How to Get Around Solomon Islands

Getting in is through Honiara’s Henderson Field, with flights from Brisbane, Port Moresby, Nadi and Port Vila. Connections are limited and often only a few a week.

Solomon Airlines runs the domestic network to Munda, Gizo, Seghe, Rennell and the provincial strips on small aircraft. Baggage limits are strict, schedules change, and cancellations are common — never book a same-day international connection.

Boats are the other option. Inter-island ferries run from Honiara to the provinces on multi-day schedules, and banana boats — open fibreglass outboards — are how people move locally. They are also the main safety concern: overloaded, often without lifejackets, and crossing open water. Ask about the boat before committing, and do not travel in rough weather.

On Guadalcanal, minibuses and trucks run along the coast road from Honiara; hire cars are available and roads beyond the capital are rough.

Allow far more time than distances suggest.