Honiara, Guadalcanal Province
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Where is Honiara located?
Honiara is located on the North Western coast of Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands. The city is served by Honiara International Airport and the sea port of Point Cruz, and lies along the Kukum Highway. Honiara has a harbour from which ferries depart to the different provinces. Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands. It is the main tourism base for the Solomon Islands and the city offers something for everyone - history buffs, nature lovers, shoppers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Henderson Airport (HIR)
Guadalcanal
Airbus A320 (A320), Dash 8 (DH8-102), Twin otter (DH6)
Transfers to and from Honiara Airport are available through hoteliers. Henderson Airport, serving Honiara, is 10 kilometres from the city.
The population of Honiara is approximately 63,311 (2010 census estimate)
Industries in Honiara include beverage factories, sheet steel, tobacco factory, timber export, fish export, logging, and copra export.
National Referral Hospital Phone: (+677) 23 600
Royal Solomon Islands Police headquarters Phone: (+677) 23800 / 25122
The city lies on the Kukum Highway and is served by Honiara International Airport. Transport options include private cars, taxis and buses. Taxis are plentiful and can be stopped on the street or ordered by phone: Kings Taxi 27 888, or Professional Taxi 28 777.
No shortage of Taxi's in Honiara, they can be stopped randomly on the street or called via phone. Kings Taxi 27888, Professional Taxi 28777.
ADSL Broadband and Internet dial-up services are available in Honiara.
Mobile phones and Solomon Telekom SIM cards are accessible and available from Telekom Sales offices in Honiara.
ANZ and Westpac banks offer Cirrus and Maestro ATM’s.
Tours and Activities
Kokonut Pacific Tour
Visit and see the production and manufacturing of one of the Solomon Islands largest exports, the coconut. The people behind Kokonut Pacific produce oils, soaps, creams and much more. Join them for a 3-hour guided tour of their facility.
Honiara City Tour
Discover the capital of the Solomon Islands and surrounds on a tour of the city. Vist Point Cruz, the Coast Watchers Memorial, the Honiara Central Market, China Town, the US War Memorial, National Parliament, the National museum and more.
Island Day Tours from Honiara
Board a boat at Point Cruz to travel to the Central Province to see the area's famous World War II historical sites. Visit Gavutu Island where the Japanese built a big wharf during the war and Tokyo Bay where many Japanese War ships rushed to try to avoid being bombed by American Armed Forces. Savo Island tours are also available.
Waterfall Tours in Honiara
The hike up to the Mataniko Falls takes between 1-2 hours and begins from Lili village, behind New Chinatown and approximately 10-15 minutes from Honiara. The spectacular Tenaru Falls is an hour's drive and a three-hour hike from Henderson Airport. These two hikes will give you an appreciation of the terrain and what the Allied and Japanese soldiers went through during World War II.
Tulagi Dive
Iron Bottom Sound was the scene of some of WWII's biggest naval battles. It is the channel between Guadalcanal, Savo and the Florida islands and is the resting place for over 50 Japanese and Allied warships and fighter planes, hence the name "Iron Bottom". Noteable dives around Honiara include Hirokawa Maru, USS John Penn, and Kinugawa Maru. For the more experienced diver, try out the Aaron Ward in the nearby Florida Islands, the only diveable destroyer.
Battlefield tours in Honiara
Some of the most brutal World War II battles took place on the northern face of Guadalcanal. Visit Bloody Ridge, Red Beach, the Vilu War Museum, Betikama school relics, the American War Memorial, Tetere beach, The Thin Red Line, Honiara golf course (previously a US Airstrip), and the Japanese War Memorial (Mt Austen). Tours of both the Western Battlefield and Eastern Battlefield are also available.
Attractions
National Museum and Cultural Centre
The National Museum is modest but still worth a visit, for a taste of the history of the Solomon Islands. With exhibitions that traverse history and the diverse cultures that make up its almost 1000 islands, you can view old photographs, currency, weaponry and find out more about the history of World War II and the missionaries, both of which are core to the current national identity and way of life.
Savo Island from Honiara
Sunset Lodge on Savo Island is roughly an hour by boat from Honiara. It is from here experienced local guides will take you on a tour to Honiara's nearest active volcano. Savo is also known for its Megapode birds and eggs, a small bird that squeezes out eggs three times the size of a standard sized chicken egg. Perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay. For accommodation bookings, contact: +677 72 38977.
