Overview
Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, sits on the north coast of Guadalcanal, looking out over the historic waters of Iron Bottom Sound. It is a compact, lively city and the gateway to one of the South Pacific's least-visited archipelagos, a place of wartime history, world-class wreck diving and genuinely warm hospitality. For UK travellers it is a long haul, but a rewarding one for divers, historians and anyone seeking islands well off the tourist trail. Use the price charts on this page to see how current fares are moving before you book.
Best time to fly to Honiara
The Solomon Islands has a tropical climate that stays warm and humid all year, with daytime temperatures usually in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius. The drier, more comfortable season runs roughly from May to October, and this is the most popular window for diving and hiking. The wetter months from November to April bring heavier rain and a cyclone risk, particularly between January and April. Fares can soften during the wet-season shoulder, so check the When to book chart above to compare months.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Honiara, and every routing involves at least two stops. The most common path is to fly to Brisbane with a long-haul carrier such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines or British Airways, then connect to Honiara on Solomon Airlines or Virgin Australia, a hop of around three hours. An alternative runs via Nadi in Fiji with Fiji Airways, which also serves Honiara. Realistically, expect total journey times of about 30 to 38 hours from London including connections, and a little longer from Manchester, where you will usually route through a Gulf or Asian hub first.
Things to do in Honiara
Honiara rewards curious travellers with Second World War history and easy access to reef and rainforest.
- Honiara Central Market: The city's colourful hub for tropical produce, fresh fish and island crafts.
- Guadalcanal American Memorial: A hilltop monument with sweeping views, commemorating the 1942 to 1943 Guadalcanal Campaign.
- Vilu War Museum: An open-air collection of aircraft wrecks, guns and relics west of the city.
- Solomon Islands National Museum: A compact introduction to the country's cultures, languages and history.
- Bonegi Beach: Shore-accessible Japanese shipwrecks that make for superb snorkelling and diving.
At Henderson International Airport (HIR)
Honiara's Henderson International Airport lies about 11km (7 miles) east of the city centre, a drive of roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Most visitors take a taxi, agreeing the fare before setting off as meters are rare, or arrange a pick-up through their hotel, which is the easiest option after a long flight. Local minibuses run along the main coastal road for a few coins but have limited luggage space. There are no trains.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Honiara
- Book early: Long-haul Pacific seats are limited, so aim to reserve three to six months ahead, especially for the May to October dry season.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures from the UK are often cheaper and quieter than weekend flights.
- Stay flexible: Shifting your dates by a few days, or travelling in the wet-season shoulder, can noticeably lower fares, so use the flexible-date and price charts on this page.
- Compare hubs: Prices routed via Brisbane and via Nadi can differ significantly for the same trip, so check both.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa in advance: a visitor's permit is issued free on arrival for tourism, normally for up to three months, provided you hold a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar, and you should carry cash, as card acceptance is limited outside larger Honiara hotels and ATMs can be unreliable. Malaria is present throughout the country, so speak to a travel clinic about antimalarials and mosquito precautions, and check the latest FCDO advice before you travel.
