Solomon Islands is great for beach life and snorkeling due to its pristine, uncrowded beaches and diverse marine life. The islands are home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the world, offering soft white sands, crystal clear …
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Backpacking Solomon Islands in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Solomon Islands with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Solomon Islands, where pristine coral reefs, diverse cultures, and untouched landscapes await backpackers. Pros? Immerse in traditional island life, explore vibrant marine life, and experience authentic cultural exchanges. The Solomon Islands offer tranquility and authenticity. However, limited infrastructure may pose challenges, and travel can be more expensive compared to mainstream destinations. For backpackers seeking a genuine Pacific island experience, away from the tourist trail, the Solomon Islands promise a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural richness, making it an extraordinary destination for the intrepid traveler.
Best known for:Known for: beach life | safety | people
Best time to visit: April-October
Best known for:Known for: beach life | safety | people
Best time to visit: April-October
Why to go?
Why backpacking in Solomon Islands
Beach life
People
The people of the Solomon Islands are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They take great pride in their tradition of hospitality, and visitors are often greeted with open arms and genuine kindness. Whether it’s offering a friendly smile, …
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Uniqueness
Exploring the Solomon Islands offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its remote and untouched natural beauty. The archipelago is made up of over 900 islands, many of which are uninhabited and pristine, providing a sense of …
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Scenery
Solomon Islands offer a diverse range of scenic landscapes to explore. From pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life to lush rainforests and rugged mountain ranges, there is something for every nature enthusiast. …
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Wildlife
Solomon Islands is great for seeing wildlife because of its diverse and unspoiled natural habitats. The islands are home to a wide variety of unique and endemic species, including birds, reptiles, and marine life. The lush rainforests, pristine …
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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Solomon Islands
1. Diving in Marovo Lagoon: The lagoon is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a prime spot for diving and snorkeling.
2. Visiting the WWII sites in Guadalcanal: History buffs will appreciate exploring the battlefields, memorials, and museums that offer insight into the significant WWII events that took place on the island.
3. Exploring the traditional villages: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, where you can witness customary dances, partake in local rituals, and purchase authentic handicrafts.
4. Hiking to the Tenaru Falls: Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the trek through lush rainforests to reach the stunning Tenaru Falls, where they can swim in the refreshing pools and admire the natural beauty.
5. Relaxing on the pristine beaches: With its unspoiled and uncrowded beaches, Solomon Islands offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, sunbathe, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
2. Visiting the WWII sites in Guadalcanal: History buffs will appreciate exploring the battlefields, memorials, and museums that offer insight into the significant WWII events that took place on the island.
3. Exploring the traditional villages: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, where you can witness customary dances, partake in local rituals, and purchase authentic handicrafts.
4. Hiking to the Tenaru Falls: Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the trek through lush rainforests to reach the stunning Tenaru Falls, where they can swim in the refreshing pools and admire the natural beauty.
5. Relaxing on the pristine beaches: With its unspoiled and uncrowded beaches, Solomon Islands offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, sunbathe, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Solomon Islands
The best time to visit the Solomon Islands for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it easier to explore the islands and enjoy outdoor activities. The temperatures are also more comfortable during this time, ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F).During the dry season, the waters are clearer, making it an ideal time for snorkeling, diving, and other water-based adventures. The visibility is better for exploring the diverse marine life and coral reefs that the Solomon Islands are known for.
Additionally, the dry season coincides with many cultural festivals and events, providing an opportunity to experience the rich traditions and customs of the Solomon Islands.
It’s important to note that the Solomon Islands are prone to cyclones, so it’s best to avoid the wet season from November to March when the islands experience heavy rainfall and the risk of tropical storms.
Risk level: low (17%)
Safety advice for Solomon Islands
- Petty crime, break-ins, robbery and sexual assault can occur. Keep your accommodation locked. Lock your vehicle doors and windows, even while moving.
- Political unrest can happen during sittings of Parliament, elections and times of political uncertainty. Demonstrations can turn violent quickly. Avoid protests and political gatherings.
- Be aware of local wildlife. Street dogs in Honiara can be vicious. Sharks and crocodiles are common. Get local advice before entering the water.
- Natural disasters, such as tropical cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis, occur. Listen to Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation on radio station AM1035 for official updates.
- Mobile and internet services can be limited in some areas of the Solomon Islands. Have a backup communications plan.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
Solomon Islands
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Solomon Islands sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Solomon Islands. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Solomon Islands may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Solomon Islands. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Solomon Islands may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Solomon Islands, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Solomon Islands, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 21 September 2024