What to see in Solomon Islands: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Solomon Islands: 10 must-see destinations, from Honiara to Matsumoto Beach. Predominantly beach and city; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(7)
Admire the World War II remains that still emerge from the sand of this Guadalcanal beach, the scene of one of the Pacific's fiercest battles. Snorkel over the coral growing beside the war relics, stroll along the fine-sand shore, and swim in its clear waters. Here military history and the reef share the same stretch of coast—something few beaches in the world can offer.
Walk across Vilu's sand to the water and you'll find World War II aircraft remains just a few meters from the shore, covered in coral and surrounded by fish. Snorkel over these submerged relics on the reef of Vilu Cove, in Guadalcanal, where the water's clarity lets you see the metal structures clearly. Stroll along the shore and pair a swim with an open-air history lesson, on a coast where the Pacific War left traces that now coexist with marine life.
Dive into Gizo, the second-largest city in the Solomon Islands and capital of Western Province, where wreck diving from World War II coexists with fresh-fish markets by the pier. Swim to nearby Kennedy Island, where the future U.S. president was shipwrecked in 1943, or explore coral reefs just minutes away by boat. In the afternoon, walk down the main street past betel shops and try the catch of the day as boats arrive from neighboring islands.
Explore Lata Beach, in Santa Cruz, where fine sand blends with World War II remains that still peek out beside the shore. Snorkel over the nearby coral and walk the coastline as you take in the historic vestiges left in this area. From here you can organize trips to reefs, volcanic islands, and communities in the country's far east, making Lata a good base for exploring that part of the Solomon Islands. The clear water invites a swim and hours by the sea, alternating rest with exploring the coastal surroundings.
Stop at Sa'a Beach, in Guadalcanal, and walk its fine-sand shore with hardly any visitors around. Snorkel over the reefs near the coast, where corals are clearly visible thanks to the transparent water. Find shade under the palms, listen to the surf of the Solomons, and gaze out at a horizon free of buildings. Here the plan is simply to swim, breathe, and watch the hours pass by the sea.
Step into the water from the white sand of Togotogu, on Guadalcanal, and swim among the coral reefs just a few meters from shore. Tropical fish come close as soon as you stop beneath the surface. Walk along a beach with no buildings, where all you hear are the waves. Local fishermen head out to sea in canoes at dawn. End the day resting under the coconut palms as the sun sets over the strait.
Follow the coast of Guadalcanal to Adori Beach, a stretch of fine sand that sees few visitors. Put on your mask and snorkel over the corals in crystal-clear water, where colorful fish swim at shallow depths. Afterwards, walk along the shore, listen to the breaking waves, and watch how the locals keep their traditions alive by the sea. Here, swimming, resting under the palms, and direct contact with nature come together without crowds or rush.
City(1)
Step into Honiara and explore the capital of the Solomon Islands, on Guadalcanal's north coast. Stroll through the Central Market, where fish, betel nut, and ebony carvings are sold, and visit Parliament House next to Holy Cross Cathedral. A few kilometers away you'll find the World War II battlefields: Bloody Ridge, the American cemetery, and the Japanese memorial. Swim at the Point Cruz beaches or over the sunken wrecks of Bonegi, and end the day trying fish with taro at the harbor stalls.
Natural Heritage(1)
Make your way to East Rennell, the Solomon Islands' first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here stretches Lake Tegano, the largest raised lake in the Pacific, a former marine lagoon surrounded by dense forest covering the island. Walk through its thick vegetation and listen for the endemic birds found only in this corner of Rennell, while the lake's dark green water mirrors the fossilized coral cliffs that enclose it.
Natural(1)
Visit the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific: 118 km² of primary rainforest that its indigenous owners chose to preserve intact rather than log. Stay in the community ecolodge run by local operators, wake to coconut palms and the songs of endemic birds, and dive on reefs where sharks and turtles swim, having seen no diver in days. This is ecotourism at its purest and best managed in the Solomons.
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