Solomon Islands

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Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Solomon Islands [Updated-2026]

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November 7, 2025

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The Last Unknown: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in the Solomon Islands

In a world where few places feel truly undiscovered, the Solomon Islands remain a whispered secret among the most intrepid travelers. This nation of nearly a thousand islands isn’t just a destination; it’s a portal to a different time. It’s where the echoes of WWII history lie just beneath the waves, where traditional kastom culture pulses with unbroken strength, and where the jungle meets coral reefs in an explosion of life.

Forget polished resorts and crowded beaches. The Solomon Islands offer something far more valuable: raw, authentic adventure. This is a place for travelers who want to feel the weight of history, connect with ancient cultures, and explore ecosystems that have been left to thrive in glorious isolation.

This guide is your map to this Pacific frontier. We’re diving deep into the best places to visit in the Solomon Islands and curating a definitive list of things to do for those seeking a story that few others can tell.

The Archipelago’s All-Stars: Key Islands & Regions

Understanding the geography of the Solomons is the first step to planning your adventure. The nation is spread across a vast expanse, but a few key hubs offer the most accessible and rewarding experiences.

1. Guadalcanal: The Historical Heart

The main island and home to the capital, Honiara, Guadalcanal is far more than a gateway. It is hallowed ground, the site of one of the most pivotal campaigns in the Pacific during WWII. The history here is not confined to museums; it’s rusting on the beaches and hidden in the jungle-clad hills.

Must-Do on Guadalcanal: Explore the Guadalcanal American Memorial at Skyline Ridge for a sobering overview. Take a guided tour to WWII sites like Bloody Ridge, where the battle raged fiercely. Visit the Vilu Open Air Museum, a private collection of WWII aircraft and artillery reclaimed by the jungle, creating a powerful and haunting scene.

2. The Florida Islands & Tulagi: A Dual History

Just a short boat ride from Honiara, the Florida Islands (also known as Nggela) offer a perfect blend of history and pristine marine life. Tulagi, the former British colonial capital, is a sleepy town with a dramatic past.

Must-Do in the Floridas: Dive the “Iron Bottom Sound,” the stretch of water between Guadalcanal and the Floridas, which is the final resting place for dozens of warships and aircraft. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Mbonege Beach. Visit the tranquil Tulagi to see its colonial-era relics and experience island life at a gentle pace.

3. Gizo & the Western Province: The Adventure Capital

Gizo is the vibrant, laid-back capital of the Western Province and the second-largest town in the country. Surrounded by stunning lagoon waters and iconic dive sites, it’s the perfect base for underwater exploration. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Honiara, with a strong focus on the ocean.

Must-Do in Gizo: Dive the legendary Toa Maru, a Japanese freighter sunk in 1943, which sits perfectly upright in shallow water, its holds still filled with sake bottles, artillery, and even a truck. Visit Kennedy Island, where a young JFK and his PT-109 crew swam to safety after their boat was sunk. Enjoy fresh tuna sashimi at the Gizo market.

4. Marovo Lagoon: The World’s Largest Saltwater Lagoon

A UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, Marovo Lagoon is a place of almost mythical beauty. It’s a vast, protected body of water dotted with countless small islands, fringed by reefs, and backed by volcanic peaks. This is the heartland of traditional wood carving and a stronghold of kastom (custom) culture.

Must-Do in Marovo Lagoon: Stay in a traditional village guesthouse. Learn about the intricate art of shell-money making and wood carving from master craftsmen. Kayak through the calm, turquoise waters, exploring hidden coves and traditional villages. It’s a place to truly disconnect and immerse yourself.

5. Munda & New Georgia: Wrecks and Rainforests

Munda is another key hub in the Western Province, offering access to some of the country’s best WWII wrecks and lush inland jungles. It’s less developed than Gizo, offering a more rugged and remote experience.

Must-Do around Munda: Dive the USS Aaron Ward, a destroyer sitting in 70 meters of water, its deck accessible to advanced divers. Explore the Roviana Lagoon and its ancient stone shrines and skull islands, which speak to the region’s headhunting past. Take a guided trek into the interior to see massive megapode birds and hidden waterfalls.

An Epic List of Things To Do in the Solomon Islands

Your journey through the Solomons is defined by immersive, hands-on experiences. Here is your adventure checklist.

1. Dive into the “Iron Bottom Sound”

This is the holy grail for wreck divers. The seabed between Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands is a vast, underwater museum. You can explore everything from fighter planes to massive troop transports and battleships. The marine life that now calls these wrecks home—soft corals, schools of fish, and resident sharks—adds a poignant layer of beauty to the tragedy.

2. Immerse Yourself in a Village Homestay

The single most rewarding thing you can do in the Solomon Islands is to stay in a village. This isn’t a curated cultural performance; it’s real life. You’ll sleep in a leaf-thatched hut, share meals of fish and root vegetables, learn a few words of Pijin, and witness the strength of community (wantok system). It’s a humbling and heartwarming experience that will be the highlight of your trip.

