Wrecks, Markets and Trails Around Honiara

October 31, 2026

Honiara, on the north shore of Guadalcanal, rewards visitors who like history, markets and walking with a guide. Five activities stand out. Each one has a practical catch, so the notes below start with the catch.

1. Snorkelling the Bonegi wrecks

The catch: a cash kastom fee, reef shoes and crocodile warnings.

Two Japanese transports, the Hirokawa Maru and the Kinugawa Maru, were run aground at Bonegi in November 1942. The site is about 12 km from town along the west coast road, and you walk in from the shore. The Kinugawa Maru is the shallow one, with part of its hull above the water, so snorkelers head there. The Hirokawa Maru is deeper, and a listing gives depths of 5 to 50 m. Some websites swap the Bonegi numbers, so use the ship names when you ask for directions.

Large crocodiles have been seen off beaches near Honiara. Ask local people where it is safe to enter the water. Divers should note that Honiara’s recompression chamber is out of service following earthquake damage, so ask your operator about emergency cover. The ships are war graves, so behave with respect.

2. Honiara Central Market

The catch: closed Sundays, with theft around the stalls.

The market sits beside the harbour. It trades Monday to Saturday from about 6:00 to 18:00. Look for vegetables, fish, betel nut and handicrafts. Visit by day, keep your valuables out of view and bring small change.

3. Mataniko Falls

The catch: you cannot go alone.

A guide from Lelei is required, according to Lonely Planet, and the Honiara tourist office can set it up. The walk starts near Lili village, behind New Chinatown. Sources give 1 to 2 hours. You will cross the river several times and the water can rise suddenly, so avoid the trek after rain. Ask the guide about the kastom fee, because the land belongs to local owners.

4. Betikama SDA Mission

The catch: it sits in the Henderson area, which has a crime warning.

The mission has a small museum with salvaged aircraft parts, most of them American, and two Japanese anti-tank guns. Cruise visitors have watched wood carvers at work. Take a taxi and keep belongings close.

5. Honiara Botanic Gardens

The catch: the grounds are in poor repair.

The gardens lie at Rove, 2 km west of the town centre, and cover 19 hectares. They date from 1965. Solomon orchids are the highlight, and the Rove River flows through the garden. A development plan was drawn up in 2023. Entry costs are best checked at the gate.

General tips

The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD), and cards work only at big hotels and restaurants.
Cover your shoulders and knees. The city is devoutly Christian.
Malaria, dengue and Zika occur, so use repellent.
Leave anything that looks like old ammunition exactly where it lies.

The UK Foreign Office keeps a current safety summary for Solomon Islands .

Booking

Compare guided outings on Viator and read the UK entry requirements before you fly.