Bonegi Beach
Bonegi Beach is a haven for divers and beachgoers. Two Japanese freighters (Hirokawa Maru and Kinugawa Maru) bombed by the allies are beached right in front of the Bonegi stretch. They are the most dived wrecks in the country and are excellent for both beginners and more experienced divers due to proximity to the shore and the amazing coral and fish life that have made the freighters their home.
Accommodation
Heritage Park Hotel
Centrally located, the Heritage Park Hotel is in an outstanding position for both business guests and leisure travellers who want to explore the attractions on offer in Honiara and its surrounds. The property is on the waterfront and with views from the bar out to the islands, especially breathtaking. All rooms are modern and exceptionally comfortable. The property is accessible by car from the airport.
Coral Sea Resort & Casino
With a traditional exterior and modern interior, the resort is focused on ensuring its guests are kept relaxed with a sun drenched pool entertainment area, outstanding bar and restaurants and ocean views over Honiara Harbour. The property is an oasis in the middle of the city and its styled rooms and villas will not disappoint. The resort is close to the CBD and accessible by car from the airport.
Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel
The hotel is an excellent choice in Honiara with its fantastic location, spacious rooms and friendly environment. Enjoy Hakubai Japanese restaurant with fresh authentic choices from the menu or you can head over to Cowboys Bar and Grill which is a hotspot of an evening. The hotel has cool refreshing pool, evening entertainment and activities for kids. The hotel is accessible by car from the airport.
King Solomon Hotel
The hotel is centrally located in easy walking distance to the Solomon Islands Cultural Museum, banks, cafés, and shopping. The property has 73 rooms, many self-contained and suitable for long-term accommodation. There is an infinity waterfall pool, nightly entertainment, and a great view of Iron Bottom Sound.
Pacific Casino Hotel
With 142 spacious, comfortable, and airy rooms on the waterfront, enjoy all the amenities on offer. The kidney-shaped pool is a delight or enjoy a meal and cocktail at one of their dining venues. The casino is also a draw with its many games including crowd favorites Roulette and Blackjack and accessible by car from the airport.
Parangiju Mountain Lodge
This traditional property is hidden in the hills located in Central Guadalcanal. Amongst the rainforest, about an hour's drive from Honiara, enjoy the spectacular views, food, and local hikes. Tenaru Falls and the Bat caves are a very popular hike and a worthwhile three-hour round trip.
Ginger Beach Retreat
Gingers is 20km from Honiara, perched on the beachfront and surrounded by lush green jungle. It is a great place to relax in clean and comfortable traditional style accommodation done well. This is a great getaway for a destination wedding or group holiday and tours can also be arranged.
Sanalae Apartments
This boutique accommodation is located in a quiet setting 3 kilometers from the Honiara city centre, featuring self-contained apartments, ideal for business travellers and long term guests, as well as motel-style Garden Rooms. Light refreshments are offered at Reception for convenience.
Iron Bottom Sound Monarch Hotel
Located on the beachfront, 10 minutes walk from shops and services, this hotel features 30 guestrooms with garden views including standard rooms, studios and self contained apartments. All rooms are air-conditioned. Monarch Bar and Grill serves buffet and grilled dishes with live music each night.
Rock Haven Inn
An older style accommodation for those wanting affordable accommodation and a central location. Motel-style rooms with fans or air-conditioning, family units, and apartment-style with many offering sea views are on offer. There is also a restaurant on-site offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Tanuli Royal Plains Motel
Quality accommodation with a shared lounge in a quiet location. Rooms feature double-split bedding, basic amenities, private ensuite bathrooms with hot water showers, just 15 minutes walk from the waterfront and local shops with daily servicing and 24-hour reception.
B17 Dive & Beach Bungalows
Located about 40 minutes drive North West of Honiara, the accommodation offers self-contained beachfront bungalows with shared facilities and activities including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, Noni farm and village tours. In close proximity to the US B-17 Flying Fortress bomber after which the accommodation is named, it is the perfect location for divers, or for those who wish to simply relax.
Prestige Apartments
Located on the Ngossi Valley Hillside in West Honiara, about 45 minutes from Honiara Airport, Prestige Apartments provides a quiet haven with 20 apartments ranging from Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom, with self-contained facilities and a shared swimming pool.
Dolphin View Beach Guesthouse
This lesser known guesthouse is a quiet, relaxing place and named due to the dolphins that gather off the shore. With comfortable accommodation and shared facilities in Aruligho, guests can enjoy sea views, a barbecue, and the on-site bar in natural surroundings. Activities include snorkelling, canoeing and dolphin tours.