A scattered archipelago of some 990-odd richly forested mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, the Solomon Islands likes to say it has been attracting international tourism since 1568 when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana first sailed into this tucked-away corner of the South Pacific.
Mendana’s legacy can still be found in the Solomon Islands today with many of the islands still bearing the Spanish names he gave them – Santa Isabel, San Cristóbal and perhaps the most famous of all, Guadalcanal, the name synonymous with World War II which takes its name from a small township in Andalucia in southern Spain.
Bur for the most part the Solomon Islands and their quiet, reserved people – a mix of Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian cultures – have been left alone and it’s thanks to this that the Solomon Islands have become such a breathtakingly fresh destination for those international travellers hardy enough to get off the beaten track and look for a new, very different and rich cultural experience.
Today World War II buffs and veterans and their families – many American and Japanese – SCUBA divers, fishermen and surfers looking for the ultimate uncrowded wave, make up the bulk of the 29,000 or so international travellers who visit every year.
With more than 319 species of birds including 79 endemic species, birdwatching is also a big drawcard for the destination.
But the destination has for some time become popular with family groups, multi-generational and nuclear, honeymooners, sports fishermen, yachtsmen, culture-lovers and simply those looking to make their own tracks.
The newly emerging, multi-faceted Solomon Islands can pretty much cater to every taste, desire and budget with its myriad choice of accommodation – from the ‘big gun’ hotels of the capital Honiara to boutique resort accommodation, eco-lodges and home-stays dotted across the entire archipelago.
Who goes to the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is a great place for any type of traveller. While the destination has always attracted the adventure-minded traveller looking for a new experience in a relatively undiscovered part of the world, today World War II buffs, SCUBA divers, sports fishermen and surfers looking for the ultimate uncrowded wave, make up the bulk of the 29,000 or so international travellers who visit every year.
With more than 250 endemic species of birds, birdwatching is also a big drawcard for the destination. But the destination has also for some time become popular with family groups, multi-generational and nuclear, honeymooners, yachtsmen, culture-lovers and simply those looking to make their own tracks.
How to get to the Solomon Islands
Solomon Airlines currently operates two flights weekly between Brisbane and Honiara. Virgin Australia, while not currently flying into the Solomon Islands, pre-COVID was operating twice weekly on the same route and has recently applied and been approved to operate two flights weekly on a five-year basis.
Top 10 things to do in the Solomon Islands
- Climb a volcano on Savo Island
- Surf uncrowded waves at Vavaghio
- Catch a prize fish at Zipolo Habu
- Learn to dive in the Western Province
- Visit the largest Hawksbill Turtle rookery on the planet
- Snorkel over WW11 wrecks
- Immerse in our true ‘living culture’
- Maroon yourself on your own desert island
- Listen and dance to our unique panpipe music
- Experience our headhunting culture on Skull Island
When is the best time to go the Solomon Islands
Anytime is a good time as the Solomon Islands is a year-round destination but surfers tend to travel from October – April when the Pacific tradewinds shift bringing world-class waves to the archipelago.
Top Tips for the Solomon Islands
Make sure you pack:
- Sunnies, sunscreen and mozzie repellent
- Good walking shoes
- Good camera
- Pencils, pens and colouring books for the local kids
- Importantly, a course of anti-malarials
- An appreciation for the new, the unusual and the adventure
How to book and learn more about the Solomon Islands
Contact your referred South Pacific wholesaler. Tourism Solomons permanent online training modules can be found at www.visitsolomons.com.sb. There are also ongoing webinars in conjunction with Treasures of the South Pacific, which can be found at www.tosp.com.au. Keep your eye out for roadshows that will visit all the state capitals and regionally on the Gold Coast and Parramatta to learn more.
