"Undiscovered paradise of the South Pacific" Top 5 Page for this destination Solomon Islands by minstrel74

Solomon Islands Travel Guide: 50 reviews and 108 photos

quiet stream on Guadalcanal - Solomon Islands

For those arriving from other parts of the South Pacific, or especially from Australia, North America, or Europe, the Solomon Islands are a bit of a shock. Unlike Fiji or French Polynesia, this remote corner of Melanesia sees very few tourists, and as a result, gives travelers the opportunity to experience real Pacific Islands culture and history without the presence of mass tourism. It should be noted that travel in the Solomon Islands is not easy. Outside of Honiara, there are very few hotels or resorts in the normal sense, and getting from one place to another often involves confusing and frustrating flights on the national carrier (Solomon Airlines). When the latter is not available, which is often, you will find yourself traveling by motor canoe; you may also discover that finding a place to stay is tricky at best since there are not many guidebooks for this area and most of the country outside of Honiara and Gizo is not really set up to accomodate tourists. But that is what makes this place special. You will discover places that very few other travelers have seen. You will make friends with people who have never met a tourist and who want to know all about the strange, faraway land where you live. But best of all, you will have the pleasure of experiencing a culture and a people who have yet to be overrun by Western influences and who proudly retain their Melanesian heritage. Solomon Islanders are friendly and inviting and will be delighted to share their country with you and show you how they live in this true paradise of the South Pacific.

view over Gizo, Western Province after rainfall

I have created separate travel pages for some of the places in this country that I felt warranted their own coverage. Specifically, see my travel pages for New Georgia and Vella Lavella Island.

This page includes coverage primarily on the islands of Guadalcanal, Gizo, and Santa Isabel. All visitors to the Solomons will go through Honiara on Guadalcanal, and Gizo and Santa Isabel are also worth a visit. The latter sees almost no tourists whatsoever, and there is a good chance you'll be the only one on the entire 240-km long island as I was on my visit.

village on Guadalcanal

My travels through the Solomon Islands were some of the most difficult and yet most rewarding of my life. It is absolutely essential that you ask for assistance from local people when arranging accomodation, exploring off the beaten track, or searching for suitable transport. This should generally not be too difficult as you will have little choice if you want to do anything except stay in your hotel room! Solomon Islanders are some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet and they will be very happy to assist you in your travels. You will not doubt experience a great deal of local hospitality wherever you go in the Solomons, which you will certainly appreciate after traveling around a bit. On occasion, I felt like I was the only tourist in the country, which on some of the islands was apparently the case!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Virtually unknown to tourists, inexpensive, great place to experience Melanesian culture
Cons:difficult transport, not much information available, very little tourist infrastructure
In a nutshell:One of the quietest, friendliest, and least explored places in the South Pacific!

Last visit to Solomon Islands: Sep 1997
Intro Updated Nov 27, 2004
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Reviews (12)

low tide near Provincial Assembly Rest House - Solomon Islands

cheap accomodation in Buala, Santa... Hotels (4)

Spartan, but cheap. Whatever it lacks in amenities, however, it makes up for in friendly guests, who will probably be... more travel advice

view from Rekona Lodge balcony - Solomon Islands

Excellent dorm accomodation in Gizo Hotels (4)

This was a very nice place to relax for a few days. The owner, Ivan, is exceedingly helpful and he will go out of his... more travel advice

Mataniko Falls, Guadalcanal - Solomon Islands

Mataniko Falls Things to Do (1)

If you have the chance and are in reasonably good shape, try hiking to Mataniko Falls just outside of Honiara. The trail... more travel advice

Gilbertese dancing in Gizo Nightlife (2)

Check the hotel entertainment schedule for their Gilbertese dancing night. This is a great way to liven up an otherwise... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
good place to meet expats in Honiara
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Comments (16)

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pure1942 Sep 17, 2008 at 8:01 AM

Great pages, considering a trip to the solomons next year...thanks for the tips...Brian
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stirlsa Oct 24, 2007 at 9:31 PM

I lived in Buala for 2 years in the 1980s as a Peace Corps volunteer and had a wonderful time. Also, traveled in Small Malaita and Guadalcanal. Great people and much beautiful scenery. I have heard Gizo is the best place to visit for scuba and snorkeling
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sprdak11 Aug 23, 2006 at 11:30 AM

Great page with interesting pictures. Greetings.
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uglyscot Jun 25, 2006 at 3:58 AM

This is such an interesting page and the photos are beautiful
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roamer61 Jan 23, 2006 at 9:37 AM

Lovely pictures. My father may have been there, under harsh circumstances of course (1944 WWII).
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wcph Jul 28, 2005 at 6:13 PM

Wonderful page, will be there in Oct diving. Btw, we have the same motto.
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Laurina May 2, 2005 at 5:38 PM

Hmmm, am applying for a job there - could you imagine living there?!
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victorwkf Feb 25, 2005 at 6:57 AM

Really good information & photos of the Solomon Islands !
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hunwagner Feb 24, 2005 at 9:19 PM

If I were you I would move those Isabel and Gizo tips/photos to separate pages on those islands. More people would notice them than in travelogues.
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arlequin_g Jan 29, 2005 at 1:10 AM

Really a must visit place! Very good photos and information.