Guadalcanal Island Travel Guide

The largest of the Solomon Islands and the site of the capital city Honiara, Guadalcanal should be the first port of call for foreign visitors to the pristine archipelago. First 'discovered' by European navigators in 1568, the island enjoyed a relatively quiet and peaceful history until World War II, when fierce fighting between Allied and Japanese troops broke out. Since then, despite suffering severe tsunami damage in 2007, life on Guadalcanal has returned to its relaxed and peaceful pace, as the vast majority of its 90,000-strong population continue to make ends meet through subsistence fishing and farming practices.

Guadalcanal Island is either home or provides easy access to most of the Solomon Islands' best tourist attractions. The moving US and Japanese Peace Memorials are worth visiting, especially for those interested in historical sites, while several old battlefields such as Red Beach, Alligator Creek and Bloody Ridge can also be visited for a sobering reminder of the devastation wrought on the island during WWII. It is possible to make a few exciting excursions from Guadalcanal. The best of these are to the Tenaru Falls, a lovely waterfall complex that is reached after a long walk through dense tropical forest; Skull Island, where mounds of human skulls (the relics of head-hunting raids) are proudly displayed; and Kwaio Island, where visitors will be allowed to observe a community that has rejected modern life, choosing instead to live by the traditions of their ancestors.

Seashell jewellery is a popular Solomon Islands souvenir, and tourists can either visit the folk art enclave of Betikama to watch its production or else simply visit the Honiara Central Market to pick some up. The Central Market is the best place to shop in the Solomon Islands, largely consisting of stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, and an incredible selection of fish and seafood.

However, the Solomon Islands's greatest tourist attraction remains the diving and snorkelling opportunities available to visitors. The area off the coast of Honiara is known as Iron Bottom Sound, and tourists will have the unique chance to dive among sunken transport ships, submarines and even fighter planes. For those seeking a luxurious getaway, the nearby beach resort of Uepi Island is the archipelago's most lavish, and provides drop-off diving sites that rival the very best in the world.

There is a lot to see and do on Guadalcanal. Tourists seeking an idyllic island getaway free from tourist traps and modernisation should seriously consider a trip to this rarest of holiday destinations.

Things to do in Guadalcanal Island

Solomon Islands travel info

Electricity

Electrical current in the Solomon Islands is 230 volts, 50Hz. The most commonly used plug is the three-prong Australian plug.

Language

English is the official language.

Money

The local currency is Solomon Islands dollar (SBD). International credit cards are accepted at hotels and resorts in major centres; ATMs are available in Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki.

Tipping

Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected, though a standard 10 to 15 percent would be appreciated. Rounding up taxi fare is common practice.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers to the Solomon Islands arriving from an infected area, while the territory has in the past few years been subject to outbreaks of dengue fever and rubella. A measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is also recommended, as is a typhoid vaccine. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Medical facilities are very limited so travellers should pack a personal medical kit and bring adequate supplies of all medications. Should a doctor be needed, the main facility is the Central Hospital and National Referral Hospital in Honiara. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for travellers.

Safety

Visitors should keep their money and phones secure at all times, and avoid being alone in remote places, as there have been reports of robberies involving violence, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing, distraction thefts and harassment, particularly around the central market and local beaches. Demonstrations can turn violent, so it's best to avoid protests and political gatherings.

Local customs

Local culture in the Solomon Islands is relaxed but traditional, and it's important to show respect for older people, especially in rural areas. Girls should avoid showing friendliness to strangers of the opposite sex when accompanied by their relatives; guests will be expected to eat first if invited into a local's home. While informal dress, including shorts, is acceptable, visitors should avoid wearing beachwear off the beach.

Doing business

Meetings can seem informal as jackets and ties aren't necessary, and 'island time' can mean that colleagues may not show for appointments, or that meetings can be arranged at short notice. Banking hours are 8.30am or 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday; commercial hours tend to run from 7.30am to midday, and from 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday, as well as Saturday mornings.

Duty free

Travellers to the Solomon Islands age 18 and older may import 200 cigarettes, 250g of cigars or 225g of tobacco, two litres liquor, and other goods valued to SBD 3000 duty-free. Offensive weapons, pictures, and literature are prohibited.

Communications

The international access code for the Solomon Islands is +677. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available at hotels and restaurants.

Passport & Visa

Visitors are required to hold return or onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.

UK citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.

Canadian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.

Australian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.

A visa and passport is required.

Irish citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.

A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months if travellers are visiting from New Zealand.

Useful contacts

988 (fire and rescue services), 111 (medical emergencies), 999 (police).

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Solomon Islands High Commission, New York, United States: (212) 599 6192

Solomon High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6282 7030

Solomon Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 255 5535

Embassies / consulates in Solomon Islands

Australian High Commission, Honiara, Solomon Islands (also responsible for Canada): +677 21 561

New Zealand High Comission, Honiara, Solomon Islands: +677 21 502