A Spanish explorer named the islands after the biblical King Solomon because he thought they contained valuable riches… and he wasn’t entirely wrong!
This amazing archipelago is home to almost 1000 islands, over a hundred endemic birds, historic WW2 relics and even a world heritage site.
The main island is Guadalcanal, home to the capital city Honiara and international airport, where Solomon Airlines’ global flight network includes two weekly flights to Brisbane – a breezy three-hours away.
The Solomons reopened on July 1 and as post-Covid travellers are keen to find out, here are several pointers on what to do and where to stay.
Things to do
Visit WW2 relics
The Solomons provides some of the only accessible world war wreck dives in the Pacific and they’re definitely bucket-list worthy.
In the 1940s, this former British Protectorate was the bloodiest site of the Pacific Campaign between Japanese and Allied Forces, leaving extensive wartime relics throughout the islands.
On Guadalcanal, you can check out dive wrecks at Bonegi Beach and Iron Bottom Sound, a grave of sunken ships and planes.
On smaller islands like Tulagi, book in a walking tour and hike to fortification sites, visit fox holes and a memorial honouring the fallen.
Gizo and Munda also have much to offer for history enthusiasts and you can get in touch with established operators like Dive Munda to book in a fascinating excursion of WW2 dive wrecks.
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The Vilu War Museum is less than an hours-drive from Honiara and provides an open yard of tanks, cannons, planes and artillery and while it’s not a conventional museum, it does offer a rare assembly of these WW2 artefacts.
Graceland Nature Park
Just a half hour drive from Honiara, birdwatching, noni tours, hiking trails, campaign grounds and the scenic Lunga River offer a relaxed approach to wellness at Graceland.
The park was reopened in May and includes an onsite coffee bar and menu with a conscious focus on health. You can check out the noni farm and enjoy guided walks.
For panoramic photos, there’s a lookout offering beautiful vistas of the area, which teems with varied birdlife and was once part of a war trail between Japanese and Allied Forces during WW2.
Today Graceland is a pristine piece of paradise for visitors wanting an immersive group and family activity, or solo travellers seeking some solitude in nature.
Accommodation
Oravae Cottage
Go west of Guadalcanal to Ghizo Island, where a further 20-minute boat ride brings you to Oravae Cottage, a popular family-run operation with coveted proximity to some great surfing and marine life.
This self-styled Robinson Crusoe-esque island is intimate and it’s not an easy pick between an overwater bungalow and treehouse accommodation, complimented by a generous spread of decks, a waterslide and crystal-clear sea.
There’s a restaurant and bar and a fun itinerary of fishing, snorkelling, surfing and daytrips to surrounding islands for an authentic experience of Solomons serenity.
Tavanipupu Wellness & Spa Retreat
Go east of Guadalcanal, where a 30-minute flight to Marau Sound and subsequent speed boat will take you to the private sanctuary of Tavanipupu Wellness & Spa Retreat.
This charming property nestles on a former coconut plantation, with a pier to soak in the vista of surrounding coral reefs and larger islands.
With less than ten bungalows, incredible marine life and locally sourced cuisine paired with international flavours, you can pack an intimate trip with fun activities.
The property is over 50-years old with a colourful guest list that also boasts the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Landmarks
The Solomon Islands is also home to the world’s largest raised coral atoll, East Rennell Island, which includes a former lagoon known as Lake Tegano.
Listed by UNESCO in 1998, this was also the first natural property with customary ownership and management inscribed as World Heritage.
Its rich ecology hosts much birdlife and other creatures. East Rennell’s remote setting on the southernmost end of the Solomons make it truly “off the beaten path” and if you’re planning a visit, check domestic flight schedules with Solomon Airlines and Rennell accommodation providers like Ever Green Lodge.
Inbound travellers no longer need to undergo tests 72 hours before arrival. They are only required to be fully vaccinated and give proof of this at check-in and on arrival. Check out Solomon Airlines for flight networks.
