Solomon Islands

Important Travel Information

• •WWII History and Battle of Guadalcanal: Solomon Islands, particularly Guadalcanal, was site of fierce WWII fighting between US and Japanese forces. Battle of Guadalcanal (August 1942 - February 1943) was first major Allied offensive in Pacific - six months of brutal jungle warfare, naval battles, and air combat resulting in Japanese defeat and strategic turning point. Honiara War Museum features WWII artifacts, weapons, uniforms, photos, and narratives (modest but informative, $50 SBD / $6 USD entry). Visible WWII relics scattered across islands: aircraft wrecks (inland jungle crash sites - P-38 Lightnings, F4U Corsairs, Japanese Zeros accessible with guides), artillery pieces, tunnels, foxholes, Bloody Ridge battlefield (site of intense fighting September 1942 - memorial and historical markers), Henderson Field airfield (original WWII airstrip, now Honiara airport), Vilu War Museum (open-air collection of aircraft, tanks, artillery near airport, $50 SBD entry), and Iron Bottom Sound (strait between Guadalcanal and Savo Island where over 50 WWII ships sunk - nicknamed 'Ironbottom' for concentration of wrecks on seafloor - accessible via diving). Many Solomon Islanders served as scouts for Allied forces (Coastwatchers - Australian and local intelligence network vital to Allied success). PT-109 story: JF Kennedy's patrol torpedo boat sunk near Gizo (Western Province) - Kennedy and crew rescued by Solomon Islander scouts (Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana) - monument on Kennedy Island. WWII history is profound draw for military history enthusiasts visiting Solomon Islands.
• •World-Class Diving and WWII Wrecks: Solomon Islands offers exceptional diving - pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and unparalleled WWII wreck diving. Iron Bottom Sound contains 50+ sunken warships, transports, and submarines from Guadalcanal campaign naval battles - wrecks lie 20-100m deep (technical diving required for deeper wrecks). Accessible wrecks include USS Atlanta (cruiser, advanced dive), several Japanese transport ships, and smaller vessels. Visibility typically 20-30m. Marine life: reef sharks, rays, turtles, barracuda, tuna, reef fish, occasional dolphins and whales. Coral reefs relatively healthy compared to many Pacific locations. Marovo Lagoon (Western Province - world's largest double-barrier enclosed lagoon, UNESCO tentative list) offers pristine lagoon diving with sea mounts, channels, coral gardens - remote and undeveloped. Dive operators: Tulagi Dive (Tulagi island near Honiara, WWII wreck specialists), Dive Gizo (Western Province), Liveaboard options (Iron Bottom Sound diving safaris). Costs: daily 2-tank dives $100-180 USD, liveaboards $2,500-4,000/week. Best diving: April-November (dry season, calmer seas, best visibility); December-March wet season brings more rain and variable conditions. Diving infrastructure limited compared to major destinations - bring own equipment if possible; Nitrox not widely available; facilities basic. Solomon Islands diving rewards experienced divers seeking pristine reefs and historic wrecks without crowds.
• •Traditional Culture and Remote Villages: Solomon Islands maintains strong traditional Melanesian culture (kastom) - custom chiefs govern villages, traditional practices persist, and local languages dominate (over 70 distinct languages across islands - linguistic diversity among world's highest). Betel nut chewing ubiquitous (areca nut with lime and pepper leaf - mild stimulant, stains teeth red, spitting common - culturally significant). Traditional houses (leaf-roofed structures), outrigger canoes, fishing methods, and subsistence agriculture continue in villages. Skull shrines (ancestral skulls in special shrines - some villages maintain this practice from headhunting past, though headhunting ceased by mid-20th century). Visiting villages requires permission from chiefs and sensitivity to local customs - bring gifts (betel nut acceptable), dress modestly, ask before photographing, respect tabu (taboo) areas and practices. Festivals include Provincial Days (celebrations with traditional dances, feasts), Independence Day (July 7), and local kastom events. Western Province (Gizo, Munda, Marovo Lagoon area) more accessible for cultural experiences. Malaita Province known for maintaining strong traditional culture but access difficult. Solomon Islands offers authentic Melanesian culture but cultural tourism underdeveloped - arrangements often informal, flexibility required.
• •Logistics, Challenges, and Adventure Travel: Solomon Islands tourism remains underdeveloped - infrastructure limited, transport challenging, costs high relative to facilities, English spoken but Pijin more common. Getting there: flights from Brisbane, Port Moresby, Fiji (Solomon Airlines - national carrier, some international carriers; expensive fares $500-1,500 round-trip from Australia/NZ). Inter-island transport: domestic flights to provincial capitals (Munda, Gizo, Auki, Kirakira - small planes, limited schedules, weather-dependent, $100-300 one-way); ferries irregular and slow (cargo/passenger boats, no fixed schedules, rough seas, budget option but time-consuming and basic). Accommodation: Honiara has hotels ($80-250/night range - basic to moderate standards); provincial areas have guesthouses and dive resorts ($50-150/night, often basic, power/water issues common). Food: Honiara has restaurants, markets, supermarkets; provinces rely on local food (fish, taro, sweet potato, sago), limited variety. Costs: expensive for what you get - meals $15-35, diving $100-180/day, domestic flights $100-300; budget travelers struggle (limited cheap accommodation/food outside Honiara). Health: malaria endemic (take prophylaxis, use repellent, sleep under nets), dengue fever risk, medical facilities basic (Honiara has hospital, provinces have clinics - serious issues require medical evacuation to Australia $50,000+ cost - comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage essential). Safety: generally safe for tourists (locals friendly, curious about visitors), but November 2021 Honiara riots, historical ethnic tensions (1998-2003 unrest), and isolated incidents of crime (petty theft, occasional violence) mean travelers should exercise caution, avoid demonstrations, monitor local situation. No ATMs outside Honiara (bring sufficient cash - Solomon Islands dollars or AUD; USD less accepted; credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels). Internet very limited and slow. Solomon Islands requires adventurous spirit, flexibility, patience, and realistic expectations - rewards intrepid travelers with WWII history, world-class diving, authentic culture, and genuine Pacific island experience off the tourist trail.