Boutique hotels in Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is a scattering of nearly a thousand islands in the south-west Pacific, with rainforest-covered volcanic peaks, coral atolls and some of the clearest, least visited diving in the world. The Guadalcanal campaign of World War II left wrecks and relics across the group, and village life remains strongly traditional. Visitors come for diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking and culture, and accommodation is small and often family-run.

Honiara and Guadalcanal

The capital, Honiara, is a small, hilly port with war memorials, a market and a few of the country's better hotels. From here small planes reach the islands, including the private resort of Tavanipupu in Marau Sound.

The Western Province

Gizo is the main town of the Western Province and the base for diving, with overwater bungalows on neighboring islands. Munda, on New Georgia, has a long-established hotel beside Roviana Lagoon, and the Marovo Lagoon, among the largest saltwater lagoons in the world, has eco-lodges and a barrier-reef resort at Uepi.

Good to know

Facilities are basic and flights and boats run on island time. Check official travel advice, confirm transfers in advance and bring cash, as cards are rarely accepted outside Honiara.

When to go

May to October is the drier, cooler season. Cyclones are possible from November to April.