How to Get to Honiara. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Details

Airport & Airlines

Honiara International Airport (HIR), historically Henderson Field, is the sole international airport. Airlines connect the nation to regional hubs.

Flights & Connections

Solomon Airlines offers international flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Port Moresby, Nadi, Vila.
Fiji Airways and Air Niugini also serve HIR. Virgdown Under operates flights to Brisbane.
No direct flights from North America, Europe, or most of Asia. Connect through regional hubs (Brisbane, Sydney, Nadi, Port Moresby).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Honiara International Airport is a small, basic facility, functional but without extensive amenities found in larger international airports.

Arrival & Services

Facilities: Duty-free shop, café, car rental desks, currency exchange.
Taxi: Readily available. Negotiate fare before journey (SBD 100-200 to city center).
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers for guests.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices generally rise during the peak dry season (June-September) and around major holidays. Reserving far in advance is advisable.

Flight Deals

Resources like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner help in finding better rates and availability of flights.

Domestic Flights

Solomon Airlines also operates domestic flights connecting Honiara to various islands within the archipelago.

Road Conditions & Driving

Driving Rules

Driving in the Solomon Islands occurs on the right-hand side of the road.
An International Driving Permit is advisable to accompany your home country's driving license.
Roads outside Honiara are regularly unpaved and can be rough, notably after rain.
A 4WD vehicle is recommended for exploring areas beyond main paved roads.

Safety Concerns

Driving at night is especially hazardous due to inadequate street lighting.
Pedestrians walking on roads and the presence of livestock are common.
Exercise caution and reduce speed when driving after dark.
Main roads within Honiara are generally paved but can have potholes.

Car Rental Information

Availability

Car rentals are available from a few local companies and at Honiara International Airport.

Requirements

A valid driving license from your home country and an International Driving Permit are useful. A credit card for a security deposit.

Companies

Companies like Avis (local franchisee), Budget (local franchisee), and local operators like Guadalcanal Travel Solomons DiscoverCars.com offer vehicles.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services & Ports

While air travel is the main method of international arrival, Honiara also functions as a trading port for sea vessels.

Port Details

Honiara Port is the main international port in the Solomon Islands. Cruise ships occasionally visit.
Inter-island Ferries: Regular services connect Honiara to other key islands (Malaita, Western Province).
Schedules can be irregular. Booking typically happens straight at the port or through local agents.

Immigration & Connections

Standard immigration and customs procedures apply for international cruise ship or cargo vessel arrivals.

Port Procedures

Passengers disembarking from international vessels undergo checks similar to those at the airport.
Taxis and local buses are typically available outside Honiara Port.
River transportation is not a common or organized tourist option in the capital.

Departure Information

Departure tax for international flights from Honiara is typically included in the airline ticket price. Confirm this with your airline.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international flight departure.
Check-in procedures are slow; allow ample time to clear security and immigration.
Airport offers basic facilities: small shop, café. No extensive dining or duty-free shopping.

Regional Airlines

Beyond Solomon Airlines, other carriers provide connections to Honiara from regional hubs.

Connecting Flights

Fiji Airways offers flights to Nadi (NAN) in Fiji.
Air Niugini provides flights to Port Moresby (POM) in Papua New Guinea.
Virgin Australia operates flights to Brisbane (BNE) in The land down under.

Useful Reminders

International Driving Permit: For driving, this accompanies your home license.
Road Safety: Roads outside Honiara are often unpaved and rough. Driving at night poses hazards.
No Train Network: The Solomon Islands does not have a train network.

No Land Borders: An island nation, all international arrivals occur via air or sea.
River Transport: Not a common organized tourist option in the capital.
Departure Tax: Typically covered by your airfare.

Beyond the City

Cruise Ship Arrivals

Honiara Port serves as a location for occasional cruise ship visits, allowing passengers to experience the city and its historical sites.

Port Access & Procedures

Passengers disembarking from international vessels undergo standard immigration and customs procedures.
Taxis and local buses are typically available outside Honiara Port for connections to the city center and accommodations.
Check cruise itineraries for specific port call details and duration.

Inter-Island Journeys

Regular ferry services connect Honiara to other major islands, offering a different travel experience for visitors and a link for local communities.

Ferry Options

Connects Honiara to isles such as Malaita and those in the Western Province.
Timetables can be irregular, and vessels vary in comfort and safety standards.
Booking typically occurs directly at the port or through local agents.

Boat Taxis

Essential for inter-island travel or accessing coastal areas not reachable by road. Arrange through tour operators or a boat from the area owners.

Tour Buses

Available for organized excursions, especially for visits to World War II historical sites on Guadalcanal. No hop-on-hop-off services.

Accessibility Services

Honiara has very limited accessibility infrastructure. Public transport is not accessible. Private vehicle hire is the most feasible option.

Departure Checklist

Before Heading to the Airport

Ensure a smooth departure from Honiara International Airport.

Final Checks

Confirm departure tax is included in your airline ticket price.
Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure.
Plan to arrive having already eaten or bring snacks; dining options are basic.

Airport Experience

The airport facilities are functional but not extensive.

At the Terminal

Check-in procedures can be slow; lines form, especially during peak periods.
Give yourself plenty of time to clear security and immigration.
There is a small shop for last-minute souvenirs or snacks.

Travel Essentials Check

Documents

Ensure all travel documents are secure and accessible.

Currency

Convert any remaining SBD or exchange foreign currency.

Luggage

Confirm baggage weight limits with your airline.

Final Tip

Consider travel during the dry season (May-Oct) for optimal weather and clearer conditions for activities like diving.

How to Get to Honiara