The Solomon Islands is a Pacific archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands offering pristine diving sites, WWII history, traditional Melanesian culture, and untouched natural beauty. From the bustling capital Honiara to remote coral atolls, this destination provides authentic South Pacific experiences far from mass tourism.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Bonegi Beach Shipwrecks and Vilu War Museum
Highlights: Snorkel or dive the Japanese WWII transport ships at Bonegi Beach I and II · Open-air Vilu War Museum with WWII aircraft, artillery, and vehicles · Mbonege Beach for quieter swimming and snorkelling · Coastal scenery along the western Guadalcanal highway
Tenaru Waterfalls and Red Beach
Highlights: Historic Red Beach (Tetere Beach) — WWII US Marine landing site with black sand and memorials · Tenaru Waterfalls with multiple tiers and natural swimming pools · Traditional villages along the Tenaru River · WWII relics visible along trail to the falls
Savo Island — Volcanic Island and Megapode Birds
Highlights: Geothermally heated black sand beaches where megapode birds incubate eggs naturally · Active volcanic landscape with steaming vents and hot springs · Traditional villages with the welcoming Savo community · Natural hot baths near the volcanic area
Florida Islands (Nggela) and Tulagi
Highlights: Tulagi — former pre-war capital with colonial history and WWII diving · Toa Maru wreck dive near Tulagi · Traditional villages on Nggela islands · Pristine beaches and snorkelling on outer reefs
Mataniko Falls — Honiara's Hidden Jungle Waterfall
Highlights: Dramatic waterfall plunging into an accessible cave system · WWII foxholes and relics along the Mataniko River trail · Swimming in the cavern pool at the base of the falls · Tropical rainforest with birds endemic to Guadalcanal
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Honiara start from $60-80 USD per person through Guadalcanal Travel Services and hotel tour desks. Include transportation, guide, and site fees.
- Private
- Full-day private taxi hire SBD 800-1200 ($95-145 USD) covers most western and eastern Guadalcanal sites. Negotiate at your hotel rather than flagging street taxis.
- Public
- PMV minibuses serve some Guadalcanal routes but without schedules — unreliable for day trips. Boat services to Savo and Florida Islands operate from Point Cruz wharf.
- Rental
- 4WD car rental from $100-150 USD per day at Henderson Airport (Budget, Avis). Recommended for independent exploration of Guadalcanal but road conditions are rough outside Honiara.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start all day trips before 8 AM to make the most of morning hours before the intense tropical heat peaks
Always negotiate and confirm the full price with your taxi driver before departure, including all planned stops
Bring sufficient cash (SBD) for kastom fees at sites, food, and tips as most locations outside Honiara are cash only
A combined Bonegi Beach plus Vilu War Museum full-day taxi trip ($95-120 USD) is the best value WWII day trip from Honiara