of the city, the Japanese transport ships Bonegi I and Bonegi II lie just offshore, covered in coral and fish, and can be explored by snorkellers and divers alike.

Booking tip: dive trips can be booked through Honiara's dive centres; respect the wrecks, as they are war graves.

3. Honiara Central Market

The Honiara Central Market is the city's liveliest spot, where people from across Guadalcanal and nearby Malaita sell fruit, vegetables, fish, betel nut and crafts. It's a colourful introduction to daily life in the Solomon Islands. Look out for shell money, traditional currency made from strings of shells, still used in ceremonies, especially on Malaita.

Booking tip: visit early in the morning, and keep valuables secure.

4. National Museum and Cultural Centre

The Solomon Islands National Museum, in the city centre, displays traditional artefacts, including canoes, carvings, weapons and shell money, and explains the cultures of the country's many islands, where more than 70 languages are spoken. Its cultural village features traditional houses from different provinces, and cultural performances, including panpipe music, are held on special occasions. Nearby, the National Parliament, built with US assistance and decorated with traditional motifs, sits on a hill overlooking the city.

Booking tip: check for cultural events during your visit.

5. Waterfalls, Savo Island and Marovo Lagoon

Beyond the city, Mataniko Falls plunges into a cave filled with swiftlets and is reached by a hike through villages and jungle. Tenaru Falls, east of Honiara, offers a swimming pool beneath a 60-metre waterfall. Off the coast, Savo Island is an active volcano with hot springs, megapode birds and dolphins. Further afield, Marovo Lagoon, in Western Province, is one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world and famous for wood carving.

Booking tip: hike with a local guide, as landowners must give permission.

Practical Travel Tips for Honiara

Before You Go

  • Safety: the US Department of State rates the Solomon Islands at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, mainly due to crime and civil unrest. Riots in 2021 caused serious damage in Honiara. Avoid walking alone at night, and stay away from demonstrations.
  • Health: malaria is present, and medical facilities are limited.
  • Respect kastom: much land is under customary ownership, so ask permission before visiting sites, and dress modestly.

Getting Around

  • By air: Honiara International Airport is about 10 kilometres from the city centre, with flights from Brisbane, Fiji, Port Moresby and Vanuatu.
  • Taxis and buses: minibuses are cheap; agree taxi fares in advance.
  • Domestic flights: Solomon Airlines connects Honiara with Gizo, Munda and other islands.
  • Money: the currency is the Solomon Islands dollar.
  • Languages: English is official; Pijin is widely spoken.

Local Culinary Specialties

  • Fresh fish and seafood: tuna, reef fish, crab and lobster.
  • Slippery cabbage: leafy greens cooked in coconut milk.
  • Cassava and taro puddings: baked with coconut cream.
  • Tropical fruits: papayas, bananas and coconuts.
  • Solbrew: the local beer.

Best Time to Visit

  • May–October: the drier season, ideal for diving and hiking.
  • November–April: hot and humid, with a risk of cyclones.
  • 7 July: Independence Day celebrations.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Honiara

Honiara combines WWII history, world-class wreck diving, lively markets and Melanesian culture. Whether you're exploring Guadalcanal's battlefields, diving at Bonegi or visiting waterfalls, the Solomon Islands offer an authentic Pacific adventure.

Plan ahead: book local guides and dive trips in advance, and get ready to discover Honiara.