Travel: A Travel Guide for Honiara, the Capital City of the Solomon Islands

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Honiara hotels like King Solomon / Honiara hotels like King Solomon / CC BY-SA

Planning a tour during the holidays is a great way to forget your busy schedule and enjoy a refreshing break. It not only lightens daily stress, but also helps in restoring health. Many tourists every year plan their vacations to the Honiara to refresh their mind, soul and body.

Located on Guadalcanal, Honiara is the capital city of the awe-inspiring Solomon Islands. Tourists can visit this city through the Honiara International Airport, formerly known as Henderson Field or the seaport of Point Cruz. Using taxis is one of the best ways of traveling from the airport or seaport to the city as they are plenty available throughout Honiara. Minibuses are another alternative available for the travelers who are seeking a less expensive  travel option. These minibuses are mostly used by the local people frequently for traveling around the island, particularly along the coastal strip.

Prominent Attractions in Honiara

The World War locations in Honiara certainly captivate the attention of tourists.  The place is acknowledged for staging fierce World War II battles. Most of the violent battles of World War II were carried out on the hills of Honiara.

Visitors can climb the hills along with a tour guide to witness the sites closely while enjoying an ultimate trekking experience. They can also take a walk up to the Matanikau Falls, one of the famous waterfalls of the city.

They can visit many old churches that exude a calm and peaceful ambience. In addition, they can join the main ceremonies of the church that take place on Sunday or everyday in the evening.

Travelers seeking  adventure and thrilling activities in the city can undertake exciting water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and swimming on the beautiful island beaches.

The local central market of the city is another interesting place for the visitors to visit who are interested in shopping. They can buy items like jewelry, woven baskets, wooden carving, crafts and other handmade items at low prices.

Holidaying in Honiara is also good for the gambling fans as the city has many casinos where one can try their luck by playing various interesting gambling games.

The centre of the city features some fascinating historical and cultural destinations like the Cultural Centre, the National Art Gallery, Nation Museum, the Natural Archives and the Botanical Gardens. Exploring them while holidaying can educational as well as fun.

Accommodation in Honiara

From budget lodges to the luxury hotels, Honiara offers an extensive range of accommodations. The tourists can also look for accommodation in the bungalows or share a room in the homes of the local people. However, for an ultimate relaxation and comfortable experience, accommodation in Honiara hotel is the best option available. There are many popular Honiara hotels like King Solomon, Heritage Park Hotel Honiara, and Sanalae apartments etc. Visitors can go ahead with the one that falls under their budget and offers all the required facilities.

Overview of Holidays in Honiara

Apart from being the capital city of the Solomon Islands, Honiara also finds a mention  in the history of the world for witnessing the fiercest battle of the World War II. The history lovers can take a tour to some of the historical sites from the Battle of Guadalcanal like the Henderson Field (now turned into the international airport of the Solomon Islands), Bloody Ridge, Red Beach, Mataniko River, the Eastern and Western Battlefields. Further, the travelers can visit the magnificent Vilu War Museum, which lies 25 km west of Honiara. It is home to both the Japanese and United States (US) artifacts.

A few miles to the west of Honiara, there is a pristine Bonegi Beach, which is one of the most popular diving spots among the adventure junkies. It gives them a chance to explore the splendid underwater eco-system. Further, several leftovers of the World War II can be found at Iron Bottom Sound. The divers can discover the wrecks of B17 bomber aircraft and sunken battleships such as the Bonegi I and II.

This gorgeous city has something to offer to everyone. It is best meant for the nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, shoppers, divers and history junkies. A tour to this natural paradise can be a lifetime experience for the tourists from around the world. It has something magical in it that brings a vibrant force among the visitors and excites them to plan a trip to this place.

Author Bio: Nolan is a Travel Enthusiast in Washington and also a tech and travel blogger. He loves to visit new places around the globe, write and share his precious views on Traveling to new places, technology, applications.