Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Solomon Islands

Dive into crystal-clear waters to explore World War II wrecks and vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical marine life.

Currency Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Language English, Melanesian Pidgin
Time Zone SBT (UTC+11)
Best Time to Visit Aug–Sep
Typical Duration 13-43 nights
Price Range From $3,515 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the Solomon Islands and a starting point for expeditions to remote Pacific destinations including Antarctica, Cenderawasih Bay, and the Bismarck Archipelago.

Cruises that visit Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Build Your Day in Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Breakwater Cafe Outlook is glorious, staff are cheerful and lovely and the food is sublime. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Honiara Central Market Beautiful, lovely goods and produce found here Market · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Palm Sugar Dine-in·Takeout Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Tenkai Sushi Cafe Delicious, filling, great service, expensive. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
The Coffee Bar Beautiful environment, amazing staff and wonderful food and beverage menu. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Point Cruz Yacht Club Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Live music Bar · ★ 4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Saigon Sunrise | Honiara Bakery & Vietnamese Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Vietnamese restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Cozy Cove Café Amazing food, impeccable service, and great atmosphere. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Injoy Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout Chinese restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Mr Grill Fast Food & Noodle Haus Reasonably priced meals and generous portions. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
INDO SOLO CAFE Delicious authentic Indonesian food, multiple vegetarian and spicy options. Indonesian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Bulk Shop Prices are affordable, great service and ideal for family shopping. Grocery store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Haydn's Steakhouse The serving was good enough for two, although a little pricey Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Monarch Bar & Grill Dine-in·Takeout Bar & grill · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Hyundai Mall Located conveniently near the Market, Hyundai Mall is a popular hotspot. Shopping mall · ★ 3.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
KUYA Cafe & Grill Good coffee, fresh fruit drinks and had a very passable fish and chips. Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Mbonege beach The swimming site is with black sand and almost everywhere by the beach. Beach pavillion · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Bulk Shop - NPF Plaza So far so good, very convenient and affordable 👍💱 Supermarket · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Turtle Beach The beach is very scenic and snorkeling right off the beach was nice. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Cowboy's Grill Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Lela Beach Nice for snorkeling Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Taste & Traditions Vegetarian options Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Dynasty Everything tasted amazing, we emptied the plates 😋 Seafood restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
ORMIS KITCHEN Great lunch, fresh food and friendly service and they take credit cards Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
The Boardwalk Good food, drinks & friendly service Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Hakubai | Japanese Dine-in·Takeout Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Club Havanah Dine-in French restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
Local Fusion Cafe & Bar Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Nicky's Fast Food Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 3.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Troppo | Bar & Kitchen Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options·Live music Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Hammock Beach The water was clean and beautiful - worth it for the swim. Public beach · ★ 3.3 · 0k
Bahai FISH & CHIPS The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. Fish and chips takeaway · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Pacific Clothing You will pay less that a trader, agent and an exporter only. Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Central Plaza Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Baegu Store General store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Kakambona Beach Beautiful pebbly beach. Swimming facility · ★ 4 · 0k
Red Cross Cafe Bush lime comes with cucumber strips - yum! Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Capitana Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Mamara River Beaches Freshwater pools are nice. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tanahoru Beaches (Kakambona) Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k
B Natural Cafe Nice café, chilled vibe. Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Talon Shopping General store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Mokolo Mall Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k
Canoe Bar Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM
Bisivotu beach pub Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Tariu Kava bar Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Harmock beach Beach club · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Global Enterprise A reliable place for snacks and drinks whenever you need them ☕🥥😊 Coffee shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Point Cross Dine (CrXss) Definitely a spot worth visiting in Honiara. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
New Long Shop A really nice department store Department store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Super Food Court Kukum Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Cafe El-Shaddai Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

About Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, serves as a fascinating port of call for cruise travelers exploring the South Pacific and beyond. Five premium cruise lines including Seabourn, Holland America Line, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS regularly call here, offering passengers access to some of the region's most compelling itineraries. With 25 upcoming cruises and a typical voyage duration of 13 nights, Honiara attracts explorers seeking authentic encounters in one of the world's most remote and historically significant regions. The port sees peak activity during August, September, and the Southern Hemisphere summer months.

From Honiara, cruises venture to extraordinary destinations including Cenderawasih Bay, the Bismarck Archipelago, and Rabaul, with some itineraries extending to Antarctic experiences and Australia's Northern Territory. Passengers disembarking here discover a vibrant local culture and poignant World War II heritage sites that tell compelling stories of the Pacific theater. Whether you're drawn to pristine natural landscapes, rich cultural traditions, or historical exploration, Honiara provides an enriching gateway to one of the world's most intriguing cruising regions.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

World War II Historical Sites

Explore Guadalcanal's pivotal WWII heritage at the National Museum, which houses artifacts from the famous 1942-43 campaign. Visit nearby war memorials and remnants of Japanese bunkers scattered across the island, offering profound insights into this transformative Pacific battle and its lasting impact on local history.

2

Fresh Tropical Market Flavors

Wander through Honiara's vibrant Central Market to sample exotic tropical fruits, fresh coconut water, and local delicacies like kokoda (raw fish in coconut cream). Engage with friendly vendors selling colorful produce and traditional foods that showcase the authentic tastes of Solomon Islands cuisine.

3

Pristine Coral Reef Snorkeling

Discover spectacular underwater gardens in nearby coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. The calm, crystal-clear waters surrounding Honiara offer accessible snorkeling opportunities perfect for cruise passengers seeking unforgettable marine encounters in this biodiverse region.

4

Local Crafts & Artisan Markets

Browse authentic Solomon Islands handicrafts at the Handicraft Market, featuring intricate shell jewelry, traditional wooden carvings, and woven baskets created by local artisans. These one-of-a-kind souvenirs directly support island communities and offer genuine cultural connections unavailable elsewhere.

5

Lush Rainforest Nature Walks

Trek through Honiara's surrounding rainforests to encounter exotic bird species, towering palms, and cascading waterfalls hidden within verdant landscapes. Local guides lead immersive nature experiences revealing the island's remarkable biodiversity and pristine tropical ecosystems rarely accessible to cruise visitors.

Cruise Lines at Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Cruises Departing From Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Cruises Visiting Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Ship Schedule at Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in Solomon Islands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honiara known for?

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands, known for WWII history, markets, and waterfront views.

Where is Honiara located?

It is on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands.

What can visitors do in Honiara?

Visit the National Museum, Central Market, and nearby WWII sites.