Welcome to Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands provides a South Pacific vacation of yesteryear. It’s a place where glam beach resorts are replaced by guest houses more suited to ecotourists. Your thatched hut might back right up to thick jungle or be a short walk away from mangroves and lagoons.

Bring your energy: there’s volcano hiking, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, diving and more throughout these untouched islands. A visit to the Solomon Islands is like a week spent inside the Nature Channel.

Unique Facts

• There are more than 900 islands that comprise the Solomon Islands. About half of them are uninhabited. The six main islands are San Cristobal (or Makira), Choiseul, Malaita, New Georgia, Santa Isabel and Guadalcanal.
• The largest saltwater lagoon in the world is in the Solomon Islands. It’s called Marovo Lagoon and it’s about 7,534 square feet.
• Though you may think water when you think Solomon Islands, much of the area is covered in forest and mountains. The tallest mountain is Mount Popomanaseu and it’s 7,661 feet above sea level.
• It is believed that the first Solomon Island settlers were Papuan-speaking people from New Guinea. They likely lived here for 50,000 years before Austronesian-speaking Melanesians arrived in approximately 4,000 BC.
• It is said that one of the Solomon Islands is named for US president John F. Kennedy, who was marooned in the archipelago in 1943. He was rescued by two islands after his boat sank.

Language

The Solomon Islands’ official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to the Solomon Islands is from May through October. The wet season is November to April. Even during the wet season, there are days of both sunshine and rain and when it rains, it’s not all day.

Airports

Honiara International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for most travelers when visiting the Solomon Islands: Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types G and I. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Solomon Islands Dollar

Getting Around

Be aware that paved roads are only found in and around Honiara and that they are poorly marked, potholed and poorly lit. All other roads are made of coral, gravel or dirt.

Public transportation includes public bus and minibus service, as well as taxis, in Honiara and Auki.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

US Embassy Port Moresby
PO Box 1492
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea

Local Visitor Info

Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau
Tel: +677-22442
www.visitsolomons.com.sb

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police, Fire: 999
Ambulance: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in some parts of the Solomon Islands, particularly near the Japanese World War II Memorial. Yacht robberies are common, usually at night.