Solomon Islands Itinerary: 10 Days for First-Timers (2026 Guide)
The Solomon Islands have been the South Pacific’s Best Kept Secret for a very long time, but with a recent social media spike, the Hapi Isles are getting a whole lot of well-deserved love.
Understandably so with some of the most marine diverse waters in the world, a unique history and rich traditions… don’t get me started on the hidden waterfalls, all only a 3hr hour direct flight from Australia!
Yet with so much to do and see in an undertouristed destination (a rarity in our world of overtourism), it can be overwhelming to know where/how/when to start – that’s what I am here for as your unofficial unique travel expert!
Blending my unfiltered experiences across 2 trips, the mistakes I made within them and a dash of juicy insider information from the Tourism Solomons team, for your perfect 10 Day Solomon Islands Itinerary Cocktail.
My Perfect Solomon Islands Itinerary Overview
Day 1-2 : Honiara
Day 3-5 : Malaita
Day 5-7 : Gizo
Day 8-10 : Munda
Are the Solomon Islands worth visiting?
The answer to this question deserved a guide of its own as I simply can not shut up about this unique and insanely underrated destination – You can read it here!
To give you the quick inside scoop, A BIG JUICY YES the Solomons is absolutely worth visiting. While it is still new in the tourism space with only 30,000 tourists per year, the destination is growing in so many ways that there has truly never been a better time to visit.
Locals are itching to share their stories and culture in some of the most otherworthly landscapes you may ever see BUT you have to set realistic expectation and be ready for a REAL adventure. Don’t worry, we will get into that…
What kind of traveller is the Solomon Islands ideal for?
To expand on my somewhat ominous response above, while the Solomon Islands rivals the landscapes of Fiji, Maldives or Bora Bora, do not expect the same 5 star luxury.
The luxury of the Solomon Islands comes from the raw and untouched experiences and stays perfect for those that crave a little more adventure, think:
- Unique romantic getaways
- Nature-loving families who want to explore beyond resort living
- Seasoned Solo Travellers looking to escape the usual tourist route
- Avid Divers, Ocean Fanatics and Surf Fiends
- Dedicated Bird Watchers (warning: you might not start your trip in this category, but you may end it buzzing to have spotted a giant hornbill haha)
- History Buffs
- Me – your unofficial unique travel expert already plotting my return
Quick Things to Know Before Visiting the Solomon Islands
Where Are the Solomon Islands?
The Solomon Islands are a remote archipelago in the South Pacific made up of nearly 1,000 islands, northeast of Australia and just east of Papua New Guinea.
How to Get to the Solomon Islands
While Solomon Airlines is the country’s national carrier, there are a growing collection of airlines with direct flights to Honiara from Brisbane, Nadi, Port Vila and Port Moresby.
In 2023, Munda International Airport also opened to international flights, making the Solomon Islands far easier to reach than many travellers expect.
How to Get Around the Solomon Islands
Solomon Airlines runs a series of domestic flights, opening up some of the most remote and untouched parts of the country.
Yet flying is not your only option to move around the Sollies, with a range of ferries, banana boats and 4WD routes to expand your adventure. Ultimately, it depends on which provinces you want to explore for your best option, as they vary.
The easiest way to navigate and arrange transport will be via your accommodation provider or for overall information, get in contact with the Tourism Solomons Team.
Best Time to Visit the Solomon Islands
Dry season (from May to October) is considered ‘peak’, when calmer seas and lower humidity make island hopping and outdoor exploration ideal. However, with warm tropical weather year-round, the Solomons remain a beautiful destination to visit in any season. What are you waiting for?!
Currency in the Solomon Islands
The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar and you’ll want to get some out in cash for your visit.
SIM Cards & Internet in the Solomons
You’d be surprised at how well connected you’ll be during your trip with WiFi often faster than it is back home in Australia.
BUT and that is a big BUT, in general, the cell service around the Islands is almost non-existent for tourists – eSIMS are currently extremely limited and wildly expensive and we both had trouble connecting to the FREE SIM you can pick up on arrival.
Solomon Islands Safety & Health Tips
Like anywhere you travel, it’s important to take normal precautions and plan ahead when visiting remote islands. Most notably, you will need to check current advice regarding malaria prevention (best to book a doctor’s appointment – we had to get prescription meds).
Solomon Islands Language
English is the official language of the Solomon Islands, though Solomon Islands Pijin is the most widely spoken language across the country (it’s a simplified/broken English).
