Hey guys, so I recently had a blast exploring Honiara in the Solomon Islands, and boy, let me tell you about it. I flew in from Nadi with Fiji Airways, and let me just say, they are top-notch. The landing was smooth as butter, and the airport in Honiara is tiny, so getting through was a breeze.
First things first, don’t bring food – they’re pretty strict about that. I hit up an ATM outside the security exit, got some cash with no hassle, then headed to Our Telekom for a SIM card. The line there was a bit of a drag, about 45 minutes, but hey, patience is a virtue, right?
The lovely folks at Access Unit picked me up from the airport, showed me around, and helped me rent a sweet Toyota 4WD. My accommodation was comfy but a bit far from things, so having wheels was a game-changer. Dinner at Coral Sea Resort & Casino was delish but a tad pricey for my budget. Driving around Honiara was an adventure in itself – traffic gets crazy busy in the morning!
The next day, I fueled up with breakfast at Cozy Cafe before heading to Vilu War Museum. The journey there was a bit rugged, but the museum was an interesting pit stop. I hit up a beach and the US War Memorial Guadalcanal, both with small entrance fees but worth a look.
I tried out a Chinese joint for dinner, but it was a bit meh. I was a bit paranoid about bugs, so I didn’t venture out after dark, but in hindsight, I was probably overly cautious. Day two was all about scuba diving, which was a splurge but totally worth it. Emperor Divers took us to WWII wreck sites, and the visibility was on point.
After diving, I checked out the bustling local market and a quirky spot with amphibious vehicles. I wrapped up the day with a satisfying meal at Palm Sugar Cafeteria, which was a real steal.
Day three kicked off with more breakfast at Cozy Cafe before a challenging drive up Mount Austen for stunning views. I stopped by the Japanese War Memorial Guadalcanal and Heritage Park Hotel for some chill time by the sea.
Overall, my time in Guadalcanal was a mixed bag. The people were friendly, crime wasn’t a big issue, but the amount of trash was a downer. It’s not a budget-friendly spot,