Day Trips from Honiara

October 31, 2026

Three trips work as a single day from Honiara: Tulagi across Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island, and Tenaru Falls in the foothills. All three depend on boats, guides or customary land, so arrange them ahead and carry small cash in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) for fees and fares.

Tulagi, Florida Islands

Tulagi was the capital of the British protectorate before the war. Boat reviewers put the crossing at about 1 hour, while older Lonely Planet material says up to 2 hours with a boat twice a week and a one-way fare around SBD 200. A fast boat sometimes called the Tulagi Express is reported at about SBD 250. Fares change, so confirm the day before. There is no bus, because the crossing is by sea.

Raiders Hotel & Dive sits on the waterfront and is the usual base. Unexploded weapons remain on Tulagi, and the UK government names the island in its warnings, so stay on tracks and never touch metal on the ground.

Savo Island

Savo lies 30 to 60 minutes by boat, depending on the source and the departure point. Boats leave from Honiara or from Vila village on the west coast. The island is known for megapode egg fields at Panueli, hot springs and steam vents. The volcano is described as dormant. A local guide is essential for the springs and for any climb. A 2019 tourism listing gave about SBD 400 return per person, which will be higher now, so ask at the visitor bureau.

Tenaru Falls

The waterfall is about 60 to 63 m high, depending on the measurement. The trail follows the river with around a dozen crossings, and guides wait at Tenaru village. Villages disagree over who may charge the kastom fee, so settle the amount in advance and in cash. Logging near the site has been reported. The falls are not a family swimming pool, and anyone entering the water should do so only on the guide’s say-so. Do not go after rain, since the river rises fast.

Not day trips

Gizo, Munda and Tetepare are in Western Province. They need a flight on Solomon Airlines and belong in a separate multi-day trip.

Staying safe on the road

Crocodiles, both fresh and saltwater, and sharks are common, and large crocodiles have been seen offshore at beaches near Honiara. Do not swim at river mouths, estuaries or mangrove channels. Theft is a risk around the central market and local beaches. Take particular care at White River, Lungga Bridge, Sun Valley, Mataniko Bridge, Burns Creek and Henderson. The UK government safety advice has the full list.

Booking

Island and waterfall excursions can be compared on Viator . Health precautions are on the UK government health page .