Question 1

Why visit the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

For WWII history and diving with nobody else around. Guadalcanal — the name every American history reader knows — is the main island: battlefields, memorials and "Iron Bottom Sound," seabed to dozens of warships. Out west, Munda and Gizo offer world-class reefs and wrecks with maybe one other dive boat in sight. This is the Pacific before mass tourism.

Question 2

Do I need a visa for the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

No advance visa — US citizens receive a free visitor permit on arrival at Honiara (typically 30 days per entry, up to 90 days in a 12-month period). Passport valid 6 months plus onward ticket.

Question 3

How do I get to the Solomon Islands from the US?

Accepted Answer

Via Brisbane (Solomon Airlines, Qantas codeshares) or Fiji (Nadi–Honiara on Fiji Airways/Solomon Airlines) into Honiara's Henderson Field — itself the WWII airstrip the Guadalcanal campaign was fought over. Domestic Twin Otters fan out to Munda, Gizo and beyond; schedules are loose, so buffer your connections.

Question 4

What WWII sites can I see on Guadalcanal?

Accepted Answer

The US War Memorial on Skyline Ridge, the Japanese Peace Memorial, Bloody Ridge (Edson's Ridge), Henderson Field itself, and rusting relics from Hell's Point to the open-air Vilu War Museum's aircraft collection. Local guides (book through hotels) bring the campaign to life. Divers and snorkelers: Bonegi I & II wrecks are shore-accessible minutes from town.

Question 5

Is the Solomon Islands safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes for travelers — Solomon Islanders are welcoming, and tourist numbers are tiny. Honiara warrants city sense (avoid walking at night; occasional civil unrest flares — check news). Nature's list: malaria (real — take prophylaxis), saltwater crocodiles in some lagoons and river mouths (ask locals before swimming), and earthquakes. Emergency: 999.

Question 6

Do I need malaria medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Solomons have some of the Pacific's highest malaria rates. See a travel clinic for prophylaxis 4–6 weeks before departure, add hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines, and pack serious DEET plus permethrin-treated clothing. Dengue circulates too; bite avoidance is the whole game.

Question 7

How is the diving?

Accepted Answer

Spectacular and empty — WWII wrecks (ships and aircraft) draped in 80 years of coral, plus drop-offs, caves and reefs teeming with fish. Bases: Honiara for Iron Bottom Sound wrecks, Munda for reefs and the Kashi Maru, Gizo for Grand Central Station's schooling action and the Toa Maru. Water 82–86°F year-round. Many sites suit snorkelers too.

Question 8

When is the best time to visit the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

April–November — drier trade-wind months with the best diving visibility. December–March is the wet, cyclone-possible season. It's hot and humid (85°F+) whenever you come; islanders schedule life for early morning, and so should you.

Question 9

What are conditions like — is this comfortable travel?

Accepted Answer

Set expectations: outside a handful of Honiara hotels and dive resorts (Agnes Gateway, Fatboys, Sanbis), things are simple — fan rooms, patchy power, cash economy (Solomon dollars; ATMs only in main towns), slow internet. That trade buys you reefs, rainforest and wartime history with almost nobody else around. English is official; Pijin is the street language.

Question 10

Do I need a power adapter?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Australian-style Type I plugs, 220–240V, with generator-hours power at remote lodges. Bring a power bank and a headlamp; both earn their keep nightly.

Question 11

Is Solomon Islands safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Generally safe. Standard travel sense covers it: watch valuables, use licensed transport.

Question 12

Do I need a visa for Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Visa-free for most Western passports. Easy.

Question 13

When is the best time to visit Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

May–October. Dry season — WWII wreck diving.

Question 14

Can I drink the tap water?

Accepted Answer

Not safe — drink bottled. Rain-fed and desalinated supplies vary — drink bottled or filtered water.

Question 15

What food should I try?

Accepted Answer

Poi with fresh tuna. Island staples done simply.

Question 16

What is the capital of Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Honiara is the capital of Solomon Islands.

Question 17

What language is spoken in Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Solomon Islands Pijin as lingua franca; English official; 70+ local languages.

Question 18

What currency is used?

Accepted Answer

Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) is the currency of Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands

Quick Facts

Info about Solomon Islands

How Well Do You Know Solomon Islands?

Travel News & Updates

Articles

Solomon Islands Crafts and Markets