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The best areas to stay in Solomon Islands are Honiara on Guadalcanal for easy access and services, Gizo in the Western Province for diving and lagoon life, and Munda for reefs and WWII history. Each area has a different pace, transport style and set of trade-offs. This guide compares them so you can match the right base to your trip.
Quick answer: the best areas to stay in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands spreads across hundreds of islands, so your base shapes the whole trip. Each main area suits a different kind of traveller. Pick by what you most want to do.
- Honiara: The capital on Guadalcanal suits first-time visitors, business travellers and anyone who wants shops, restaurants and easy flight connections. It is busy rather than pretty, but it works well as a gateway.
- Gizo: This Western Province town suits divers and snorkellers. It has a relaxed island feel, clear water and a good choice of dive operators.
- Munda: On New Georgia, Munda suits history lovers and reef fans. You can combine Second World War sites with lagoon snorkelling and diving.
- Uepi and Marovo Lagoon: This is the pick for nature lovers and remote escapes. Expect one of the world's largest saltwater lagoons, quiet beaches and simple, small-scale stays.
- Malaita: Malaita suits culture-minded travellers who want traditional village life and a less visited side of the country. Facilities are more basic, so plan ahead.
Which to pick for a first visit
Start in Honiara. It gives you the easiest arrival, the widest choice of places to stay and an easy launch point for domestic flights. Then add Gizo or Marovo Lagoon if you have more time.
Honiara: best for first-time visitors and business
Honiara sits on the island of Guadalcanal and serves as the capital of Solomon Islands. Most international flights arrive at the airport nearby, so it is the natural first stop. It offers the widest choice of stays, restaurants, banks, shops and services in the country.
Business travellers and government visitors usually base themselves here, close to offices and embassies. First-time visitors enjoy the easy start. You can change money, buy a local SIM card and plan onward trips in one place. Domestic flights and boats to the other islands also leave from Honiara, so it works well as a hub.
Choosing an area is simple. Stays cluster along the waterfront and in the central town, with quieter options a little further out. Fresh fish, tropical fruit and vegetarian dishes are easy to find at local cafés and markets.
If you like comparing places before you book, A Guide to the Canary Islands: Which Island Is Right for You? shows the same approach. Honiara works best as a base rather than a beach resort.
- Pro: the widest choice of accommodation and places to eat.
- Pro: easy connections to other islands, plus banks, pharmacies and shops.
- Watch out for: a busy town feel, with traffic and noise.
- Watch out for: fewer good beaches in the centre.
- Watch out for: sights around Guadalcanal, which usually need a tour or a hired driver.
Gizo: best for divers and snorkellers
Gizo is the main town of the Western Province. It sits on its own island and works as a relaxed base for diving, snorkelling and island hopping. Life here moves slowly, and the town stays small and friendly.
The surrounding waters offer coral reefs, lagoons, wrecks and plenty of marine life. Dive operators and local boat owners run trips from the waterfront. Even if you only snorkel, you can reach sheltered reefs and small islands in a short boat ride. Surf fans and kayakers also use Gizo as a starting point.
Pros
- Easy access to reefs, wreck sites and quiet islands.
- Friendly small-town feel with a simple market and waterfront.
- Suits both certified divers and beginners who want to snorkel.
- Good starting point for visiting nearby villages and beaches.
Watch out for
- You usually reach Gizo by domestic flight, so allow for schedule changes.
- Nightlife is limited. Expect quiet evenings, local food and early nights.
- Most outings go by boat, so weather and sea conditions can change plans.
- Choices of shops, services and restaurants are modest. Bring essentials with you.
Book your dive or snorkel trips early, and check current prices before you commit. Keep a spare day in your plan in case flights or boat trips shift.
Munda: best for history lovers and reef fans
Munda sits on the western tip of New Georgia, in the Western Province. It is a quiet base for travellers who want World War II history and calm lagoon days. Expect a small, friendly settlement rather than a resort town.
Wartime relics lie around the area, including old airfield remains and rusting equipment. Local guides can take you to sites and explain what happened here. Boat trips across the lagoon add snorkelling, village visits and island views.
If you also want a different pace, Best Hotels in Cayman Islands: How to Choose the Right Stay shows how another island destination compares.
Pros
- Rich WWII heritage close to your lodging
- Sheltered lagoon with good boat access
- Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere
- Warm, welcoming local communities
Watch out for
- Services are small-scale, so bring essentials and cash
- You usually arrive by plane or boat, so check schedules early
- The pace is slow, and plans can shift with weather
- Evenings are quiet, with few restaurants or nightlife options
Book early and confirm transfers, meals and boat trips with your host before you travel.
