Things to do in Guadalcanal
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Raintree Café
This suave number run by a group of ladies boasts one of the most agreeable settings in Honiara. Picture a lovely waterfront location and soul-stirring views of Savo. The tropical décor is easy on the eye, with wooden furnishings, thatched roof and candlelit tables - alfresco dining doesn't come any better than this (it's BYO).
Choose between copious breakfasts, a parade of bountiful pizzas (served from 16:00), omelettes, daily specials chalked up on the blackboard, and melt-in-your-mouth homemade cakes. And don't get us started on the fruit salad with honey and yoghurt. Vegetarians should enjoy the crunchy 'garden salad' served in a traditional wooden bowl. It's such a …
reviewed
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Club Havanah
Expats and the local glitterati saunter here for upper-crust fare with a strong French accent thanks to Georges, the French chef, who can be seen through the glass, working his magic in the kitchen. The pages of its menu are a gateway to wonder.
Whet your palate with cracking petits gris farcis au coeur d'ail (snails with garlic), wolf down a lip-smacking médaillons de boeuf aux trois sauces (beef medallions with three sauces) and finish off your meal with, say, nougat glacé au miel et amandes (frozen dessert with candied fruit, almonds, honey and whipped cream). After having two satisfying dinners here, all we can say is: vraiment très bon (really very good). Just one…
reviewed
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Club 106
There are a few hotspots that deliver earbusting tunes and hot-and-sweaty dancing. They are rather naff by Western standards but after a few weeks spent in other provinces, you'll find them almost happening. Fridays and Saturdays are the liveliest nights but sometimes it can be pretty quiet for no apparent reason. Music-wise, expect an eclectic mix of island and Western hits.
One of the best places to showcase your à la John Travolta (or Olivia Newton-John) dance style is Club 106. It is safe for women travellers - there's security - but steer clear of inebriated patrons.
reviewed
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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).
There's no bargaining, and there's no hassling to buy anything. Utter bliss.
reviewed
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Capitana Restaurant
Oral pleasures (of the Japanese variety) never tasted so good at this wonderful restaurant inside the Mendana Hotel. Ever heard of yakisakana (grilled kingfish in ponzu sauce) or yosenabe (hotpot of seafood, chicken and vegetables)? It's time to get an education. If you're feeling conservative, stick to the to-die-for sashimi or classic Western dishes. Another strong point is the wine list, with a wide selection of Australian tipples.
Two minuses: the faded tablecloth and the elevator soundtrack - nothing's perfect.
reviewed
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Flamingo
There are a few hotspots that deliver earbusting tunes and hot-and-sweaty dancing. They are rather naff by Western standards but after a few weeks spent in other provinces, you'll find them almost happening. Fridays and Saturdays are the liveliest nights but sometimes it can be pretty quiet for no apparent reason. Music-wise, expect an eclectic mix of island and Western hits.
One of the best places to showcase your à la John Travolta (or Olivia Newton-John) dance style is Flamingo.
reviewed
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Bula Bar
There are a few hotspots that deliver earbusting tunes and hot-and-sweaty dancing. They are rather naff by Western standards but after a few weeks spent in other provinces, you'll find them almost happening. Fridays and Saturdays are the liveliest nights but sometimes it can be pretty quiet for no apparent reason. Music-wise, expect an eclectic mix of island and Western hits. One of the best places to showcase your à la John Travolta (or Olivia Newton-John) dance style is Bula Bar.
reviewed
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E
Lime Lounge
This accomplished modern place that seems to have been imported direct from Oz thinks it is the snazziest spot in town. One thing is sure: it's the meeting point for expats who are yearning for a satisfying breakfast (muesli!) or a light meal. There's everything from palate-pleasing salads to well-made sandwiches and devilish banana cakes - and perhaps the illusion of being back home. The walls are adorned with paintings by local artists, which gives the place a splash of style.
