Solomon Islands - Honiara - Any experiences?

[robd]

I can't find much information about the Solomon Islands (Honiara) on this site. Does anyone have experience of travel to & at this place?

 

[openseat]

I've been a few times, mainly as a transit point to the Western Province of the Solomons.

Honiara is no beauty spot, as it's the capital of a poor country. Travelling there is done via Brisbane on Virgin or Solomon Airlines. Virgin flies twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Solomon Airlines seem to change their schedule quite regularly. I think the only day they don't fly now is Saturday.

Flying within the Solomons is quite pricey. A one-way ticket to Gizo is around AUD230 now, usually on the Dash 8, but occasionally on the Twin Otter. The airstrip is actually on its own island, Nusatupe, so the airport transfer to Gizo is via boat. The airstrip is now sealed, which is probably a lot safer than the really rough airstrip of old.
There is a 'fast' boat which takes 12 hours (Pelican Express I think), but it doesn't run that reliably. However it does travel through Marovo Lagoon (the largest in the world). If you are into diving and fishing or WW2 artefacts then the Western Province is where it all is.

 

[Deleted member]

Depends on what you want to do.
I was born there (a long long time ago) Onlybeen back once, went to Gizo and then by Canoe to Gilnavena (southern tip ofRob Roy) . Arguably the best Wreck diving in the world, and lots to see (if that’syour thing) and the fishing is pretty darn good as well. My brother lives upthere (God only knows why) so if you want some local knowledge, or want to seeand do stuff even the most intrepid tourists may not get to do, PM me and I cantry and connect you . He is based in Gizo, builds boats and sells marine stuff.

 

[robd]

I've been a few times, mainly as a transit point to the Western Province of the Solomons.

Honiara is no beauty spot, as it's the capital of a poor country. Travelling there is done via Brisbane on Virgin or Solomon Airlines. Virgin flies twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Solomon Airlines seem to change their schedule quite regularly. I think the only day they don't fly now is Saturday.

Flying within the Solomons is quite pricey. A one-way ticket to Gizo is around AUD230 now, usually on the Dash 8, but occasionally on the Twin Otter. The airstrip is actually on its own island, Nusatupe, so the airport transfer to Gizo is via boat. The airstrip is now sealed, which is probably a lot safer than the really rough airstrip of old.
There is a 'fast' boat which takes 12 hours (Pelican Express I think), but it doesn't run that reliably. However it does travel through Marovo Lagoon (the largest in the world). If you are into diving and fishing or WW2 artefacts then the Western Province is where it all is.

Depends on what you want to do.
I was born there (a long long time ago) Onlybeen back once, went to Gizo and then by Canoe to Gilnavena (southern tip ofRob Roy) . Arguably the best Wreck diving in the world, and lots to see (if that’syour thing) and the fishing is pretty darn good as well. My brother lives upthere (God only knows why) so if you want some local knowledge, or want to seeand do stuff even the most intrepid tourists may not get to do, PM me and I cantry and connect you . He is based in Gizo, builds boats and sells marine stuff.

My daughter & friend (20 yo) have picked the Solomons for a 2 week trip in March 2014 (after initially wanting to go to South America and then realizing they would lose about 4 days in travelling to and from). I'm trying to help with the legwork and I admit I'm at a bit of a loss as to why they have selected it. There's not really a lot on Trip Advisor and flights seem limited & expensive (thanks openseat) and GPH doesn't understand why his brother lives there - hmmmm....

 

[Deleted member]

The sols is a 3rd world experience for the most part. yes there are resorts (of a kind) and yes it attracts a fair amount of tourisim ( of the diving and fishing variety) "I "wouldnt live there. its hot, humid and frankly a bit backward for my liking. BUT I have mety people who have been and they loved it.
If you are looking for an adventure you will probably find it in The Solomons. knowing someone who has good native connections is a help , I managed (on my last and only visit back) to have such an experience.
BUT as already posted, PM me and I can connect you with JKH in Gizo and he may have some advice, suggestions and help that may make the experience a bit different .
Is your daughter travelling with another girl ? or a Boy?

 

[Grogan]

I worked there for a couple of short contracts and the only reason I would return as a tourist would be for the wreck diving.
The people in general are nice but not a lot of good safe accomodation. As said above, it is a third world country, but one of the most expensive I have been to.
Malaria and Hep A are fairly prevelant so is theft and some violence towards rich looking people.
Having said all of that, SOL Brew is great and is cheap at hole in the walls (road side bottle shops), WW2 left a lot of things to look at under the water.
Lonley planet have a book that covers Solomons and Papua.

 

[robd]

The sols is a 3rd world experience for the most part. yes there are resorts (of a kind) and yes it attracts a fair amount of tourisim ( of the diving and fishing variety) "I "wouldnt live there. its hot, humid and frankly a bit backward for my liking. BUT I have mety people who have been and they loved it.
If you are looking for an adventure you will probably find it in The Solomons. knowing someone who has good native connections is a help , I managed (on my last and only visit back) to have such an experience.
BUT as already posted, PM me and I can connect you with JKH in Gizo and he may have some advice, suggestions and help that may make the experience a bit different .
Is your daughter travelling with another girl ? or a Boy?

2 girls together. Yeah, I think they think they want something a bit less developed and more exotic - somewhere a little less travelled by the masses.

I'm a bit wary given there are so few reports on this forum (my bible) and Trip Advisor.

 

[robd]

I worked there for a couple of short contracts and the only reason I would return as a tourist would be for the wreck diving.
The people in general are nice but not a lot of good safe accomodation. As said above, it is a third world country, but one of the most expensive I have been to.
Malaria and Hep A are fairly prevelant so is theft and some violence towards rich looking people.
Having said all of that, SOL Brew is great and is cheap at hole in the walls (road side bottle shops), WW2 left a lot of things to look at under the water.
Lonley planet have a book that covers Solomons and Papua.

She mentioned Lonely Planet as a reference to picking it.

I know they want to snorkel (or scuba), relax on beach, hit some clubs, see some sights....

 

[diningdecadence]

She mentioned Lonely Planet as a reference to picking it.

I know they want to snorkel (or scuba), relax on beach, hit some clubs, see some sights....

I would seriously suggest they look to go somewhere more developed. Snorkelling/ beaches are ordinary at best in Honiara, and clubs- well I would forget about that.

you could look at some of the resorts around gizo however it is actually quite pricey comparatively to say Fiji etc.

ex pat community is generally older, and I understand some of the younger ones in the NGOs are reducing their feet on the ground (third hand info so maybe not reliable).

That at being said, if you can get some local knowledge/ guidance then there are plenty of hidden gems.

 

[robd]

Thank you all so much for your input. I've related your experience and knowledge to them, and they have decided to redirect their travel destination.

I am sure it will be a valuable place to visit, sometime in their future, with more travel experience.

Special thanks to GPH for his offer to assist with family contact. Very much appreciated.