Things to Do in Honiara

October 31, 2026

Honiara is the capital of Solomon Islands, a ribbon of a town along the north coast of Guadalcanal, facing Savo Island and the Florida Islands across Iron Bottom Sound. Most sights lie along one main road, and prices are in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD). The land is customary, so trails and beaches around town ask for a small cash kastom fee: ask your guide or hotel what applies.

Bonegi wrecks

About 12 km west of Honiara on the west coast road, two Japanese transports were beached off Bonegi in November 1942. Both can be reached from the shore. The Kinugawa Maru is the shallower wreck, partly above water, and it is the one snorkelers visit. The Hirokawa Maru lies deeper, with one listing giving 5 to 50 m, which makes it a diving site. Sources swap the labels Bonegi 1 and Bonegi 2, so ask for each ship by name.

Wear reef shoes and expect to pay the kastom fee in cash. Crocodiles have been seen offshore at beaches near Honiara, so ask local people about conditions before you enter the water. The only hyperbaric recompression chamber in Honiara is out of service after earthquake damage, so divers should ask their operator what emergency arrangements exist. Both ships are war graves and deserve a quiet, respectful visit.

Honiara Central Market

The market stands on the waterfront and trades Monday to Saturday, roughly 6:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Sunday. You will find produce, fish, betel nut and crafts. Bag-snatching and theft happen around the market, so go in daylight, keep valuables out of sight and carry small notes.

Mataniko Falls

The falls can only be visited on a guided trek. Lonely Planet says a guide from Lelei is needed, and the Honiara tourist office can arrange one. The trailhead is near Lili village behind New Chinatown, and sources put the walk at 1 to 2 hours. The land is customary and a kastom fee may apply. There are river crossings and a flash-flood risk, so do not go after rain. The Mataniko Bridge area is one of the places where the UK government advises particular care.

Betikama SDA Mission

Near Henderson, the mission keeps a small museum of salvaged wartime aircraft pieces, mostly American, and two Japanese anti-tank guns. Visitors on cruise stops have watched carving demonstrations. The Henderson area is flagged for crime, so travel by taxi and do not linger with a phone or camera in hand.

Honiara Botanic Gardens

The gardens are at Rove, about 2 km west of the centre off the Tandai Highway, behind Rove Prison. They were founded in 1965, cover about 19 hectares and hold many Solomon orchids, with the Rove River running through. The grounds are run down, and a master plan dates from 2023. Check the entry fee at the gate.

Before you go

Honiara is strongly Christian, so dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered. Malaria, dengue and Zika are present, so take mosquito protection. Minibuses and unmetered taxis serve the town, and you should agree a fare before you set off. Demonstrations during parliament sittings can turn violent quickly, so avoid crowds. Never touch rusted metal or anything that looks like a munition, because unexploded weapons remain around the old battlefields. Current official guidance is on the UK government travel advice .

Booking

Guided day tours can be compared on GetYourGuide . Health advice is on the UK government health page .