Explore beyond Honiara in Guadalcanal

With well-preserved WWII relics along the northern coast, beautiful beaches, and remote retreats, Guadalcanal also offers fantastic diving at Iron Bottom Sound, the famous undersea graveyard where dozen of WWII wrecks have lain since 1942. Just off the northern coast, the island has the genuine look of a lost world. The hills behind the capital consist of a mighty mountain range rising to 2400m remains untamed and raw with a tropical rainforest climate.

War and History

The Guadalcanal campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal began on 07 August 1942 and lasted until February 1943. It was the first major land offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan and during those seven months, 60,000 US Marines killed more than 20,000 of the 31,000 Japanese troops on the Island, a tremendous loss on all sides. The major objective of the fighting was a tiny airstrip the Japanese were building at the western end of Guadalcanal. The airstrip, later named Henderson Field, would become an important launching point for the Allied air attacks during the Pacific Island-hopping campaign.

Things to do

World War II Tours

There are many battle sites and relics of the war found in and around Honiara. Places of interest to visit include  Bonegi Beach, Henderson Airfield, Vilu Museum, Red Beach, and Betikama Museum.

Birdwatching

The major birding site of Mount Austen is just a 45-minute drive outside Honiara. A morning here can be very rewarding with sightings of Solomons Cockatoo, Yellow-bibbed Lory, Cardinal Lory, Buff-headed Coucal, perhaps Guadalcanal (Woodford’s) Rail, and Claret-breasted Fruit Dove. Mackinlay’s Cuckoo dove, Ultramarine Kingfisher, Brown-winged Starling, Long-tailed Myna, Chestnut-bellied Monarch, Cockerell’s Fantail, and Midget Flowerpeckers can also be seen with luck.

The Botanic Gardens in the main town are also worth a look - Duchess Lorikeet and Black-headed Myzomela are two of the more common species to be seen.

The Betikama Wetlands are also rich in birdlife and well worth a look.

Diving

There is a number of dive sites along the western part of Guadalcanal, including the famous WWII sites at Iron Bottom Sound and Bonegi Beach. Local dive operator Tulagi Dive is very experienced with all dive sites and the best ‘go-to organisation for divers looking to explore Guadalcanal’s underwater world.

Fishing

Local guides can be arranged fishing trips around Marau Sound in eastern Guadalcanal and good fishing spots can also be found around the river estuaries of north-western Guadalcanal

Surfing

Surfable waves can be found at the western end of Guadalcanal. It needs a two-hour, 40-minute drive from Honiara but is worth the journey during the wave season. Olotsara Retreat organises surfing tours – ask Tourism Solomons for more information.

Treks and Adventure

If a waterfall fan, there are a number of inland treks that will take you to the best cascades in Guadalcanal -  Matanikau cascade, Tenaru Falls, and Barana Waterfalls. Note a local guide is essential for such trips. These can be arranged through local villages or with assistance from the Tourism Solomons office in Honiara.

Events & Festivals

Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day

The Second Appointed Day marks the establishment of the local Provincial Government for Guadalcanal Province and is celebrated with an annual public holiday celebrated with sports, speeches, and processions.

Guadalcanal Weaving Festival

Part of the Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day festivities and an excellent opportunity to engage with Guadalcanal culture and an event featuring demonstrations of traditional weaving from all over the province, the annual  Guadalcanal Weaving Festival attracts hundreds of locals and visitors alike keen to engage with Guadalcanal’s culture.  and discover more about the lifestyle, history and rich culture of the Guadalcanal people, an element that shapes their way of life.

Where to Stay

There are various accommodations types on offer in Guadalcanal with options ranging from resorts, guest houses, budget lodges, bungalows right through to the hotels of the capital including the Pacific Casino Hotel, the Heritage Park Hotel, the King Solomon Hotel, the Honiara Hotel, the Solomon Kitano Hotel and the recently opened Coral Sea Resort & Casino in the heart of town.

Tavanipupu Wellness & Spa Retreat is located in Marau Sound, the eastern part of Guadalcanal Province. A privately owned 5-star island resort in the South Pacific. Only 25 minutes east by plane from the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara.  Another resort nearby, Milk Fish Resort is located at Marapa Island that offers 2 en-suite bungalows.

Food and Drinks

These days there is a surprising variety in good quality restaurants and cafes in and around Honiara with many catering to ex-pats.

• Central Market, located on the main road, is a great source of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fish and chips, as well as uncooked fish, are sold there.
• The Lime Lounge is located along Commonwealth Street serving coffee, cakes, burgers, and sandwiches.

• The Taj Mahal (Located downtown). Has good Indian and Sri Lankan food
• Point Cruz Yacht Club. The favored hangout of ex-pats in Honiara, the yacht club has a variety of simple and inexpensive meals available nightly.
• Palm Sugar (located at the Art Gallery) offers great coffee, burgers, soup, and many more
• Other suggestions include Heritage Park Hotel- Hadyns, IBS Restaurants, Garden Bar & Restaurants ( Pacific Casino), Coral Sea, Break Water, and Mambo Juice Bar. 

Getting around

Local motorised canoes travel from Marau Sound along the weather coast to Honiara. There are irregular shipping services from Honiara to Marau Sound. MV Haura shipping runs weekly to Marau Station. Some buses services operate from Honiara to the Eastern (GPPOL 3) and western (Lambi) of Guadalcanal Province.

Travelling around Guadalcanal Province is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an insight into a way of life that had remained unchanged across the years. Come explore Guadalcanal Province.