Guadalcanal is likely the first stop for any family visiting the Solomon Islands, home to the capital city, Honiara, and the international airport. While the city itself is dusty and busy, the surrounding island offers a mix of raw history and accessible jungle adventures that provide a solid introduction to Melanesian geography. The climate here is hot and humid year-round, so families should plan activities for the cooler mornings and ensure children stay hydrated.
For families with an interest in history, Guadalcanal is an open-air classroom. The Battle of Guadalcanal was a turning point in WWII, and remnants of this conflict are visible everywhere. The Vilu War Museum is particularly engaging for children; unlike sterile glass-case museums, this is an outdoor collection where kids can walk around rusting fighter planes, cannons, and memorial gardens set within the jungle. The US War Memorial at Skyline Ridge offers panoramic views over the city and the ocean, providing a clear vantage point to explain the geography of the naval battles to older children.
Beyond history, nature plays a central role. A guided hike to Tenaru Waterfalls is a rewarding challenge for active families with older children, involving a trek through riverbeds and tropical forest to reach a thunderous 60-meter drop. For a more relaxing day, the beaches to the west of Honiara, such as those near Bonegi, offer shore-entry snorkeling. Here, families can see sunken Japanese transport ships just meters from the sand, though reef shoes are essential due to coral and stone.
Practically, Honiara offers the widest range of supplies in the country. Families should visit the Honiara Central Market to buy fresh bananas, papayas, and drinking coconuts directly from local growers. It is the best place to stock up on snacks and pharmacy essentials before heading to more remote provinces. Getting around requires hiring a taxi or a private driver, as public minibuses can be crowded and confusing for visitors. While the infrastructure is better here than in the outer islands, families should still expect a developing-nation environment—sidewalks are uneven, and traffic can be heavy.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Guadalcanal's rugged interior features pristine rainforests and dramatic waterfalls like Tenaru, providing authentic wilderness exploration. Drier mid-year months are essential for navigating remote trails safely; peak monsoon rainfall (Jan-Mar) makes river crossings and trekking hazardous.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Home to the world-class shipwrecks of Ironbottom Sound, offering unique diving experiences for sophisticated travelers. The peak months align with the region's lowest rainfall and best sea visibility, while the monsoonal first quarter brings rough seas and poor clarity.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
An internationally significant destination for WWII history, with well-preserved battlefields and the poignant Vilu War Museum. Outdoor historical sites are most accessible during the relatively drier months, whereas extreme humidity and heavy rains in the off-season can limit the educational experience.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
A premier location for technical diving and surfing on reef breaks, appealing to highly experienced active travelers. Peak conditions occur during the drier months when visibility and swell stability are optimal; the wet season brings unpredictable weather that often grounds outdoor sports activities.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Honiara offers an authentic glimpse into Melanesian life through its vibrant central markets and National Museum. While urban exploration is possible year-round, the lower precipitation in mid-year provides a more comfortable environment for exploring cultural sites on foot.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Relaxation is limited to higher-end hotel infrastructure and pools rather than specialized, world-class wellness retreats. The drier, cooler months are the only time the climate allows for comfortable outdoor relaxation.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic coastal drives lead to various memorials and museums, though road standards are basic by international luxury benchmarks. The dry season ensures road accessibility and better visibility of the diverse Guadalcanal landscapes.
Attractions (28 total)
National Park / Nature Reserve
Bloody Ridge National Peace Park
Honiara
A historic National Park offering a poignant look at WWII history set against a backdrop of rolling grassy hills and panoramic island views.
Barana Nature & Heritage Park
Honiara
A community-led conservation area featuring scenic hiking trails, traditional knowledge displays, and sweeping views of the Honiara coastline.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Bonegi Beach
Honiara
A world-class snorkeling and diving site featuring two accessible WWII Japanese shipwrecks resting just off the volcanic sand shore.
Visit website →Kakabona Beach
Honiara
A scenic coastal area closer to the city known for its traditional picnic huts and safe swimming areas popular with both locals and international visitors.
Mamara Beach
Honiara
A popular recreational stretch northwest of the capital offering white sands and clear waters perfect for family weekend picnics and swimming.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Guadalcanal American Memorial
Honiara
A prominent hilltop monument offering panoramic views and detailed historical accounts of the pivotal WWII Battle of Guadalcanal.
Solomon Islands National Museum
Honiara
This central cultural hub features traditional artifacts, historical photographs, and heritage displays that showcase the rich history of the archipelago.
Vilu War Museum
Honiara
An evocative open-air museum where families can walk among rusted WWII aircraft, artillery, and engines reclaimed by the tropical jungle.