You’ll also find hundreds of local languages and dialects spoken throughout the islands, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Solomon Islands? Why 10 days is my sweet spot
Don’t get it twisted, the Sollies is still well worth it even if your time is a little more limited. With island resorts like Fatboys in Gizo or BH Family Lodge in Auki that give you a perfect base and direct access to explore so much in one little slice of this tropical paradise.
Yet after my first trip of 5 days and second of 12, I worked out the kinks to find the sweet spot for those craving a broader tasting platter of the Solomon Islands in a realistic timeframe for most travellers.
10 days gives you enough time to uncover the hidden gems of 4 unique provinces, giving you a bigger picture of the landscapes, traditions and people, as well as the perfect launch pad for your inevitable return.
The Ultimate Solomon Islands Itinerary for First-Timers
What to expect from my 10-Day Solomon Islands Itinerary
WARNING: This will not be your flop and drop island vacation but that is what makes it so special.
I want to reiterate that the Solomon Islands isn’t your typical 5-star destination in terms of no-name hotel chains in sight, McDonald’s is non-existent and it is still a baby in the tourism scene so you will likely be pushed out of your comfort zone in some ways and forced to go on island time in others.
This itinerary is built around a whole different luxury that has become more and more rare – freedom, real adventure and untouched landscapes.
Days 1–2: Honiara and beyond in Central Province
⚠️ Option to choose your own adventure ⚠️
A COMFORTABLE BASE:
Okay, maybe you can flop and drop just a little to acclimatise in comfort at Heritage Park Hotel.
MOUNTAINS AND WATERFALLS:
A one-hour 4WD drive out of the city can take you to Parangiju Mountain Lodge for the ultimate hidden waterfall experience that feels like a world away.
UNIQUE ISLAND LIFE:
For those who need to fly in/out of Honiara but want to escape the city, you are less than one hour by boat ride away from the islands of the Central Province, perfect for day trips or overnight stays at the scattered beach resorts and dive sites.
✈️ How to get to Honiara and the surrounds
With direct flights from Australia, Fiji and Vanuatu, Honiara is the perfect Sollies starting point. Not to mention the domestic hub to continue your Solomon Islands adventures by flight, ferry or simple boat!
📝 Best Things to Do in Honiara and Central Province
Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands, as well as Guadalcanal, arguably the most well-known part of the country due to its brutal war history.
- TENARU FALLS – be warned, this is not for the faint of heart with a 6km return STEEP AND SLIPPERY mountain hike with river crossings and so many stairs, but oh dang is it worth it.
- MARKETS, MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES – Some of the biggest and most diverse in the country!
- HOTOMAI CULTURAL VILLAGE – Only a 1hr drive from Honiara, Hotomai Cultural Village invites you in to experience traditional Solomon Islands kastom practices passed down through generations.
The Central Province is only an hour away by boat so it would be rude not to sneak across to immerse yourself in some of the most Unique Things to do in the Solomon Islands:
- NUGU BEACH RESORT – Resort day/weekend trips where you get access to an idylic cove all to yourself. With snorkelling, rope swings and seafood feasts to enjoy only 1hr from honiara.
- SHIPWRECK ZIPLINE OF RODERICK BAY – Jungle-covered cliffs, glowing coastlines, overwater villas and a giant shipwreck you can zipline off!
- SAVO ISLAND DOLPHIN SANCTUARY – I was devastated the weather cancelled our day trip here as I have heard it is magical to see this megapode breeding grounds next to this unique volcano island.
🏨 Where to Stay in Honiara and Central Province
Honiara
Guadalcanal
Central Province
💁🏽♀️ My Experience in Guadalcanal and Central Province
On my first trip to the Sols, Honiara was simply a city stopover, yet on our recent return, I was surprised at how much more this hub has to offer, not only on its own but within its accessible surrounds.
In saying that, if (well, more so, when) I return, I think I would want to base overnight at either Parangiju Mountain Lodge or on an island in the Central Province instead of the city itself as I loved getting a little taste of what unique nature-based adventures are only a stones throw away.
Days 3–5: The Rich Traditions of Malaita
✈️ How to get to Auki from Honiara
While there are a couple of different routes/modes of transport to get to Auki, your set travel dates will likely make the final decision for you between flights and ferrys.
There are 3-4 direct Honiara (HIR) to Auki (AKS) Solomon Airlines flights per week, only taking around 30 minutes.
Alternatively, there are 2 ferry routes: the 2-hour Auki Express, or up to 5 hours on older vessels like the Pelican II. (
📝 Best Things to Do in Malaita
- LANGA LANGA LAGOON – Artificial islands, traditional shell money making and village life surrounded by turquoise water. Langa Langa Lagoon offers some of the most unique cultural experiences and landscapes in the Solomon Islands.
