Showing 1-6 of 6 results
-
Central Market
While Honiara won't be mistaken for Dakar, the bubbling Central Market assails your senses. The country's principal food market covers a whole block between Mendana Ave and the seafront. It has a huge selection of fresh produce, especially fruits and vegetables, that come from outlying villages along the northern coast and from Savo island. Also on sale are crafts such as Malaitan shell money, souvenir shells and jewellery. The fish market is at the back (follow your nose).
-
Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral
On Sunday, masses of well-dressed Honiarans attend morning church services. Most churches have several services on this day, usually lasting an hour and conducted in English, so you have no excuse not to repent your sins. Visitors are welcome to attend, but make sure you dress modestly. The most prominent religious building is the Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral, perched on a hill to the east of the centre.
-
National Museum & Cultural Centre
The modest National Museum & Cultural Centre has only one room featuring displays and old photographs on traditional dance, body ornamentation, currency, weaponry and archaeology. Behind the main building there are eight traditionally constructed houses, each from a different province, as well as a few boldly carved wooden statues.
-
National Parliament
See the conical-shaped concrete building perched on the hill above Hibiscus Ave? It's the National Parliament. Watching proceedings from the public gallery (take the eastern entrance) can be fun if you happen to be in town at the right time (one-week sessions are usually held every other month). Inside, the dome boasts a rich tapestry of traditional art, including arching frescoes. Opened in 1993, the building was funded by the USA.
-
US War Memorial
As it leaves Honiara, Skyline Drive overlooks the Mataniko River, providing a breathtaking view of village life below it. Enjoy it from the US War Memorial, a compound of marble slabs bearing detailed descriptions of battles fought during the Guadalcanal campaign. It was unveiled on 7 August 1992, the 50th anniversary of the US beach landings. It's a steep 30-minute walk up from Mendana Ave.
-
White River Village
Betel nut, anyone? The friendly Gilbertese settlement called White River Village about four km west of the centre is mostly famed for its betel nut market. Wooden stalls selling the much sought-after commodity are lined cheek-by-jowl along the main road.
Showing 1-6 of 6 results
