Honiara with Children

October 31, 2026

Honiara is a working capital rather than a resort, and the choice of child-friendly outings is short. What exists is a small museum, a run-down botanic garden, a busy market and, for confident swimmers with an adult, shallow snorkelling at one wreck. Costs are in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD).

National Museum

The National Museum on Mendana Avenue is a single room. Displays cover dance, shell currency, weapons and archaeology, which suits a short visit with older children. A 2016 listing gave weekday hours of about 9:00 to 16:30 plus Saturday morning, with entry free against a donation. Hours and any fee may have changed, so check ahead.

Honiara Botanic Gardens

The gardens at Rove cover about 19 hectares and hold many Solomon orchids, with the Rove River running through. They were founded in 1965 and are run down today, so lower your expectations. Keep children away from the river banks, since crocodiles live in Solomon Islands rivers. Check the entry fee at the gate.

Central Market

Children usually enjoy the colour of the produce and fish stalls on the waterfront. It opens Monday to Saturday, roughly 6:00 to 18:00, and is closed on Sunday. The market is crowded, and bag-snatching is reported, so keep hold of children and bags and visit in the morning.

Snorkelling at Bonegi

About 12 km west of town, the Kinugawa Maru lies in shallow water, partly above the surface. It suits confident swimmers who are with an adult, with reef shoes and life vests for everyone. A small cash kastom fee is paid to the landowners, so ask your hotel or guide. Do not expect lifeguards, so an adult must stay within arm’s reach.

Crocodiles and sharks are common along the coast, and large crocodiles have been seen offshore at beaches near Honiara. Keep to the wreck area your guide recommends and leave the water at any warning.

Remembrance sites

The war memorials around Honiara are places of remembrance, and unexploded munitions lie around the old battlefields. Visit them quietly if at all, and tell children never to pick up or touch metal objects, shells or rusted debris.

Health and comfort

Malaria, dengue and Zika are present, so use repellent, cover arms and legs at dusk and see a doctor about malaria tablets well before you fly. Healthcare is basic. Dress modestly in public: Honiara is strongly Christian and shoulders and knees should be covered. Take plenty of water and sun protection.

Getting around

Minibuses are informal and crowded, and taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first. A taxi for the day is easier with small children. The UK government health page lists vaccine and mosquito advice for families.

Booking

Family-friendly tours and transfers can be searched on GetYourGuide . Safety information is on the UK government safety page .