3. Witness the Art of Shell-Money Making

In Langa Langa Lagoon (Malaita) and Marovo Lagoon, the ancient tradition of creating shell money is still practiced. This isn’t for tourists; it’s a legitimate and highly valued currency used for bride price, compensation, and other important cultural transactions. Watching artisans painstakingly grind, polish, and string tiny shells into beautiful coils is a mesmerizing window into a functioning traditional economy.

4. Kayak Through a Paradise Lagoon

The calm, protected waters of places like Marovo Lagoon are a kayaker’s dream. Paddle from one idyllic island to the next, stopping to snorkel on pristine reefs, picnic on deserted beaches, and be welcomed into villages that see few outsiders. It’s the ultimate way to travel at your own pace and discover your own private slice of paradise.

5. Walk in JFK’s Footsteps on Kennedy Island

Just a 10-minute boat ride from Gizo, this tiny, uninhabited islet is a must-visit. Now officially named Kennedy Island, it’s a beautiful spot for a swim and a powerful historical marker. Stand on the shore and imagine the future president and his crew stranded here, a story that would captivate the world and shape a political dynasty.

6. Explore Skull Islands and Ancestral Shrines

The Western Province is dotted with small, sacred islands that hold the remains of ancestors. While the practice of headhunting ended long ago, these sites are treated with deep respect. Visiting with a knowledgeable local guide offers a fascinating, if slightly eerie, insight into the spiritual beliefs and warrior traditions of the Roviana people.

7. Fish with the Locals

Fishing isn’t a sport here; it’s a way of life. Join local fishermen in their wooden canoes and learn their techniques. You might troll for giant trevally, hand-line for reef fish, or even go night spearfishing. The knowledge passed down through generations is immense, and the camaraderie is unforgettable.

8. Trek to a Hidden Waterfall

Beyond the coast, the islands are covered in dense, tropical jungle. Take a guided trek from a village like Munda or on Guadalcanal to discover cascading waterfalls and deep, swimmable pools. The sounds of the jungle—birds, insects, and rustling leaves—are a world away from the quiet of the lagoon.

9. Attend a Traditional “Feast and Dance”

If you have the opportunity, don’t miss a traditional feast. Villages will prepare a magnificent spread of local food—often cooked in an umu (earth oven)—and perform dances that tell stories of ancestors, spirits, and daily life. The rhythmic drumming, vibrant grass skirts, and powerful chanting are incredibly energizing.

10. Simply Unplug and Listen

The greatest luxury in the Solomon Islands is the profound silence and the rhythm of nature. There is no better thing to do than to find a quiet spot, put away your phone, and just listen. Listen to the waves on the reef, the wind in the palm trees, the laughter of children in a village, and the stories shared by elders. This is the soul of the islands.

Practical Tips for Your Solomon Islands Adventure

Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to October) offers the best weather for diving and travel. The wet season (November to March) is hotter, more humid, and prone to heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans.
Getting Around: This is an adventure in itself. Solomon Airlines provides essential domestic flights between main hubs. For shorter distances, public motorized canoes (PMVs) and passenger ferries are the way to go. Be prepared for schedules to be “flexible.”
Currency & Costs: The Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) is the local currency. Cash is king, especially in the provinces. While Honiara has a few ATMs, do not rely on them once you leave. Bring enough cash for your entire trip. Costs for tours, diving, and transport can be high due to logistical challenges.
Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly when in villages (covering shoulders and knees). Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. A small gift for a village chief (like kwaso, or tobacco) is a respectful gesture when visiting.
Health & Safety: Malaria is present throughout the country, so prophylaxis and strong insect repellent are essential. Drink only bottled or boiled water. While the people are famously friendly, take standard precautions with your belongings in Honiara.

Your Solomon Islands Story Awaits

The Solomon Islands will not hand you a pre-packaged vacation. It will challenge you, move you, and change you. It’s a destination for the curious, the respectful, and the adventurous. It’s for those who understand that the most beautiful places are often the ones that require a little more effort to reach.

This is a journey that will leave you not just with photographs, but with a deeper understanding of history, culture, and the enduring power of community. The best places to visit in the Solomon Islands are calling, and the list of things to do is your invitation to one of the last true frontiers in the Pacific.

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Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Solomon Islands [Updated-2026]

The Last Unknown: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in the Solomon Islands

The Archipelago’s All-Stars: Key Islands & Regions

1. Guadalcanal: The Historical Heart

2. The Florida Islands & Tulagi: A Dual History

3. Gizo & the Western Province: The Adventure Capital

4. Marovo Lagoon: The World’s Largest Saltwater Lagoon

5. Munda & New Georgia: Wrecks and Rainforests

An Epic List of Things To Do in the Solomon Islands

1. Dive into the “Iron Bottom Sound”

2. Immerse Yourself in a Village Homestay

3. Witness the Art of Shell-Money Making

4. Kayak Through a Paradise Lagoon

5. Walk in JFK’s Footsteps on Kennedy Island

6. Explore Skull Islands and Ancestral Shrines

7. Fish with the Locals

8. Trek to a Hidden Waterfall

9. Attend a Traditional “Feast and Dance”

10. Simply Unplug and Listen

Practical Tips for Your Solomon Islands Adventure

Your Solomon Islands Story Awaits

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