Romantic Hotels and Sunsets in Honiara
Couples should know what to expect. Honiara is a capital with a handful of good hotels and no resort strip, so a romantic stay here depends on the hotel, the table and the sunset. Everything below is simple and real. Prices are not given because they move, and the currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).
Two hotels with restaurants
Coral Sea Resort & Casino is on the waterfront and has two restaurants. It is the easiest place to stay for a dinner that ends with a short walk to your room.
Heritage Park Hotel has three venues: Terrace Cafe, GG’s and Splash Bar & Grill. You can eat somewhere different on each of three nights without leaving the property.
Only major hotels and restaurants accept international cards, so check at booking whether your card works, and carry cash for everything else.
Watching the sunset
Iron Bottom Sound opens in front of the town, with Savo Island and the Florida Islands across the water. Sunset over the sound is the view to plan your evening around. Take a drink to a waterfront spot near your hotel, then return before it is fully dark. The UK government advises avoiding walks at night, so use a taxi after dusk.
One night on Tulagi
For a quieter evening, take the boat to Tulagi, about 1 to 2 hours across the sound, and stay at Raiders Hotel & Dive on the waterfront. It now also operates Raiders Dive Lodge. Couples who dive together will find it practical, and everyone else gets a peaceful night away from the capital. Fares and sailing times change, so confirm them a day ahead. Stay on paths on Tulagi, because unexploded weapons remain there.
Keep out of the water
The beaches near Honiara are not safe for swimming. Crocodiles in both fresh and salt water and sharks are common, and big ones have been spotted off beaches close to town. Stay out of river mouths, estuaries and mangrove channels. Thieves operate near the central market and at local beaches, so leave jewellery in the room.
A daytime outing for two
If you want a day out, join a guided trip to Savo Island for hot springs and steam vents, or visit Rove Botanic Gardens, where Solomon orchids grow beside the Rove River. The Central Market is open Monday to Saturday.
Customs
Honiara is strongly Christian, and visitors cover shoulders and knees in public. Swearing is illegal.
Booking
Compare rooms on Booking.com . The UK government safety page lists current risks.
Read more: Activities for couples or longer plans .