Solomon Islands: A Hidden Paradise in the South Pacific

Tenaru Falls is one of the most remote waterfalls in Honiara and as such all hikers will need permission and a guide in order to experience its majestic beauty. This begins with a visit to the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, which will assist in directing visitors to the Village Chief Peter who selects a guide to lead them to the falls. The hike itself isn’t a difficult one as the trail is mostly flat, but it does require frequent river crossing. Along the way hikers will enjoy the incredible beauty of the lush surroundings before ending at the stunning falls where they can enjoy a peaceful swim as their much needed reward.

Located in Rove, Honiara, the Honiara Botanical Gardens are housed on a former World War II site that served as a base for both Japanese and American troops. Today it features a series of charming woodland trails surrounded by lush greenery and stately trees. The gardens’ highlight is the beautifully restored Orchid House that showcases the various orchid species that are found all over the islands. It also features a grisly hanging site that was used during the British Colonial rule for capital punishment, giving visitors insight to the area’s history. There are a few private companies that offer guided tours of the area for those who want an in-depth educational experience.

Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Phone: +67-72-25-06

The Honiara Central Market is located near the water’s edge of the Iron Bottom Sound to allow fishing boats to pull in and take their catches straight to market. Established in the 1950s, the market serves as the primary place for national internal trading and is one of only two markets that are owned and operated by the Honiara City Council. The market features a permanent covered building and several side booths around the building. Nearly everything is sold here, including flowers, fish, clothing, vegetables, fruits, local crafts, jewelry, and hair tonics. Shell money (strings of polished shell beads) are also sold here, an important currency to these islands.

Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Phone: +67-72-25-06

Located on Rennell Island, Lake Tegano boasts the largest raised coral reef in the world with an area of over 215,000 acres at an outstanding length of nearly 54 miles and a width of almost 10 miles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site covering one-third of the island, and it serves as the home for various endemic species including the sea snake. The island itself is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecology with a lush forest that surrounds the entire lake. This is a popular destination for eco-tourists, snorkelers, and divers as there are roughly 200 islets, unique wildlife, and the sunken remains of numerous Catalina seaplanes from WWII.

Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Phone: +67-72-25-06

Attractions for Couples

Located in the capital city of Honiara, the Solomon Islands National Museum is the only national museum in the entire country.. It first opened in 1969 and serves as a cultural center, ministry, government department, and museum. Its collection consists of over 2,000 items, the majority of which are centered on cultural materials, natural history specimens, and archeological materials. They also house two World War II relics as well as a collection of audio-visual reference books and materials. Entry to the museum is free, and visitors can expect to see art, photography, posters, journals, outdoor sculptures, archeological discoveries, and historic documents.

Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Phone: +67-72-48-96

Tavanipupu Private Island Resort , a stunning tropical paradise encircled by an expansive turquoise lagoon, features manicured lawns dotted with rows of coconut palms. Located in Marau Sound just 25 miles east via plane from Honiara, this privately owned 5-star island is one of the South Pacific’s best kept secrets. There are eleven bungalows on the island ensuring all who visit will have a quiet and serene experience with an air of exclusivity. They offer numerous activities such as snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking in the lagoon as well as fishing expeditions and sunset cruises. Visitors can also charter boats to nearby islands and are encouraged to explore the island by foot and bike.

Tavanipupu, Solomon Islands, Phone: +67-73-60-82

The World Discoverer is both an eerie and remarkable sight to behold. Located in Roderick Bay, this half-sunken vessel has been partially submerged, lying tipped to one side since 2000. Once a world traveling cruise ship, it met its fateful demise with an unchartered reef, officially ending its career for good. While everyone aboard the vessel was safely removed, the ship had to be grounded to avoid completely sinking. Though several attempts have been made to salvage the ship, it still remains in the bay to this day and has become somewhat of a famous tourist attraction, drawing in visitors looking for a good photo op.

The Sandfly Passage, Roderick Bay, Solomon Islands, Phone: +67-72-25-06