- BUSU VILLAGE SHELL MONEY – Yes, this is a real currency still used to this day for everything from bride price to community agreements and it is all made here!
- HAODAIKIRIO HOMESTAY – Cultural Experience, Cooking Class, Panpipe performances and waterfalls to explore.
- AUKI MARKETS – Keep an eye out for pineapple.
- TRY LAKENO – I best describe this as the mochi of the Solomons with a similar textured mildly sweet treat made from taro and coconut. We tried it fresh from Haodaikirio yet you will see locals lining up at the markets to buy in bulk bamboo sticks.
Tours in Malaita
All of our Malaita experiences were booked through AuthenticMala Tours.
The owner, Hazel, also happens to be our lovely host at BH Family Lodge, so we were truly in the best hands no matter where we went.
We could not recommend her enough and are already eyeing off her growing list of tour offerings, like gem hunting and pineapple tasting (we have been told they are the best in the country here!)
🏨 Where to Stay in Malaita
Auki
Auki
My Experience in Malaita
I didn’t know what to expect from Malaita other than its fascinating shell money culture.
Yet we were lucky enough to be guided by some very passionate locals who grew up in all corners of this province that made us fall in love before we even arrived. A interest that only grew stronger as we got to explore ourselves.
You can really see a lot of time, love and even money is being put into this province to build a sustainable tourism outlet – communities are so excited to welcome you in and there is truly so much to explore that I feel we didn’t even scratch the surface on (I am determined to return to pineapple season haha)
Days 6–7: Gizo the Underrated Island Paradise
✈️ How to get to Gizo and the Western Province
Gizo is one of the most popular routes in the Solomon Islands and, dare I say, one of the most scenic in the entire world no matter where you fly in from! (One I will always fight for the window seat for)
Honiara to Gizo = 1hr 30 minutes
Munda to Gizo = 15 min
You can actually get to Gizo from Brisbane within the same day now that flights connect via both Munda and Honiara giving you even more choice… and less excuse not to visit this slice of paradise.
📝 Best Things to Do in Gizo
- ISLAND HOPPING –
- WORLD-CLASS DIVING/SNORKELLING – Underrated to most of the world yet top of the bucketlist for avid divers with unbelievable visibility, some of the most marine-diverse coral reefs in the world and WWII wrecks.
- SAERAGHI VILLAGE – a glimpse into everyday life in the Western Province, where you can embrace traditional culture and see how island communities live in one of the most remote parts of the Solomon Islands.
- SUNSET WIND-DOWN – or wine-down if you ask me… where you get a lucky dip of private islands to enjoy a sunset picnic on to wrap up your Gizo day.
- GIZO MARKETS – more markets I know but it really is one of the best ways to explore a place and get to try the best of what it offers!
Islands I won’t shut up about in Gizo:
- KENNEDY ISLAND – Historically famous as the island where John F. Kennedy and his crew swam ashore during WWII after PT-109 was sunk. Now a popular day trip spot for snorkelling, relaxing and learning.
NOTE: Kennedy got pretty hard by the recent 2026 cyclone so while the reefs are as lively as ever, the island itself will take some time to recover for day trippers. - NJARI ISLAND – Often described as one of the most marine-life dense reef systems in the Solomon Islands, Njari is famous for huge schools of fish, thriving coral gardens and frequent pelagic sightings. It’s one of the most consistently “alive” reef dives in the region.
- NARU ISLAND – Another small, pristine escape just a quick ride from Fatboys Resort yet what I love most about this spot is the picture perfect sand bank you can have all to yourself!
🏨 Where to Stay in Gizo
Gizo
Gizo
Gizo Town
💁🏽♀️ My Experience in Gizo
No words will ever be able to sum up my experience with Gizo. Seriously, when I think of my happy place, it is island hopping around here.
Days 7-9: Community and Culture in Munda
✈️ How to get to and from Munda
Sure as another international and domestic airport hub you are not short of flight options to and from Munda, BUT the reason I set out this itinerary this way is so you get to experience the most scenic, immersive and exciting travel day possible…
ISLAND HOPPING FROM GIZO!
Plus you can fly direct back to Australia from here so it is a major win all around.
📝 Best Things to Do in Munda
- RENDOVA ISLAND – A remote, jungle-covered island bursting with WWII history, lively villages and dramatic coastlines that feel far removed from modern life.
- SKULL ISLAND – Skull Island is one of the Solomon Islands’ most sacred cultural sites, home to ancestral skull shrines that offer a powerful and respectfully preserved insight into local kastom traditions.