reviewed
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Point Cruz Yacht-Club
Never short of a happy crowd, this Honiara institution is best known for its cold Solbrew than for its affordable fare. It's a shame, because the dishes are simple and full of flavour. Burgers go down well with the brews served on the premises, but you can also treat your tastebuds to kingfish steak, sirloin steak or beef curry. And the seafront lies just beyond the glass. Brilliant value. There are plans to refurbish the place, so keep your ears to the ground.
reviewed
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Hong Kong Palace
This unmissable blood-red pagoda on Hibiscus Ave brings an unexpected dash of orientalism in an otherwise dull area. Inside, it's much more sterile, with neons and tiles, but you'll be too busy choosing from the mile-long menu to bother. Seafood is king of the castle here, with a wide choice of crab, shrimp, lobster, fish and squid dishes. The soundtrack is an odd cacophony that fuses the sizzling woks in the kitchen and the blaring TV in the dining room.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Nings Coffee Shop
Step into this attractive cafeteria-cum-fast-food outlet for an escape from the dusty streets. With its wrought-iron-like chairs and colourful walls, it's almost trendy by Honiaran standards. Tuck into marinated pork or beef, chilli tuna, fried chicken or sandwiches, or keep up your strength with a decent cappuccino. Small wonder it quickly fills at lunchtime (take-away available).
reviewed
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Shogun - Casablanca
One venue, two restaurants; it's perfect if you're undecided. The Alps meet the Pacific at the Casablanca. There's a good range of pasta dishes and hit-and-miss pizzas. Steaks, fish and lobster plump up the menu. Too bland for you? The refined interior of the Shogun puts you in the right mood for well-prepared Japanese dishes. There's a breezy terrace for alfresco dining.
reviewed
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Nings Bakery
You can gauge the level of carbohydrate addiction of an expat or local if they know about this bakery-cum-cafeteria. Those not in-the-know obviously haven't surrendered to the delights of the gooey pudding cake. Other temptations (though much more ordinary in taste) include chocolate cake and buns. Go. Just don't blame us if you can't fit into your wetsuit the next day.
reviewed
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Le Rendez Vous Restaurant
This is not the most romantic spot for a rendezvous, but it has a reputation for fine food and an airy setting with funky wooden tables and chairs under a thatched roof. The menu covers enough territory to please most palates, with such classics as chilli garlic prawns, beef eye fillet, burgers and fish of the day. Good fruit platter too.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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King Solomon's Handicraft
Honiara is a good place to pick up souvenirs. Why not bring back a nicely carved nguzu nguzu (no, it's not a penis gourd) for jealous friends at home? There are a few prominent stores with better-than-average crafts on or around the main drag, including King Solomon's Handicraft.
reviewed
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Melanesian Handicraft
Honiara is a good place to pick up souvenirs. Why not bring back a nicely carved nguzu nguzu (no, it's not a penis gourd) for jealous friends at home? There are a few prominent stores with better-than-average crafts on or around the main drag, including Melanesian Handicraft.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Garden Seafood
Here you can fuel up with Chinese staples such as sweet-and-sour fish fillet or prawns with nuts. The décor is a bit bleak and the food isn't the best (think gluggy sauce), but it's filling, cheap and very central.
reviewed
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Tourism Solomons
Ask for Ross Hepworth. Can arrange half-/full-day tours around Honiara, taking in the WWII battlefields, waterfalls and other sights. Can also organise trips to Savo and Tulagi. Prices vary according to the party size.
reviewed
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Destination Solomons Travel & Tours
Run by Wilson Maelaua. Can arrange half-/full-day tours around Honiara, taking in the WWII battlefields, waterfalls and other sights. Can also organise trips to Savo and Tulagi. Prices vary according to the party size.
reviewed
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Sea King
Ignore the chubby golden Buddha at the entrance; the stadium-sized dining room is less clichéd. This place has garnered high praise for its Chinese dishes that emphasise seafood.
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