🇸🇧 Solomon Islands

WWII wrecks and untouched reef lagoons

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Honiara — Capital on Guadalcanal

National Museum Museum

Canoes, shell money and WWII relics of the archipelago's many peoples.

Best time: Year-round — An indoor museum rewarding in any season.

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Henderson Field WWII site

The airfield whose 1942 battle turned the tide of the Pacific War.

Best time: May–Sep — Drier months are best for the battle sites.

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Vilu War Museum WWII site

An open-air field of rusting wartime planes and guns west of the city.

Best time: May–Sep — The dry season is best for the outdoor relics.

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Mataniko Falls Waterfall

A jungle waterfall dropping into caves in the hills above town.

Best time: May–Sep — Drier months keep the forest trail safe.

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American War Memorial Memorial

Monument honoring American servicemen lost during Guadalcanal campaign operations.

Best time: Year-round — Significant war memorial commemorating Pacific theater sacrifice.

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Guadalcanal — Island of the 1942 campaign

Bloody Ridge WWII site

The grassy ridge of the desperate 1942 'Edson's Ridge' battle.

Best time: May–Sep — The dry season is best for the ridge trails.

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Iron Bottom Sound Dive site

A channel strewn with dozens of warships sunk in the naval battles.

Best time: May–Sep — Calm dry-season seas are best for the wreck dives.

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Tenaru Falls Waterfall

A powerful waterfall and pool deep in the rainforest interior.

Best time: May–Sep — Drier months keep the jungle trail passable.

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Tavanipupu Island Island

A pristine palm-and-reef island retreat off the eastern coast.

Best time: May–Sep — Dry-season calm is best for the island crossing.

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Japanese War Cemetery Memorial

Solemn cemetery honoring Japanese soldiers killed in Guadalcanal operations.

Best time: Year-round — Important historical site preserving memory of all combatants.

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Western Province — Lagoons of Marovo and Gizo

Marovo Lagoon Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon, ringed by a double barrier reef.

Best time: May–Sep — The dry season gives calm water for the lagoon.

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Kennedy Island Island

A tiny reef islet where the shipwrecked young JFK swam ashore in 1943.

Best time: May–Sep — Dry-season calm is best for the boat and snorkelling.

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Gizo Village

A small island port, hub for diving the reefs and wrecks of the west.

Best time: May–Sep — Drier months suit the town and dive boats.

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Kolombangara Volcano

A near-perfect rainforest volcano cone rising from the sea.

Best time: May–Sep — The dry season is best for the forest climb.

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Vonavona Lagoon Resort Reefs Beach

Pristine lagoon diving and snorkeling destination with vibrant coral ecosystems.

Best time: May–Oct — World-class reef diving and marine biodiversity in remote tropical setting.

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Gizo — Remote atolls and tropical paradise

Skull Island Historic Site

A sacred island with tribal history featuring caves, ancient skull displays, and cultural significance.

Best time: May–Nov — Skull Island preserves unique Solomon Islands tribal traditions and offers fascinating cultural insight.

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Tetepare Island Nature Reserve

A pristine uninhabited island protected as a wildlife sanctuary with pristine beaches and tropical forests.

Best time: May–Nov — Tetepare offers untouched natural beauty and exclusive access to pristine Solomon Islands ecosystems.

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Gizo Dive Sites Diving Site

Multiple world-class coral reef diving sites with WWII wrecks, colorful coral, and abundant marine life.

Best time: May–Nov — Gizo's dive sites combine pristine coral reefs with WWII history and some of the Pacific's best diving.

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Nusa Island Lagoon Lagoon

A sheltered turquoise lagoon perfect for snorkeling with tropical fish, coral gardens, and island villages.

Best time: May–Nov — The lagoon offers accessible snorkeling with vibrant marine life and authentic village interactions.

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Gizo Cultural Experience Village Cultural Site

A traditional village showcase where visitors learn about local customs, crafts, and authentic island life.

Best time: Year-round — The village provides authentic Solomon Islands cultural immersion and traditional craft demonstrations.

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Auki — Malaita's provincial hub with authentic island culture

Auki Market Market

The main market of Malaita showcasing local crafts, fish, and tropical produce.

Best time: Year-round — Daily authentic cultural marketplace and commerce hub.

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Langa Langa Lagoon Natural Wonder

A scenic lagoon with traditional artificial islands and settlement areas.

Best time: May to October — Dry season provides calm water for exploring the lagoon.

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Baelelea Beach Beach

A pristine beach near Auki with white sand and swimming opportunities.

Best time: May to October — Dry season ensures safe and pleasant beach conditions.

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Malaita Cultural Museum Museum

A museum preserving traditional crafts, weapons, and cultural artifacts of Malaita.

Best time: Year-round — Indoor cultural institution available year-round.

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Malaita Dive Sites Natural Wonder

Excellent diving locations with healthy coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Best time: May to October — Dry season offers calm seas and best visibility.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Solomon Islands?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, National Museum is best around Year-round. Solomon Islands has 5 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Solomon Islands?

Roughly 90% of people speak English. The main language is English.

How strong is the Solomon Islands passport?

The Solomon Islands passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 130 destinations.

Is Solomon Islands expensive to travel in?

This page lists real traveller costs for Solomon Islands — accommodation, food, transport, plus education, medical, insurance and connectivity — so you can budget before you go.

What is there to do in Solomon Islands?

National Museum, Henderson Field, Vilu War Museum, Mataniko Falls, American War Memorial, Bloody Ridge — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.