Safety · Destination Guide
World War II wrecks, Coral Triangle reefs, and Guadalcanal history within reach of the capital
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 20 sources
Honiara combines remote-island dive logistics, urban security considerations, WWII ordnance, malaria and dengue risk, and fragile coral-covered wrecks. The safest plan is operator-led, insured, cash-ready, and conservative with depth, weather, and trail decisions.
Use a DOSI member or established Honiara operator for site selection, oxygen, boat support, and emergency procedures. Start with Bonegi orientation dives before deeper wrecks. Carry an SMB and cutting tool, stay out of overheads unless trained, avoid artifact removal, and treat war graves respectfully. Technical wrecks such as USS Aaron Ward, USS John Penn, or deeper Japanese freighters require confirmed gases, redundancy, guide competence, and evacuation planning. Freedivers and snorkelers should use visible floats, avoid boat lanes, and never enter wreck interiors.
Honiara has the Solomon Islands Dive Chamber, but remote logistics still make dive accident insurance essential. The chamber may require coordination through your operator, DAN, trained physicians, volunteers, and possible transport support. Smartraveller notes that the Honiara hyperbaric chamber has limited in-chamber life-support capability, so serious DCS cases may still require overseas evacuation. For general emergencies, call local emergency numbers and involve your insurer early. Malaria and dengue are present, so get pre-travel medical advice, use repellent, and consider malaria prophylaxis.
Unexploded ordnance and war relics
WWII remnants remain in parts of Honiara, Guadalcanal ridges, Tulagi, and other battle areas. Never touch, move, collect, or photograph relics in a way that encourages handling. If you find ordnance, leave the area and contact police or your guide.
Dive emergency logistics are remote
Honiara has a dive chamber, but activation, medical staffing, evacuation, and insurance coordination still matter. Carry dive accident insurance, stay conservative with repetitive wreck dives, and confirm oxygen and emergency plans with your operator.
Wet-season runoff and slippery trails
November to April can bring heavy rain, variable visibility, storm delays, muddy waterfall trails, and unsafe river levels. Build flexible land and water days instead of forcing a fixed itinerary.
Mosquito-borne illness
Malaria and dengue occur in Solomon Islands. Use insect repellent, long loose clothing, screened accommodation, and medical advice on malaria prevention before travel.
Do not touch, stand on, kick, or collect coral, shells, marine life, or wreck artifacts. Keep fins off coral-covered metal, maintain buoyancy over fans and anemones, and do not feed fish. Wrecks are artificial reefs and some are graves. Anchoring, fishing line, artifact collection, and careless penetration damage both history and habitat. On land and sea, respect customary ownership: ask permission, pay access fees, and leave beaches cleaner than you found them.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when unexploded ordnance and war relics. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Solomon Islands Police | Police emergency and unexploded ordnance reporting | 999 | 24/7 emergency |
| Ambulance | Medical emergency transport | 111 | 24/7 emergency |
| Fire and Rescue | Fire emergency | 988 | 24/7 emergency |
| Solomon Islands Dive Chamber | Dive injury recompression support in Honiara | Coordinate through your dive operator or DAN emergency assistance | Emergency activation subject to operator, physician, and chamber-team availability |
| National Referral Hospital, Honiara | Main hospital referral point | Use 111 for ambulance access | Emergency care via ambulance and hospital triage |