Central Market
While Honiara won't be mistaken for Lagos, the country’s bubbling principal food market covers a whole block between Mendana Ave and the seafront. It has…
Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images
Honiara
The first port of call for most visitors, due to its position at the hub of all activity within the archipelago, it's hard not to spend some time in Honiara, the closest thing you'll find to a city in the Solomons. Just over a decade ago it was little more than a sleepy South Seas port, but over the last few years it has undergone an urban boom, and traffic snarl-ups at peak hours are now increasingly common in the centre.
It's rarely love at first sight – the architecture wins no prizes and sights are sparse. But lift the city's skin and the place just might start to grow on you. Hang around the atmospheric wharf, wade through the shambolic market, grab a few gifts in the well-stocked souvenir shops and get your first taste of Melanesian culture by visiting the museum.
Honiara is also the optimal launching pad for exploring Guadalcanal's outdoor offerings and the various WWII battlefields around the city.
Explore Honiara
- Central Market
While Honiara won't be mistaken for Lagos, the country’s bubbling principal food market covers a whole block between Mendana Ave and the seafront. It has…
- UUS War Memorial
This superb memorial is a five-minute taxi ride from the centre. The well-maintained compound has marble slabs bearing detailed descriptions of battles…
- NNational Museum
This modest museum – there is only one room – features interesting displays and old photographs on traditional dance, body ornamentation, currency,…
- WWhite 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…
- NNational Parliament
The conical-shaped concrete building that’s perched on the hill above Hibiscus Ave is the National Parliament. Inside, the dome boasts a rich tapestry of…
- HHoly Cross Catholic Cathedral
Honiara's most prominent religious building is this cathedral perched on a hill to the east of the centre. Visitors are welcome to attend, but make sure…
- BBotanical Gardens
These lovely grounds on the hills located above the city provide a green haven for nature lovers.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Honiara.
See
Central Market
While Honiara won't be mistaken for Lagos, the country’s bubbling principal food market covers a whole block between Mendana Ave and the seafront. It has…
See
US War Memorial
This superb memorial is a five-minute taxi ride from the centre. The well-maintained compound has marble slabs bearing detailed descriptions of battles…
See
National Museum
This modest museum – there is only one room – features interesting displays and old photographs on traditional dance, body ornamentation, currency,…
See
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…
See
National Parliament
The conical-shaped concrete building that’s perched on the hill above Hibiscus Ave is the National Parliament. Inside, the dome boasts a rich tapestry of…
See
Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral
Honiara's most prominent religious building is this cathedral perched on a hill to the east of the centre. Visitors are welcome to attend, but make sure…
See
Botanical Gardens
These lovely grounds on the hills located above the city provide a green haven for nature lovers.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Honiara
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