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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Nguzunguzu Canoe Prow Figure
A traditional sea spirit figure carved from wood, historically mounted on canoe prows to ward off sea spirits and guide fishermen. These carvings are among the most iconic symbols of Solomon Islands art and are found across the archipelago.
Price: $20-150
Where: Honiara Craft Centre, Central Market
Shell Money Necklaces
Strung discs of red and white shell (tafuli'ae) used historically as currency throughout Malaita and other provinces. Modern versions are sold as jewellery and represent authentic cultural heritage.
Price: $15-80
Where: Central Market, craft stalls along Mendana Avenue
Pandanus Leaf Baskets
Handwoven baskets, mats, and bags made from pandanus leaves using techniques passed down through generations in different island provinces. Each island group has distinct patterns and weaving styles.
Price: $10-50
Where: Central Market, Honiara Craft Centre
Kastom Shell Bracelets
Bracelets made from sea shells, traditional beads, and seeds crafted by local artisans. Some incorporate traditional designs specific to different Solomon Islands provinces.
Price: $5-30
Where: Central Market, beachside vendors
Carved Bowls and Totems
Hand-carved wooden bowls, masks, and decorative totems depicting traditional Melanesian motifs including fish, birds, and ancestral figures. Quality varies widely — look for smooth finishes and detailed craftsmanship.
Price: $15-120
Where: Honiara Craft Centre, NPF Plaza shops
Tie-Dye Laplap Cloth
Colourful laplap cloths dyed with traditional and modern methods, used as sarongs and wraps. Popular among locals and visitors alike as versatile wearable souvenirs.
Price: $10-35
Where: Central Market, roadside stalls
Painted Bark Cloth (Tapa)
Decorative cloth beaten from bark and painted with traditional geometric and figurative designs. Made primarily in Malaita and Western Province villages, each piece is unique.
Price: $25-100
Where: Honiara Craft Centre, village cooperatives
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Honiara Central Market
The largest and most vibrant market in the country, selling fresh tropical produce, fish, betel nut, and handicrafts. Local women from different provinces sell traditional food and handmade items in a chaotic, colourful atmosphere that is quintessential Solomon Islands.
Where: Mendana Avenue, Central Honiara
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Honiara Craft Centre
A dedicated market for handicrafts, carvings, shell jewellery, and traditional art from across the Solomon Islands. Better quality and wider selection than street vendors, with prices that are generally fair and some opportunity to negotiate.
Where: Near Central Market, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
NPF Plaza Shops
A small indoor shopping plaza with a handful of shops selling general goods, clothing, and basic souvenirs alongside pharmacies and a cafe. Convenient central location and air-conditioned environment.
Where: NPF Plaza, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Mendana Avenue Strip
The primary commercial corridor in Honiara running along the waterfront, lined with shops, market stalls, the Central Market, and the Craft Centre. Most visitor shopping is concentrated here, making it easy to browse on foot during cooler morning hours.
Best for: Crafts, markets, general supplies
Chinatown
A cluster of Chinese-owned hardware, clothing, and general merchandise stores near the city centre. Good for affordable clothing, household items, and some food products. The area is busy and bustling with a distinctly local atmosphere.
Best for: Affordable clothing, hardware, general goods
Kukum Highway Shops
A string of larger stores and supermarkets along Kukum Highway in eastern Honiara, including Solomon Islands' main supermarkets. Better stocked than central Honiara for packaged food, beverages, and imported goods.
Best for: Supermarkets, hardware stores, imported food
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
NPF Plaza
The closest thing to a shopping mall in Honiara — a small multi-tenant plaza with a cafe, pharmacy, travel agent, telecommunications shop, and a few retail stores. Air-conditioned and central, popular with office workers and visitors.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Ranadi Commercial Area
A growing commercial district on the eastern edge of Honiara with larger format stores including hardware shops, building supplies, and some food retailers. Useful for practical purchases rather than tourist shopping.
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices at the Central Market and Craft Centre are generally negotiable — start by asking the price then politely offer 20-30% less
Shell money and high-quality carvings from the Craft Centre have fair fixed prices; bargaining is less appropriate here
Always be respectful and friendly when negotiating — aggressive bargaining is considered rude
Buying multiple items from the same vendor will usually result in a better overall price
Prices in shops (NPF Plaza, Chinatown stores) are generally fixed and not subject to negotiation
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Export of genuine cultural artefacts and items of archaeological significance is prohibited without a permit from the National Museum. Sea turtle products are protected under CITES and cannot be exported. Coral and sea shells may be subject to restrictions — confirm with customs before purchase.
Tax Refund: No VAT tourist refund scheme exists in Solomon Islands
Duty Free: Arriving travellers can bring 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products, and 2 litres of alcohol duty-free into Solomon Islands
Shipping: DHL has an office in Honiara for international shipping of purchases. Large or fragile items such as carvings can be shipped, but costs are high. Ask vendors about packaging options for carry-on items.