Things to Do in Honiara

About Honiara

Where emerald mountains meet turquoise seas, Honiara stands as a living museum of Pacific War history and Melanesian culture along the north coast of Guadalcanal. This vibrant capital of the Solomon Islands seamlessly blends its raw, untamed natural beauty with a fascinating mix of traditional island life and modern Pacific influences, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the South Pacific.

Travel Tips

• Carry cash in Solomon Islands Dollars as many local markets and shops don't accept cards, and ATMs can be unreliable outside of central Honiara (the ANZ bank on Mendana Avenue is the most dependable).

• When visiting the Central Market, go early in the morning (between 6-8am) to get the best selection of fresh local produce and avoid the intense midday heat, as the market isn't air-conditioned.

• Use White Angel or Travel Solomons taxi services (look for clearly marked cars with company logos) rather than unmarked taxis, and save their numbers in your phone as public transport options are limited after dark.

• Book accommodations in the town center or near Point Cruz, as this area offers easy access to restaurants, shops, and the museum while being within walking distance of the main WWII sites and memorials.

When to Visit

Visit Honiara during the drier months of June through September when temperatures hover around 26-28°C with significantly reduced rainfall (averaging 100-150mm monthly compared to 200-300mm in wetter months), though you'll still encounter tropical humidity levels of 75-80% and should expect occasional afternoon showers even in this "dry" season. The absolute wettest period runs from December through March when the northwest monsoon brings intense rainfall exceeding 300mm monthly, frequent flooding in low-lying areas, and oppressive humidity that can make even short walks uncomfortable, though these months offer the lowest accommodation prices if you can tolerate the conditions. For cultural experiences, time your visit around July 7th for Independence Day celebrations featuring traditional dance performances, canoe races, and local festivals throughout the capital, or come in early September for the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival showcasing regional Pacific island culture. Budget travelers should note that while the November-December period sees slightly lower tourist numbers before the Christmas rush, the increasing rainfall makes outdoor activities like WWII site tours to Guadalcanal battlefields or snorkeling trips progressively more difficult. April and May represent a sweet spot with diminishing wet season rains (around 200mm monthly), fewer tourists than peak dry season, moderate temperatures of 27-29°C, and lush green landscapes, though dive visibility isn't quite as excellent as the clearer waters found in July-August.