Walking in Central Honiara

October 31, 2026

Honiara is not a strolling city. It is a ribbon of road along the north coast of Guadalcanal, and the sights are spread out. A short daytime walk in the centre is possible, and the serious walking is on guided treks. Here is what exists, and what to keep in mind before you set out on foot.

A short loop in the centre

A short walk in daylight can link the National Museum on Mendana Avenue, the Point Cruz waterfront, the Honiara Central Market and the Parliament building. The museum is a single room. The market is open Monday to Saturday, roughly 6:00 to 18:00, and closed Sunday. The Parliament is a US-funded building with a conical concrete roof, and you can look at it from outside.

Treat the loop as self-guided and keep it short.

Staying safe on foot

The UK government flags the central market for robbery and bag-snatching and advises staying alert and avoiding walking at night. Leave jewellery at the hotel, keep a phone out of sight and carry only small notes. If you are unsure, ask your hotel for a local guide or take a taxi between stops. Demonstrations can break out when parliament sits and can turn violent quickly, so leave any gathering at once.

Dress conservatively: Honiara is strongly Christian, and shoulders and knees should be covered. Heat and humidity are high, so carry water.

Skyline Drive

The Guadalcanal American Memorial on Skyline Ridge is reached by taxi or car. Visit it quietly. It is a place of remembrance, with views over the town and Iron Bottom Sound. There is no signed trail linking it to other sights.

Honiara Botanic Gardens

The gardens are at Rove, about 2 km west of the centre off the Tandai Highway, behind Rove Prison. They cover about 19 hectares and hold Solomon orchids, with the Rove River running through. They are run down, so go in daylight. Crocodiles live in Solomon Islands rivers, so keep away from the water.

Guided treks

The real hikes are guided. Mataniko Falls is reached from near Lili village behind New Chinatown, and Lonely Planet says a guide from Lelei is needed, arranged through the Honiara tourist office. Sources put the walk at 1 to 2 hours, with river crossings and a flash-flood risk after rain. Tenaru Falls is a trek along a river with around a dozen crossings, and guides wait at Tenaru village. Savo Island treks to the hot springs and steam vents also need a local guide. Land is customary, so ask your guide about the cash kastom fee.

Unexploded weapons remain around the old battlefields and ridges, so stay on the track and never touch rusted metal.

Booking

Guided walks and treks can be compared on GetYourGuide . Safety information is on the UK government safety page .