- SHIP/PLANE WRECK DIVING – Munda is a dream for wreck divers, with everything from WWII shipwrecks to submerged aircraft resting in clear, warm water just offshore and now completely transformed into thriving artificial reefs.
- EVEN MORE DIVING – Beyond the wrecks, Munda offers world-class reef diving with various landscapes likes coral gardens, and drop-offs where reef sharks, manta rays and massive schools of fish hang out.
- PETER JOSEPH WWII MUSEUM – This is not your typical Museum, instead a fascinating collection of wartime relics recovered from the surrounding waters, offering a small but fascinating and interactive look into the region’s intense WWII history.
🏨 Where to Stay in Munda
Munda
Munda
💁🏽♀️ My Experience in Munda
On my first trip we spent a whole day island hopping from Gizo to Munda as our transfer between hotels and it remains one of my favourite travel days EVER!
The landscapes quickly switch between crystal blues and deep greens from beaches and lagoons to dense jungles.
My time here was short and sweet but now with direct flights from Brissy, I may just find myself back here soon to explore more.
Solomon Islands Travel Tips for First Timers
Transport Realities & Delays
You will probably hear some locals say that things run on ‘Solomons Time’ – Schedules can change, weather delays happen, and things often move at a more relaxed pace so it’s best to leave a little flexibility in your itinerary and embrace island time.
Connectivity & Power
Honestly, the wifi and power access is way better connected than you would likely expect (we had better wifi at all of our hotels than we do back home in AUs haha), yet overall expect slower internet speeds, occasional outages and plenty of opportunities to properly switch off for a while.
Cash, ATMs & Card Payments
Cash is essential when travelling through the Solomon Islands. It is best to get Solomon Islands Dollars out at the ATMS in the main cities like Honiara, Gizo or Auki to keep a mix of notes on you at all times, especially if you are heading out to remote islands.
Solomon Islands Food
Food in the Solomon Islands is fresh and simple. Expect LOTS of seafood, tropical fruit, coconut, root vegetables and rice. While resort menus tend to be more westernised, some of the best experiences come from local-style meals and freshly caught fish enjoyed by the water.
Local Etiquette & Culture
The Solomon Islands is incredibly welcoming (after all, it is called the Happy Islands), but it’s important to travel respectfully and be mindful that many communities remain deeply traditional.
Dressing modestly in villages, asking before photographing people and supporting locally owned businesses all go a long way here.
What to Pack for the Solomon Islands
Lightweight tropical clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and good sandals or reef shoes are essentials for the Solomon Islands. I’ll get cracking on a full packing list for you ASAP!
Solomon Islands FAQ
Is the Solomon Islands Safe for Tourists?
Yes, the Solomon Islands is generally considered safe for travellers. As with any destination, it’s best to take normal precautions and come prepared.
Is the Solomon Islands Expensive?
The Solomon Islands can be pricier than many travellers expect. That said, the untouched landscapes and lack of crowds make it feel worlds away from more commercialised destinations.
Do You Need a Visa for the Solomon Islands?
Many travellers, including Australians and New Zealanders, can visit the Solomon Islands visa-free for short stays. Always check current entry requirements before travelling.
How do you book tours, stays and transport in the Solomon Islands?
While some hotels and resorts are available online, many tours, transfers and local stays are still booked directly with operators. Contact Tourism Solomons for further details.
My Realistic Solomon Itinerary Recap – brutally honest review, mistakes to avoid and what I would do again
As sprinkled throughout (yes, a donut pun, I couldn’t resist), this Solomon Islands itinerary was built from the mistakes I had made, route research, networking and my favourite adventures from 2 trips to the Hapi Isles – with many more planned.
For the ultimate mix of island hopping, culture, history, tradition, food, fun and relaxation, I have you zipping across multiple provinces that will no doubt have you falling in love the same way I have and inevitably planning your return to dive deeper (probably literally).
In my brutally honest opinion:
DO NOT go to the Solomon Islands if you:
❌ only want to stay in 5-star resorts
❌ need luxury dining or chain restaurants
❌ hate hot climates
❌ want a polished, ultra-touristy destination
GO to the Solomon Islands if you:
✅ are excited by a unique and underrated destination
✅ are nature obsessed
✅ want the best island hopping of your life
✅ are ready to embrace island time – and island time.
Look, this is a PACKED SOLOMON ISLANDS ITINERARY yet there is so much freedom here for you to make it your own
And this is only the teaser, you can find my Ultimate Solomon Islands Guide HERE
Of course, if you ever have any questions or are feeling extra nosy and want more in-depth insight, do not hesitate to email me at wanderingdonut@gmail.com or DM @wanderingdonut ♡
