Honestly? When friends ask where to go in the Solomon Islands, I always say you've got to see Guadalcanal and Gizo. These two spots show completely different sides of this Pacific paradise. I remember landing in Honiara completely jet-lagged but couldn't sleep because I kept hearing roosters crowing at 3am – turns out they roam free everywhere here!
Why These Two Spots Stand Out
Look, I've hopped around Pacific islands for years, but the Solomon Islands feel different. Less polished than Fiji, more raw than Tahiti. If you're googling "2 tourist destinations in Solomon Islands," you're probably looking for authenticity. That's exactly what you get here. No massive resorts, just genuine encounters.
You should know: Getting between islands isn't like catching a bus. Flights get cancelled if it rains too hard, and boats might leave "when full." Pack patience along with sunscreen.
Guadalcanal: Where History Comes Alive
This island hits you in the gut. Walking through jungles where young soldiers fought? Heavy stuff. When I first visited Vilu War Museum, an old local guide named Joseph showed me shrapnel pieces he'd found just that morning.
Must-See Spots on Guadalcanal
- Vilu War Museum (Open-air): Rusting tanks and plane wrecks being swallowed by vines. No ticket booth – just leave $5 SBD in the honesty box.
- Bloody Ridge Trail: Steamy jungle hike to strategic WWII ridges. Wear proper shoes – I saw someone attempt this in flip-flops and regretted it.
- Tenaru Waterfalls: Perfect cool-off spot after hiking. The road gets bumpy after rain, so check conditions first.
| Planning Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Getting There | Fly into Honiara International (HIR). Taxi to town: $50-70 SBD (£5-7) |
| Free Attractions | American War Memorial, Japanese Peace Memorial |
| Paid Attractions | Guadalcanal Battlefield tours: $150-300 SBD (£15-30) |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry season: May-Oct (less muddy trails) |
The Reality Check
Don't expect fancy museums with air-con. Some WWII relics are literally in people's backyards. Infrastructure is basic – during heavy rains last year, parts of the Skyline Road washed out completely. But that rawness makes it powerful.
Gizo: Your Tropical Dream Come True
After Guadalcanal's intensity, Gizo feels like exhaling. I'll never forget snorkeling at Kennedy Island where coconut palms grow sideways from WWII bombing. The water's so clear you feel like you're floating in air.
| Dive/Snorkel Site | Specialty | Travel Time from Gizo |
|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Island | Historical snorkeling (JFK's survival spot) | 15min by boat |
| Toa Maru Wreck | WWII Japanese shipwreck (shallow depth) | 20min by boat |
| Mbanga Island | Pristine sandbar picnics | 40min by boat |
Making It Happen
Gizo's airport (GZO) has hilarious security – they once weighed my backpack like it was livestock! Flights from Honiara take 1hr on small planes (Solomon Airlines). Pro tip: Book early, flights fill fast. If you miss it, cargo boats take 12+ bumpy hours.
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Gizo Hotel doubles from $350 SBD/night (£35) - basic but clean
- Splurge: Fatboys Resort overwater bungalows $900 SBD+ (£90)
- Local Secret: Thursday market near ferry terminal - try fresh kakake (sea snails) if you're brave!
Money Saver: Negotiate boat prices! Solo travelers pay more per person. Find others at your lodge to share costs. A full-day island hopping trip should cost $600-800 SBD (£60-80) split 4 ways.
Essential Travel Tips You Won't Find Elsewhere
After three trips here, here's what I wish I'd known sooner:
- Cash is king - ATMs exist in Honiara/Gizo but often run out. Bring crisp USD bills (no tears!)
- Phone Woes - Local SIM cards (Bemobile) help, but data is slow. Embrace disconnection.
- Mosquito Warfare - Malaria exists. DEET is non-negotiable. I learned this after waking up covered in bites.
| Cost Factor | Approx Price (SBD) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch (local market) | 25-35 SBD (£2.50-3.50) | Fish + rice parcels |
| Dinner (restaurant) | 80-120 SBD (£8-12) | Grilled lobster! |
| Short boat transfer | 20-40 SBD (£2-4) | Between close islands |
| Dive trip (2 tanks) | 900-1200 SBD (£90-120) | Includes gear |
Answering Your Burning Questions
Are these 2 tourist destinations in Solomon Islands safe?
Generally yes, but Honiara has sketchy areas. I avoid walking alone at night near Point Cruz. Petty theft happens, especially in markets – keep phones zipped up. Locals are incredibly kind, but poverty exists. Use common sense like anywhere.
Can I do both spots in one week?
Technically yes, but you'll be rushing. Flights between Honiara/Gizo aren't daily. Minimum I'd recommend: 3 nights Guadalcanal + 4 nights Gizo. Less than that and you'll spend your whole trip in transit.
What's the food really like?
Simple but fresh. Lots of grilled fish, taro, cassava. If you're fussy, bring snacks – I once survived three days on crackers after rejecting bony reef fish at every meal! Restaurants in Gizo offer pizza/pasta for homesick moments.
The Rough Edges Worth Knowing
No sugarcoating: internet is painfully slow everywhere. Showers might be cold buckets. Power outages happen weekly. But watching kids play in bioluminescent water while elders carve canoes? That makes up for cold showers.
Seriously though, if you absolutely need luxury, this isn't your place. But for travelers craving real adventure among these two incredible Solomon Islands destinations, it's magic.
Making Your Choice
Still debating between these 2 tourist destinations in Solomon Islands? Ask yourself:
- History buff/diver? Do both islands - they complement perfectly
- Short on time/budget? Pick Gizo for concentrated island bliss
- Traveling with kids? Guadalcanal's museums/stories work better for older children
My last trip cemented why these remain the top two must-see places in Solomon Islands. Watching sunset from a Gizo dugout canoe while flying fish skittered across pink water... yeah, that's why you endure the bumpy roads and cold showers.