Bloody Ridge National Park
Honiara
A recently designated national park and historic site where visitors can explore the ridges and monuments of one of WWII's most fierce land battles.
Japanese Peace Memorial
Honiara
A beautifully maintained and solemn memorial on Mount Austen dedicated to reconciliation and honoring the Japanese soldiers who fought in the region.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Guadalcanal West Coast Road
Honiara
Approximately 45km route (1.5–2 hours one way) following the coastline west of Honiara. The road is paved to the outskirts of the city before transitioning to well-maintained gravel. Key highlights include the Bonegi I and II shipwreck dive sites visible from the shore, scenic vistas of Iron Bottom Sound, and the Vilu War Museum, which houses a significant collection of WWII aircraft and artillery.
Visit website →East Guadalcanal WWII Memorial Drive
Honiara
A 30km paved touring route (1 hour) heading east from Honiara. This historic drive provides access to the Solomon Islands' most significant WWII sites, including the US War Memorial at Skyline Ridge, Henderson Field (Honiara International Airport), and the amphibious landing site at Red Beach. The route passes through coastal plains and large-scale agricultural plantations, offering views of the central mountain ranges.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Honiara Central Market
Honiara
The vibrant heart of the city, offering a sensory experience of local culture through its bustling produce, fish, and craft stalls.
Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Memorial
Honiara
A centrally located monument celebrating the critical role played by local scouts and Allied coastwatchers during the Pacific War.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Mataniko Falls
Honiara
A spectacular natural wonder featuring a double waterfall that flows directly into a large stalactite-filled limestone cave.
Tenaru Falls
Honiara
A breathtaking 60-meter plunge waterfall tucked within a lush tropical rainforest, offering a rewarding jungle hike for active families.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Tenaru Falls Trail
Tenaru
8km moderate day hike, approximately 4 hours duration with 210m elevation gain. This trail follows the Tenaru River through dense jungle to a spectacular 60-meter waterfall. Requires a local guide and a small kastom fee. Equipment rental: No dedicated bike/trekking rentals available; visitors should bring their own gear or arrange through Honiara-based tour operators.
Visit website →Bloody Ridge National Peace Park Walk
Honiara
2.5km easy loop walk, approximately 1 hour duration with 45m elevation gain. A historic trail across the site of the Battle of Edson's Ridge. The route features memorials and remnants of WWII foxholes with panoramic views of the Henderson Field area. Accessible via a short drive from Honiara or Henderson Airport.
Visit website →Mataniko Falls and Cave Hike
Honiara
6km moderate to challenging hike, approximately 3-4 hours duration with 320m elevation gain. The route involves river crossings and a steep climb to a dramatic limestone cave where the river disappears before cascading into a canyon. Guides are mandatory from Tuvaruhu or Lelei villages. No local equipment rental available.
Visit website →Mount Popomanaseu Summit Trek
Gold Ridge
32km expert multi-day trek, typically 4-5 days duration with over 2,300m elevation gain. This is the highest peak in the Solomon Islands, traversing pristine cloud forests and rugged ridgelines. Access is strictly controlled by local tribal landowners and requires complex logistics and local guides arranged in advance. No commercial rental companies exist for this remote route.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Tulagi Dive
Honiara
This professional diving and snorkeling center provides guided family-friendly excursions to historic WWII shipwrecks and colorful coral reefs in Iron Bottom Sound.
Visit website →Skyline Zipline
Honiara
This eco-adventure park offers families a thrilling experience with multiple ziplines gliding over lush rainforest canopies and providing stunning coastal views.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Graceland Nature Park
Honiara
A serene rural park featuring lush nature trails and educational insights into the cultivation of local crops like the noni fruit amidst the Guadalcanal highlands.
Visit website →Amazing Grace Cocoa Farm
Honiara
A unique agritourism destination where visitors can tour tropical cocoa groves and witness the fascinating bean-to-bar process of producing world-class chocolate.
Visit website →Hotomai Cultural Village
Honiara
An immersive cultural village offering hands-on demonstrations of traditional Melanesian subsistence farming, sago palm weaving, and ancient cooking techniques.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Honiara Botanical Gardens
Honiara
A tranquil sanctuary showcasing native Solomon Islands flora, including a dedicated orchid house and shaded walking trails perfect for family exploration.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Solomon Islands National Art Gallery
Honiara
This gallery highlights the diverse cultural heritage of the islands through traditional wood carvings, intricate shell money, and contemporary local paintings.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Solomon Peace Memorial Park
Honiara
A well-maintained memorial park on Mount Austen dedicated to the Japanese soldiers who fought in the Solomon Islands during WWII.
