Honiara’s cruise season runs November to June, with tender boats shuttling you to Point Cruz port.
Play it safe by booking taxis through hotels or joining Hapi Isles Tours for guided adventures.
While you’re here, check out the WWII hotspots like Bloody Ridge and Iron Bottom Sound, or soak up local culture at the bustling Central Market and National Museum.
Watch yourself on the roads (they drive on the left!), bring Australian or Solomon Islands dollars for shopping, and pack modest clothes for village visits.
Dig into the full port guide for more insider tips before you dock.
Map of Honiara (Guadalcanal Island) Solomon Islands Cruise Ship Port
Cruise Ships & Schedules in Honiara
Cruise Ships & Schedules in Honiara
Honiara’s getting busier with international cruise ships throughout 2025-2026. Most ships (about 80%) show up during the November-June peak season when the weather’s dry and perfect for exploring.
Keep an eye out for some impressive vessels dropping anchor – the *Hanseatic Inspiration* swings by in March 2025, while *Le Paul Gauguin* hangs around overnight in April. December welcomes the *Oceania Regatta*, and Holland America’s *MS Noordam* makes its appearance in January 2026.
With a 35% jump in scheduled ships, you’ve got more chances than ever to check out Guadalcanal. Five major cruise lines now feature Honiara in their South Pacific routes – good news for anyone wanting to experience these islands.
Getting Around the Port & Transportation Options
Getting Around the Port & Transportation Options
When your cruise ship pulls into Honiara, you’ll be ferried to Point Cruz port by tender boat, and from there you’ve got several ways to explore the Solomon Islands’ capital.
For safety’s sake, it’s best to book taxis through your hotel rather than flagging one down on the street. There’s just one taxi company in town, and they use flat rates instead of meters. If you want the inside scoop on Honiara, hook up with Hapi Isles Tours & Transfers for a proper guided tour.
Feeling like doing your own thing? Grab a rental car from Avis, Budget, or one of the local places at Henderson International Airport. Just remember they drive on the left here, and you’ll want to be back before dark – the roads aren’t well-lit and can be downright treacherous at night.
WWII Historical Sites & Battle Landmarks
Stepping onto Guadalcanal’s historic soil means you’re walking where some of the Pacific War’s fiercest fighting happened.
Check out Bloody Ridge where Marines fought off Japanese attacks in desperate combat, then wander around what’s left of Henderson Field near the Golf Course. Iron Bottom Sound is pretty incredible too – it got its name because more than 50 warships were sunk there. You can take boat tours to see where they went down.
Take some time at the Guadalcanal American Memorial for a quiet moment, and swing by Vilu War Museum to see their cool collection of old tanks and aircraft. If you’re into snorkeling, Bonegi I & II are just minutes from port – these Japanese transport ships are now covered in coral and make for an awesome underwater adventure.
Local Culture & Authentic Experiences
Beyond Guadalcanal’s war stories, the real magic of the Solomons is in the everyday buzz of local life. Swing by Honiara Central Market where you’ll find locals dishing up fresh kokoda (fish soaked in citrus) right next to shell-money jewelry that’s still actually used in traditional ceremonies.
If you’re around midweek, catch the panpipe shows at Mendana Hotel – those bamboo instruments have been part of Are’are culture forever. Want the full experience? Village homestays are where it’s at – you might find yourself joining in kastom rituals or watching suahongi dancers do their thing. The National Museum is worth a look too – those wood carvings and nguzunguzu canoe decorations are seriously impressive. Or roll up your sleeves and learn how to weave with pandanus leaves from the locals who’ve been doing it for generations.
Practical Travel Information & Safety Tips
Getting Around Honiara: What You Need to Know
Look, Honiara isn’t exactly flush with infrastructure, so you’ll want to get your ducks in a row before hopping off the ship. The roads beyond the city? Pretty rough, to put it mildly. And don’t count on fancy hospitals if things go south – grab solid travel insurance with evacuation coverage or you might be stuck in a pickle.
- Cash is king here – bring Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) or Aussie Dollars for market shopping
- Shell out about SBD 100 per hour for taxis, but book ’em ahead if you don’t want to be stranded
- Watch the weather during cyclone season (November-May) – these storms aren’t messing around
- Mosquitoes are relentless, so douse yourself in repellent unless dengue fever sounds like a fun vacation story
- Leave the skimpy outfits on the ship when visiting villages – locals appreciate the modesty
Best Shore Excursions & Outdoor Activities
Ready to step off the ship and explore? Here’s what awaits in Honiara!
If you’re into WWII stuff, you’ll dig the battlefield tours around Bloody Ridge and Red Beach. You can also hop on boat trips over Iron Bottom Sound, where more than 100 wrecks lie beneath the waves. Divers, check out the coral-covered Japanese cargo ships at Bonegi, while snorkelers can splash around the colorful reefs near Njari Island.
More of a land person? Hike through the jungle to reach Mataniko Falls or hunt for souvenirs at Honiara Central Market. And don’t skip the chance to visit villages in Western Province – the woodcarving and traditional dance performances are the real deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cruise Passengers Visit Nggela Islands on a Port Day?
Yes, you can get to Nggela Islands, but it’s gonna be a squeeze time-wise. You’ll have to book a private boat (takes 3-4 hours there and back) and sort out local guides ahead of time. Just keep in mind that dicey weather and your ship’s short stop could throw a wrench in your plans.
Are There ATMS Near the Tender Landing Point in Honiara?
You bet – plenty of ATM options near where you’ll dock! The tender drops you at Point Cruz, and you’ll spot BSP just a short 200m stroll away. BRED and ANZ machines aren’t far either. Your international cards will work just fine at any of these spots, so grabbing cash won’t be a hassle.
How Reliable Is Mobile/Internet Connectivity for Cruise Passengers?
Mobile/internet situation in Honiara is hit-or-miss. You can get 4G in town, but don’t count on it being rock-solid. Your best bet is picking up a local SIM from Our Telekom or BMobile-Vodafone while you’re there – it’ll make your life easier.
Are Special Permits Needed for Drone Photography in Solomon Islands?
Yes, you need to register your drone and get permission before flying in the Solomon Islands. Tourists must have a pilot license and sign up their equipment through the local CAASI website. It’s a bit of paperwork, but you’ll need to sort it out before capturing those aerial shots.
Can Passengers With Mobility Limitations Enjoy Honiara’s Main Attractions?
While Honiara isn’t exactly wheelchair-friendly, you should know what you’re getting into if you have mobility issues. The tender port means you’ll need to manage transfers on your own, and most of the popular spots around town don’t have great accessibility features. Your best bet might be sticking with tours organized by your cruise ship – they’re more likely to work with your mobility needs than trying to navigate everything independently.
