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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Vilu War Museum WWII Tour
An engaging open-air museum with real WWII aircraft, tanks, and artillery pieces that children can walk among. The tangible, large-scale exhibits bring history to life far more effectively than indoor displays and are particularly fascinating for children with interest in aviation or military history.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bonegi Beach Snorkelling
Snorkel from the beach over the Hirokawa Maru WWII shipwreck — partially above water and visible in shallow water. Children can snorkel directly to the bow section with basic gear. The combination of colourful tropical fish and visible ship structure is thrilling for children of all ages.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Honiara Central Market Tour
Introduce children to tropical market culture — exotic fruits to taste, colourful fish to admire, traditional craft items to examine, and the vibrant energy of a working Pacific island market. Allow children to choose items to buy and try unfamiliar fruits.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Guadalcanal American Memorial Visit
An educational and moving visit to the most impressive WWII memorial in the Pacific. The dramatic setting overlooking Iron Bottom Sound, informative displays, and scale of the memorial makes history tangible and meaningful for school-age children, especially if they have prepared with some WWII Pacific War background reading.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Honiara Botanical Gardens Walk
A shaded garden walk through native Solomon Islands plants and tropical flowers. Good birdwatching opportunities with endemic species visible including lorikeets and kingfishers. Peaceful and manageable for younger children with clear paths and resting areas.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Heritage Park Hotel
The best family choice in Honiara with spacious garden grounds, a swimming pool, three restaurants with varied menus, and beachfront access. Family apartments and interconnecting rooms available. The safest and most comfortable option for families.
Family features: Swimming pool, beachfront gardens, multiple dining options, airport shuttle, reliable WiFi
Coral Sea Resort & Casino
Family-friendly resort with a pool, multiple restaurants, and a pleasant garden setting slightly outside the city centre. Modern facilities and newer infrastructure make it a comfortable family base. The casino is for adults only but the resort facilities are family-oriented.
Family features: Swimming pool, multiple restaurants, tropical garden setting, casino for adults
King Solomon Hotel
A reliable mid-range option for families wanting comfortable air-conditioned rooms at reasonable prices. On-site restaurant and bar with family-friendly menu options. Good value compared to the top hotels with adequate facilities for families.
Family features: Family rooms available, on-site restaurant, air conditioning, airport shuttle
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Hot Bread Kitchen is the most family-friendly casual option with familiar foods like meat pies, sandwiches, and fresh baked goods that children recognise and enjoy
Heritage Park and Coral Sea Resort restaurants offer the most varied menus with options suitable for children, including pasta, grilled chicken, and fresh juice
Only drink bottled water — ensure children understand this rule and maintain it consistently throughout your stay including for teeth brushing
Central Market fruit stalls sell fresh papaya, mango, and pineapple cheaply — excellent healthy snacks for children that avoid the need for packaged snacks
Most Honiara restaurants welcome children but high chairs are rare — bring a portable booster seat if needed for young children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Apply DEET insect repellent to all family members at all times outdoors — malaria prevention is essential for children and should be discussed with a paediatrician 6-8 weeks before departure
Hire a private taxi for the duration rather than using PMV minibuses — safer, more comfortable, and allows flexible scheduling around children's energy levels
Plan activities for the cooler parts of the day (7-10 AM and 4-6 PM) and rest at the hotel pool during the hottest midday hours
The Solomon Islands is most suitable for families with children 8 and over who can appreciate the historical significance; younger children may find the limited facilities and heat challenging