10 things I wish I knew before going to Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands. Where are the Solomon Islands? It is a vast territory in the Pacific Ocean where a wide choice of islands presents majestic landscapes. Volcanoes, mountains, and white sand beaches make up the nature of the interior scenes while corals, lagoons, turtles, and colourful fish adorn the clear waters of the seabed. There are many reasons why you should decide about going to the Solomon Islands. First, you can find too many beautiful places to visit in Solomon Islands, both in regions and Solomon Islands capital; second, the Solomon Islands people and culture are interesting; third, there are countless comfortable places to stay in Solomon Islands, etc. Well, to decide on going to the Solomon Islands and after the decision, there are things you wish to know before going to the Solomon Islands. Therefore, I write about 10 essential things you need to know before your travel, including the answers to the questions like, where are the Solomon Islands, what is the capital of the Solomon Islands, is it safe to travel to the Solomon Islands, how friendly are the Solomon Islands people, what are the best places to stay in Solomon Islands, and what are the most wonderful places to go in Solomon Islands.

1. Where are the Solomon Islands?

It is one of the 5 most important countries in Oceania, in the Pacific Ocean. Its land area is 28,446 sq. km. In the east of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands consists of 9 provinces, the country stretches over a length of 1,448 km from west to east. 1000 islands and only 347 occupied islands. Honiara, Solomon Islands capital, is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal. The other main islands are Choiseul, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Malaita, and Makira.

2. What is the capital of the Solomon Islands?

The Solomon Islands capital is Honiara. This city is interesting for a short stopover before continuing to the outer provinces. Relax in the bars of the city, at the casino, visit the Central Market to discover the daily life of the locals. The surroundings of this city are rich in sites of the Second World War, its hills have been the places of bitter battles. The waterfalls are also nice to discover, through hikes, such as Mataniko Falls, a two-hour walk from Honiara.

3. Is it safe to travel to the Solomon Islands?

The Solomon Islands is a quiet, safe place to visit. Nevertheless, as are other countries, you should take normal safety precautions against thefts. Also, try not to travel alone at night and be careful of animals, which could be poisonous. It is better to do the anti-malaria vaccination before your trip. Always be prepared, and do not look for is it safe to travel to the Solomon Islands, it is. Last but not least, bear in mind that tap water is non-drinkable in Honiara, what is the capital of the Solomon Islands.

4. Friendly Solomon Islands people

The Solomon Islands are populated by Melanesians, like many islands in the Pacific. They represent 95% of the population, the rest being of Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese, and European origin. It has approximately 550,000 inhabitants, of which approximately 75% live from a subsistence economy, fishing and agriculture, in their villages on remote islands. English is the official language, but there are around 65 local languages, and Pidgin, the most widely used common language.

5. Wonderful places to stay in Solomon Islands

You will find different categories of accommodation in the Solomon Islands, with more or less comfort. Standard hotels offer you the best amenities, especially in the town of Honiara. However, a hotel in the Solomon Islands is not as luxurious as in other parts of the world. You will stay in eco-lodges that you can find in the Western Province. You will be close to the villages and will be able to approach the real way of life of the Solomons. On the other hand, it will be necessary to take with a smile the few faults that may exist. Remember that you are at the end of the world.

6. Beautiful places to go in Solomon Islands

Guadalcanal  Guadalcanal is one of the best places to visit in the Solomon Islands. It presents an exceptional nature made in particular of tropical forests and valleys ideal for hikes. You will be able to see many waterfalls like those of Tenaru, Mataniko, and Borare. Superb beaches are located on the south coast, just 10 minutes from the capital. Along some has wrecks from World War II. Kavachi volcano Kavachi volcano is an underwater volcano located off the island of Vangunu in the Western Province. It is still very active, and if you are lucky, you may observe underwater eruptions close to the surface. It usually creates new islands at the same time, which unfortunately cannot withstand the onslaught of the waves. That being said, such an eruption only occurs at irregular intervals that count down to years, so you will have to reckon with luck. Marovo lagoon In terms of the seaside, the lagoon of Marovo, to the west of the archipelago, is of incredible beauty. It is home to an adorable eco-tourism village, and the site has been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Marovo Lagoon is an exceptional place for those who wish to spend a peaceful holiday at the end of the world, on the paradise islands. Marovo Lagoon is on the west of the archipelago. It is a coastal ecosystem of 700 square kilometres, bordered by barrier reefs.

7. The best time for going to the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands has a humid tropical climate, refreshed by the trade winds coming from the south-east. Temperatures are between 24 - 28 °C all year round, which has two seasons: between November and April is a rainy season with a stifling atmosphere, often violent thunderstorms at the end of the day, and sometimes tropical cyclones from December to March. And a dry and cooler season, between May and October, sunnier and with pleasant temperatures, which is the most favourable to explore the country.

8. Traditions and culture mixing

The culture of the Solomon Islands is a mixture of Polynesian, Micronesian, and especially Melanesian cultures for most of the inhabitants. Here as elsewhere in the other Pacific Islands, the history of the Solomon Islands is famous for turbulent periods, which forged the current landscape of the country. The tradition of the Solomon Islands people is omnipresent. Most of the inhabitants live in villages in the countryside, in houses, often built on shores. A vacation in the Solomon Islands will have many other surprises in store for you. You will be able to get up close to the Melanesian culture, and its inhabitants in their daily life with ease.

9. Rich history of Solomon Islands

The original population of the Solomon Islands archipelago, and Melanesia in general, arrived from Asia. It was not until the end of the 16th century to see the arrival of the first Europeans. Various nationalities followed one another in the following years: English, French, Americans. Relations between locals and invaders were quite violent, the former systematically killing any white man in defence. Between the years 1842 and 1890, French and English were too busy with their colonies, the Germans held off New Guinea, and some Solomon Islands. In 1893, the eastern Solomon Islands came under British protectorate. The West was under German management. In 1899, the Germans ceded their islands to the English. In 1942, the Japanese invaded the country, and then followed the fierce battle of Guadalcanal, which is among the most important places to visit in Solomon Islands. Many worshipped Americans stayed on the islands for a long time after the victory. The country became independent in 1978 and is today an independent parliamentary democracy.

10. Activities to do in the Solomon Islands

Scuba diving is the main activity that attracts travellers to the Solomon Islands. However, some travellers are attracted to the rich history of the islands. Indeed, many come to pay respect to the people who lost their lives there during the Second World War. Besides, the battlefields are strong attractions for history buffs of the Second World War. Also, ornithologists appreciate the many species of birds that can be observed. Some species are only on a few islands and represent a unique attraction for avid bird watching travellers. Sportfishing is also a very interesting activity to practice in the Solomon Islands. The pristine, deep waters of the islands are perfect terrain for anglers who can expect a wide variety of species. It is also possible to fish in a quiet area as well as in the rivers of the jungle. Finally, lovers of the outdoors will undoubtedly take advantage of uninhabited places to go in Solomon Islands for hiking. You can also visit several villages and discover a rich and unique culture. Some villages even welcome visitors for a few nights to offer a total immersion in their hundreds of years old culture.