Tours and Guides for Honiara Sights

October 31, 2026

Honiara has few packaged tours, so visitors usually piece together a day from guides and taxis. These questions cover what can be arranged and where.

Who arranges guides?

The Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau, trading as Tourism Solomons, has an office in Honiara. Staff there book guides and trips to Savo Island. Start here for treks over customary land, such as Mataniko Falls, and ask what kastom fee the landowners expect, usually a small cash sum.

Are there tours I can book from home?

Some. GoTours, an Australian agent, lists Honiara tours, and its Savo Island day tour starts at AUD 378 per person with a minimum of two travellers. Savo takes 30 to 60 minutes by boat and offers hot springs, steam vents and megapode egg fields. Do not walk to the springs or up the volcano without a guide.

What does a battlefield tour cover?

Guided days by 4WD or minivan do exist, and an Expedia listing covers an East Honiara battlefields tour. A day normally links Henderson Field, Bloody Ridge, the pillars at Alligator Creek, the American Memorial and the museum at Vilu. These are places of remembrance, so keep your voice low and follow your guide on cleared paths, because unexploded weapons remain on the ridges. Alligator Creek is the Marines’ name for the Ilu River, a tidal lagoon with crocodiles, and the water must be avoided.

Can I tour Iron Bottom Sound by boat?

Small boats leave from the area around the Point Cruz Yacht Club, according to Lonely Planet. Agree the price, the route and the safety equipment directly with the boat owner, and keep valuables dry.

Are there sightseeing buses?

No. Honiara has no sightseeing buses. Public transport means informal minibuses, and taxis have no meters, so fix the fare before you get in. A taxi and driver hired for a few hours is the practical substitute.

Which attractions need a guide?

Mataniko Falls: yes, a guide from Lelei.
Tenaru Falls: yes, with guides at Tenaru village and a dozen river crossings.
Savo Island springs and climb: yes.
Bloody Ridge and the Japanese Peace Memorial on Mount Austen: a guide is advised.

Costs and cash

Quote prices in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) wherever you can. Only Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki have ATMs, and international cards work only at major hotels and restaurants, so withdraw cash in town and carry small notes.

Safety

Crocodiles and sharks are common, robbery happens near the central market, and unexploded weapons lie around Hell’s Point and the surrounding ridges. The UK government safety page names the neighbourhoods needing extra care.

Booking

Island tours can be searched on Viator . Check the visa steps on the UK entry requirements page before you go.