Extended Stays Based in Honiara

October 31, 2026

A longer visit to Honiara works only if you plan it yourself. No operator offers a set multi-day circuit, so the trip is a base, a few guides and, if you like, an island stay. This page follows the order in which decisions come up. Prices are in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD).

Before you leave home

Entry requirements changed recently, and you should read the current text on the official visa portal. According to the UK government, a tourist visa is requested through the Solomon Islands Immigration visa portal, costs USD 100 and is valid for three months. Applicants must supply a travel itinerary, a hotel booking and proof of funds. Users have reported delays, and a visa on arrival may be available but is not certain. Your passport needs six months of validity beyond arrival and two blank pages, and arrivals from a yellow fever risk country must carry a certificate. Details are at the UK entry requirements page .

Choose where to sleep

Two hotels dominate the capital. Heritage Park Hotel houses three eating places, Terrace Cafe, GG’s and Splash Bar & Grill. Coral Sea Resort & Casino stands on the waterfront and has two restaurants. Both suit a stay built around guided outings.

A four-day outline

Day 1 is the town: the Central Market, open every day but Sunday, and the National Museum on Mendana Avenue.

Day 2 heads west for the Bonegi wrecks, about 12 km out. The Kinugawa Maru is shallow enough to snorkel. Take reef shoes and cash for the kastom fee, and remember that crocodiles have been seen offshore at beaches near Honiara.

Day 3 is the guided walk to Mataniko Falls. The Honiara tourist office can arrange a guide from Lelei.

Day 4 is a choice between Savo Island, with its hot springs and steam vents, and Tenaru Falls. Both need guides.

Adding Tulagi

To get away from the capital, cross to Tulagi in the Florida Islands, about one to two hours by boat. Raiders Hotel & Dive is on the waterfront, and it now includes Raiders Dive Lodge. Nightly rates are put at about SBD 800 to 1,500, so ask before booking. Unexploded weapons are still present on Tulagi, so stay on tracks. Divers need to be aware that the Honiara recompression chamber is out of service after earthquake damage, and should ask their operator about emergency arrangements.

Western Province is another trip

Gizo and Munda lie in Western Province and need flights with Solomon Airlines. Give them their own several days, since they cannot be tacked onto a Honiara stay.

Money, health and rhythm

Cards work only at major hotels and restaurants, and ATMs are found only in Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki. Bring small cash. Malaria, dengue and Zika all occur. Sunday is quiet because the market is shut and the town is strongly Christian.

Booking

Look for rooms on Booking.com . For hazards in town, see the UK government safety advice .