Logistics · Destination Guide
World War II wrecks, Coral Triangle reefs, and Guadalcanal history within reach of the capital
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 20 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers enter through Honiara International Airport, also known as Henderson Field, on Guadalcanal. Tourism Solomons lists direct regional links from Brisbane, Nadi, Port Moresby, and Port Vila, with Solomon Airlines, Qantas, Fiji Airways, and Air Niugini as key carriers. Honiara is also a liveaboard embarkation point and the main hub for domestic flights to the rest of the Solomons. Because schedules and interline baggage can shift, confirm flight times directly with the airline and leave buffer time before liveaboard departures or international returns.
Honiara International Airport
HIR • AGGH
12 km east of central Honiara • 15 to 30 minutesute drive depending on traffic and hotel location
Main international airport for Honiara and Guadalcanal, historically Henderson Field. It is the practical arrival point for Iron Bottom Sound diving, Honiara hotels, liveaboards, and west Guadalcanal shore sites.
Transport: Taxi, Minibus, Hotel transfer, Rental car, Dive operator pickup by arrangement
Honiara uses taxis, minibuses, hotel vehicles, rental cars, and operator pickups. Minibuses are inexpensive in town but not ideal with dive gear. Taxis may not use meters, so agree the fare before departure. Rental cars are useful for west Guadalcanal beaches and museums, but roads can have potholes and traffic. Solomon Islands drives on the left. For waterfall hikes, war sites, and village visits, guided transport is strongly preferable.
Check Solomon Islands Immigration before travel. Tourism Solomons says many visitors, including citizens of the United States and most Commonwealth and European Union countries, can obtain a visitor permit on arrival with a passport valid for at least 6 months, blank pages, onward or return ticket, sufficient funds, and onward visas if required. Recent government travel advisories describe a 30-day border visa on arrival and advise applying through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration for longer or frequent stays. Treat the 30-day advice as the conservative planning baseline unless Immigration confirms a longer permit for your nationality.
Bring critical personal dive gear, computer, SMB, prescription mask, camera spares, and any uncommon sizes. Honiara operators can rent gear and supply tanks, but capacity is limited and technical support must be confirmed in advance. Domestic flight allowances are modest, so plan bags carefully if adding Munda, Gizo, or liveaboard extensions. Keep batteries, regulators, and computers in carry-on where airline rules allow. Rinse gear thoroughly after shore dives because sand, coral rubble, and old metal can be abrasive.
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Solomon Islands is strongly cash-based. Major Honiara hotels, larger shops, and some tourism businesses may accept international cards, but beach access, markets, taxis, village fees, tips, and many small operators need SBD cash.
ATMs and commercial banks are concentrated in Honiara, including airport and city options, with limited access in the provinces. Withdraw before west Guadalcanal drives, boat days, and domestic travel.
240V • 50Hz • I
Tourism Solomons describes Australian-style three-pin plugs. Some hotels may have adapters or mixed sockets, but bring a Type I adapter and use dual-voltage chargers for cameras, laptops, and dive lights.
Communications
Mobile and internet coverage exists in major towns such as Honiara, but smaller towns and remote areas can be patchy. Buy a local SIM and data plan if you need maps, messaging, or operator contact. Do not rely on uninterrupted data during boat days, waterfall hikes, or liveaboards.
Language
English is the official language and is used in tourism, government, and many businesses. Solomon Islands Pijin is widely spoken in daily life. Learning simple greetings and using a local guide helps with village visits and customary access.
Insurance
Carry both travel insurance and dedicated dive accident coverage that includes recompression, medical evacuation, and remote transport. Some Solomon operators require proof of insurance. DAN-style coverage is particularly useful because the Honiara chamber, overseas evacuation, and specialist consultation can involve complex coordination.
Packing list
Trip Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination works either as a land-based plan or as a longer liveaboard itinerary. Use the guide for local planning, or compare boats if the remote circuit is the priority.
DiveJourney may earn referral revenue. Booking is handled by the partner and operator under their terms.
