What to do and see in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island: The Best Free Things to do

March 30, 2022 Darwin Bolte

Located on the island of Guadalcanal, Honiara was built on land that saw some of the bloodiest battles of WWII. Now the capital and base of tourism to the beautiful Solomon Islands, this city offers something to satisfy the desires of history junkies, nature lovers, shoppers, and everyone in between. Spend your days picking up crafts at the outdoor markets or exploring the Botanical Garden's orchid collection, and your nights eating coconut crab and playing Pacific Poker, two local specialties.
Restaurants in Honiara

1. Guadalcanal American Memorial

Skyline Drive, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/pacific/guadalcanal-memorial
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Guadalcanal American Memorial

The US War Memorial is located at Skyline Ridge. Tales of the historical happenings on the Battle of Guadalcanal during WWII are written on the stone wall monuments. A great way to learn about the involvement of the US forces during WWII. Organized tours can be arranged with local tour operators or one can easily get there by taxi or mini vans.

Reviewed By grandad88 - Clitheroe, United Kingdom

Although quite hard to get to it is well worth the effort. From the memorial you get wonderful views over Iron Bottom Sound across to Tulagi and also the other way into the hills behind Honiara. The memorial itself has a lot of interesting information about the battles on Guadacanal and throughout the Solomons and explains a lot of the history of the campaign in Solomon Islands. While it is big and impressive it is not over militaristic being a memorial to people rather than a celebration of war.

2. Solomon Islands Memorial Garden

Honiara International Airport, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands
Excellent
17%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
28%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 46 reviews

Solomon Islands Memorial Garden

3. Solomon Islands National Museum

Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands +677 20137
Excellent
22%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
13%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 23 reviews

Solomon Islands National Museum

Reviewed By petersgn33 - Melbourne, Australia

A way to learn about the history of the Solomon Islands, the civil unrest 20 years after independence

4. Japanese War Memorial

Skyline Ridge Mount Austin, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands
Excellent
40%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 10 reviews

Japanese War Memorial

The Japanese Memorial site was erected in memory of the Japanese involvement in the Battle of Guadalcanal during WWII. Located on the ridge of Mt. Austin with picturesque view overlooking east Honiara. There are organized tours provided by tour operators or visitors can easily get there by taxi.

Reviewed By grandad88 - Clitheroe, United Kingdom

This is styled as a Peace Memorial rather than a War Memorial and it is a very peaceful place to visit. There are wonderful views in both directions, out to sea and into the hills behind Honiara that make it worth the visit alone. The memorial itself is very simple and plain with no decoration or words except for an explanation of its purpose and meaning. We found it very interesting that when one stands in the centre of the 4 walls and looks up there is the shape of a cross! I don't know whether that was intentional or not but we found it very moving and meaningful.

5. Honiara Central Market

Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands
Excellent
15%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 100 reviews

Honiara Central Market

Reviewed By TravelinAlan - Los Angeles, United States

This is where the locals come to shop. Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish. It's all there. I enjoyed the experience. A completely non-tourist destination.

6. Honiara Botanical Gardens

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Solomon Islands
Excellent
6%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
19%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 16 reviews

Honiara Botanical Gardens

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