Family Days in Honiara

October 31, 2026

Honiara is a government town and a port, and it has no theme parks, beach resorts or play centres. Families here make do with a handful of low-key outings, and safety comes before sightseeing. Prices are in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD).

Safety first

Read this before choosing an outing.

Fresh and saltwater crocodiles and sharks are common, and big crocodiles have been seen offshore at beaches near the capital.
Never let children paddle at a river mouth, an estuary or a mangrove channel.
Unexploded weapons lie around old battlefields. Children must never touch metal on the ground, whatever it looks like.
Malaria, dengue and Zika occur, and healthcare is basic. Talk to a travel clinic before you fly.

A morning at the National Museum

The museum on Mendana Avenue fills one room with dance, shell money, weapons and archaeology finds. A visit takes under an hour, which suits restless children. Listings from 2016 show opening on weekdays from about 9:00 to 16:30 and on Saturday mornings, with free entry and a donation box. Phone ahead or ask your hotel to check the hours.

The Botanic Gardens at Rove

Rove lies about 2 km west of the centre, off the Tandai Highway. The gardens are old, dating from 1965, and the 19 hectares include many Solomon orchids. Today they are run down, so go for the plants and a walk rather than for play equipment. Stay clear of the Rove River, and check the entry price at the entrance.

Browsing the Central Market

Fish, vegetables and crafts are laid out along the waterfront from Monday to Saturday, roughly 6:00 to 18:00. Sundays are quiet because the market is closed. It is crowded, so hold hands, keep bags in front of you and go early in the day.

Snorkelling for confident swimmers

At Bonegi, 12 km west of Honiara, the Kinugawa Maru rests in shallow water with part of its hull above the surface. Older children who swim well can snorkel here with an adult beside them, wearing reef shoes and life vests. Landowners collect a small cash kastom fee, so ask your guide. No lifeguards are on duty. Pay attention to the crocodile and shark warnings that cover this whole coast, and leave the water at the first sign of doubt.

Memorials

Honiara’s war memorials are solemn places of remembrance and are not outings for children. Unexploded shells are a danger near them, so keep children well away from any metal on the ground.

What to bring

Bring repellent, sun cream, hats, a water bottle and small notes, since cards work only at major hotels and restaurants. Dress modestly in public, with shoulders and knees covered, because the town is strongly Christian. Travel clinic advice is on the UK government health page .

Booking

Look for guides and transfers on GetYourGuide . Current risks are listed on the UK government safety page .