Guadalcanal Solomon Islands Travel Guide
Honiara International Airport (HIR), historically known as Henderson Field, is the only international airport in the Solomon Islands. All international flights arrive here.
No direct flights link Honiara with major global hubs outside of Australia or Oceania. Travelers from North America, Europe, or Asia typically connect through regional hubs. Common connection points include Brisbane (BNE), Sydney (SYD), Nadi (NAN), and Port Moresby (POM).
Flight availability to Honiara is consistent year-round. Prices fluctuate based on demand, notably during Australian and New Zealand school holidays. Booking flights in advance is a good idea.
Plan your international itinerary to include one of these transit points: Brisbane (BNE), Sydney (SYD), Nadi (NAN), or Port Moresby (POM).
Prices for Solomon Airlines flights can sometimes be higher compared to other regional carriers. Advance booking is recommended for specific travel dates.
For car rentals, especially at the busiest hours, booking your vehicle in advance is a good idea. Options are limited.
Thoroughly inspect the automobile for existing damage before accepting it and document any difficulties with the rental company.
Find car rental offers and options on DiscoverCars.com to prepare for your trip.
Travel by sea serves as an option for inter-island journeys or for unique arrivals like private yachts.
Public river transport is limited on Guadalcanal. Some remote villages utilize dug-out canoes or small motorized boats for local travel. Tourists might experience this as an element of a guided tour.
Prepare for your departure from Guadalcanal to support a smooth exit.
Honiara International Airport offers basic facilities for departing travelers. You find a small duty-free shop and a cafe. Seating is limited.
Honiara does not have a metro or tram system. The main public transportation consists of public buses and shared taxis, informal but efficient for local movement. Buses and shared taxis operate mainly during daylight hours (early morning until around 6-7 PM).
Fares are fixed per ride, typically SBD 5-10 for buses and shared taxis within Honiara, depending on distance. Pay cash directly to the driver or conductor upon boarding. Have small denominations of SBD ready. Public transport vehicles are not wheelchair accessible.
Taxis offer a more private and direct mode of transport. Look for cars with yellow license plates and a "Taxi" sign. Always agree on the fare Before starting the journey.
No established international ride-sharing apps like Uber or Grab operate in Honiara. Rely on licensed taxis or pool taxis for transport.
Walking is common along Kukum Highway, but pavements are uneven. Cycling on main roads is not generally safe because of traffic and poor conditions. Consider walking tours for battlefields.
Rental vehicles offer independence but present challenges. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national driver's license.
Driving laws dictate driving on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally low, notably in populated areas. Roads can be different widely.
No formal hop-on-hop-off services. Tour operators arrange private vans or buses for group tours. Boat taxis or larger passenger boats serve inter-island travel.
Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport types are not available on Guadalcanal.
Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs are very limited. Infrastructure is generally not wheelchair-friendly. Plan carefully and communicate needs in advance.
For travel outside Honiara, especially to remote villages or World War II sites, arranging transport through a reputable local tour operator or a trusted local guide offers the most reliable and safest option.
