Where to Stay in Honiara
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The commercial heart of Honiara, featuring the main business district, Central Market, and government buildings. This area has the highest concentration of hotels and is the most convenient for accessing services.
- Walking distance to banks, shops, restaurants, and the Central Market
- Best selection of hotels and guesthouses
- Close to the main wharf and transport connections
- Easy access to taxis and public transport
- Can be noisy and congested during business hours
- Limited beachfront or scenic views
- Security concerns after dark in some streets
The main coastal road stretching east from Point Cruz, home to several of Honiara's better hotels with waterfront locations. This area offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still being central.
- Waterfront locations with ocean views
- Home to Honiara's top hotels
- Quieter than the town center but still accessible
- Better dining options within hotels
- Walking distance to town (10-15 minutes)
- Higher prices than other areas
- Limited budget options
Located east of the town center, Kukum is a more residential and spread-out area with some guesthouses and the airport nearby. This area offers a quieter alternative to downtown.
- Closer to Henderson Airport (5-10 minutes)
- More affordable guesthouse options
- Quieter, more local atmosphere
- Some properties offer kitchen facilities
- Requires taxi or vehicle to reach town (15-20 minutes)
- Limited dining and shopping options nearby
- Less tourist infrastructure
A quieter area northwest of Point Cruz, featuring some waterfront properties and a more residential feel. This area is developing slowly with a few accommodation options.
- Peaceful and less congested
- Some properties have direct water access
- Close to dive shops and boat operators
- Good sunset views
- Very limited accommodation choices
- Requires transport to reach town and services
- Fewer dining options
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
A small selection of 3-4 star hotels offering reliable standards, restaurants, bars, and business facilities. These cater mainly to business travelers and package tourists.
Best for: First-time visitors, business travelers, those wanting consistent standards
Locally-run hotels and lodges offering clean, basic rooms with air conditioning and sometimes breakfast. Standards vary but most are adequate for short stays.
Best for: Independent travelers, budget-conscious visitors, short stays
Simple, family-run guesthouses with basic facilities. Options are very limited and often booked by long-term workers. Expect shared facilities in some cases.
Best for: Budget travelers, long-term visitors, backpackers
Limited availability of apartments with kitchen facilities, primarily used by NGO workers and long-term business visitors. Usually require weekly or monthly bookings.
Best for: Long-term stays, families, self-catering travelers
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Honiara has limited accommodation inventory that fills quickly during conferences, sporting events, and peak season (July-September). Book at least 2-3 months ahead for peak periods, and 3-4 weeks minimum for other times. Last-minute bookings often result in very limited or no availability.
Always reconfirm your reservation 48-72 hours before arrival, preferably by phone. Booking systems in Solomon Islands can be unreliable, and confirmation emails don't always guarantee your room is actually reserved. Get a confirmation number and the name of the person you spoke with.
Pre-arrange airport pickup through your hotel, especially if arriving on an evening flight. While taxis are available at Henderson Airport, having a confirmed pickup eliminates hassle and ensures you have transport, particularly important given the 30-minute drive to town.
Clarify whether breakfast, airport transfers, and Wi-Fi are included in your rate, as this varies significantly between properties. Some hotels charge extra for everything, while others include these in the room rate. Also confirm if taxes (10% GST) are included in quoted prices.
If you don't have a rental car, stay in Point Cruz or Mendana Avenue areas where you can walk to restaurants, shops, and services. Outlying areas require taxis for every trip, which adds up quickly at SBD 50-100 per ride.
Maintenance standards can decline quickly in the tropical climate. Check reviews from the last 3-6 months to get an accurate picture of current conditions, particularly regarding air conditioning, hot water, and cleanliness.
Keep contact details for 2-3 alternative hotels in case your booking falls through or if you need to extend your stay. Availability can be tight, so having backup options saves scrambling at the last minute.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
July-September is peak season due to drier weather and school holidays. Book 2-3 months in advance as hotels fill up quickly. Prices may be slightly higher, though Honiara doesn't have dramatic seasonal pricing variations. Regional events and conferences can also create high-demand periods year-round.
April-June and October-November offer good availability with similar pricing. These months have mixed weather but fewer crowds. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead is usually sufficient, though earlier is always better given limited inventory.
December-March is the wet season with higher humidity and frequent rain. This is the easiest time to find accommodation, and you may be able to book 2-3 weeks out. Some hotels offer slightly lower rates or are willing to negotiate, especially for longer stays.
Given Honiara's limited accommodation options, booking as early as possible is always advisable regardless of season. The city can fill up unexpectedly due to conferences, government meetings, or regional events. Early booking also gives you the best choice of properties and room types.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.