How to Find Hotels in Solomon Islands

When you travel to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, bring your camera; there is no shortage of amazing vistas. Lounge by a lagoon or hike through the rainforests situated on volcanic mountains. Make time to snorkel the coral atolls and take in the local culture. This Melanesian society is diverse, with over 120 languages spoken.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• A computer with Internet access

Prepare for Your Stay in the Solomon Islands

1. Fly into Henderson International Airport in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
2. Arrive by sea via a cruise or charter a boat from Australia.

Choose Your Location and Class of Hotel in the Solomon Islands

3. Hop over to Munda from the capital for a stay in a cozy hostel or private lodge accommodations. In Munda, these are all housed in the same building, with rates from $20 for dormitory-style lodgings to $95 for a private room.
4. Stay near the Iron Bottom Sound, located near the business district of Honiara. Business-class hotels range from $100 to $300 per night.
5. Consider a village stay on one of the more remote islands in the archipelago. You can do this with permission from the local inhabitants, and prices vary according to the village. Usually, it equates to less than $50 per night.
6. Get pampered on a secluded tropical island in the Guadalcanal Province. Five-star accommodations generally feature beds canopied with mosquito netting, and range from $430 to $600 per night.

Be Familiar With the Solomon Islands

7. Visit Skull Island for a peek into the headhunting history of the Solomon Islands.
8. Visit Lake Te'Nggano, the Unesco World Heritage site located in Rennell. Plan in advance as this site is difficult to reach and may require a guide.
9. To book accommodations in the Solomon Islands, call Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau at [phone] or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring cash and leave the credit cards at home, as most places will not accept them as payment.
• If you arrange a village guesthouse, be courteous and a good neighbor. If you will be out late, inform your hosts beforehand.
• Don't stick to just one of the Solomon Islands--hop onto a puddle jumper plane and fly to one of the 20 airfields located throughout the archipelago.
• Accommodations are limited outside of Honiara, but don't forget about non-traditional accommodations such as village stays.
• It is best to hire a local guide for some sightseeing, for both the great local insight and intermediary between you and the island chiefs.
• Since gaining independence from Britain, the government has had problems with corruption and just plain ineffectiveness. Thanks to an international police force led by Australia, things have settled down, but it's still a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy before traveling to the Solomon Islands.
• The Solomon Islands are active volcanically and tremors do occur.