Marovo Lagoon: best for nature and remote escapes
Marovo Lagoon, in the Western Province, is one of the largest and most scenic lagoons in the South Pacific. Forested islands, narrow channels and clear, sheltered water make it a place to slow down. It is also known for its wood carving, a living craft you can often see in nearby villages.
Rainforest meets the shoreline almost everywhere. You can paddle a canoe, snorkel over coral, walk forest trails and watch birds. Evenings are quiet, with starry skies and few lights.
Stays here are simple and often community-run. Most lodges sit on the water or on small islands. You reach them by boat, so plan the journey carefully.
Pros
- Peaceful, unspoilt scenery with rainforest, reefs and calm water
- Chances to meet local carvers and learn about village life
- Excellent for snorkelling, kayaking and nature walks
- Far from crowds, ideal for switching off
Watch out for
- Lodges are basic. Expect simple rooms, shared facilities and limited choice.
- Boat transfers take time, and weather can change schedules. Leave a spare day before any international flight.
- Mobile signal and internet are limited, so download maps and booking details first.
- Meals and activities often need to be arranged in advance. Confirm what your stay includes before you travel, and check current prices.
How to choose the right area in Solomon Islands
Start with your main interest. Choose Honiara for a simple first visit, flights and business. Pick Gizo for diving and snorkelling, Munda for World War II history and reefs, and Marovo Lagoon for quiet nature.
Match the base to your trip
Short trips of a few days suit one base with easy transport. Longer trips let you combine a town with a remote stay, but internal flights and boats take time. Budget travellers usually do best in towns, where shops and shared transport are closer. Comfort seekers should check what a remote lodge actually provides.
When to go
The drier months, roughly May to October, usually bring calmer seas and clearer water. The wetter season brings more rain and rougher crossings. Weather varies, so build spare days into your plans. If you are comparing island stays across regions, see Where to Stay in Cayman Islands: Best Areas.
Mistakes to avoid
- Packing too many islands into a short trip.
- Ignoring boat and flight schedules, which can change.
- Assuming remote areas have shops, cash machines or strong signal.
Five questions to ask before booking
- How will you arrive: flight, boat or both?
- Are meals included, or can you buy food nearby?
- Can the host arrange diving, tours or transfers?
- What happens if weather delays your transfer?
- Is there power, water and mobile signal where you stay?
Always check current prices and cancellation terms before you pay.
Getting around from your hotel
Most travellers in the Solomon Islands combine a few simple transport types. Which ones you need depends on where you base yourself and how far you plan to roam.
In and around Honiara
Taxis are the easiest choice for short trips, especially after dark. Agree the fare before you set off, because many taxis do not use meters. Local minibuses run through town and along the main road, and they are cheap and friendly. Ask your hotel staff which routes suit your plans.
Between islands and across lagoons
Domestic flights link Honiara with provincial centres such as Gizo and Munda. Planes are small, so luggage limits can be strict. Check your allowance before you pack.
For lagoon trips, expect small boats, often open motorised canoes or dive boats. Sun cover, a dry bag and a light rain jacket make the ride more comfortable.
Plan ahead and allow for delays
- Arrange airport and boat transfers with your hotel or lodge before you arrive.
- Confirm pick-up times a few days ahead, since remote stays depend on tides and weather.
- Keep a spare day around domestic flights, as schedules can change at short notice.
- Carry some cash for local transport, because card machines are rare outside town.
- Book international connections with a generous gap after your last island hop.
Flexibility is part of travel here. A relaxed plan makes the whole trip smoother.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Solomon Islands?
It depends on your trip. Honiara suits first-time visitors and business travellers because of its services and flight links. Gizo suits divers and snorkellers, Munda suits reef and history fans, and Marovo Lagoon suits nature lovers who want quiet, remote stays.}
Where should first-time visitors stay in Solomon Islands?
Start in Honiara. It has the widest choice of places to stay, plus banks, shops and restaurants. It also connects easily to domestic flights, so you can add Gizo or Marovo Lagoon once you have settled in.
Where is the best place to dive in Solomon Islands?
Gizo and Munda in the Western Province are popular bases for diving and snorkelling. Both sit close to reefs and lagoon waters. Marovo Lagoon also appeals to divers who want a quieter, more remote setting.
Is Honiara a good place to stay?
Honiara works well as a gateway. It is busy rather than pretty, but it offers services, dining and transport links in one place. Many travellers stay a night or two before heading to the islands.
Can you visit more than one area in one trip?
Yes. Many travellers begin in Honiara and then fly to the Western Province for Gizo, Munda or Marovo Lagoon. Allow extra time for domestic flights and boat transfers, since schedules can change with the weather.
What should you book ahead in Solomon Islands?
Book your stay, domestic flights and boat transfers ahead, especially for remote areas like Marovo Lagoon and Malaita. Facilities there are simpler and choices are limited. Check current prices and confirm details directly before you travel.
