Solomon Islands Cuisine & Must-Try Dishes
Solomon Islands Hospitality
Solomon Islanders are renowned for their warm, communal spirit, where sharing a meal of fresh fish or root crops around a fire builds deep connections, making visitors feel like family in remote villages and bustling markets.
Essential Solomon Islands Foods
Ika Mata
Savor raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk, a fresh delicacy in Honiara markets for SBD 20-30 (about $2-4 USD), often paired with taro.
Must-try during fishing seasons, highlighting the islands' rich marine bounty.
Poi
Enjoy fermented taro paste, a staple in village feasts on Guadalcanal for SBD 10-15 (about $1-2 USD).
Best shared communally for an authentic, tangy taste of Melanesian tradition.
Kasikasi (Coconut Curry)
Sample fish or chicken in creamy coconut curry, found at Gizo eateries for SBD 25-35 (about $3-4 USD).
Each province adds unique spices, ideal for exploring regional flavors.
Coconut Crab
Indulge in grilled coconut crab, a rare treat in the Western Province for SBD 50-70 (about $6-8 USD).
Sustainable sourcing from local hunters ensures an ethical, exotic meal.
Fish Soup (Bubu)
Try hearty soup with fresh reef fish and vegetables, served in Malaita villages for SBD 15-25 (about $2-3 USD).
Traditionally simmered over open fires for a comforting, flavorful broth.
Banana with Fish
Experience baked banana stuffed with fish, available at island resorts for SBD 20-30 (about $2-4 USD).
Perfect for beach picnics, blending sweet fruit with savory seafood.
Vegetarian & Special Diets
- Vegetarian Options: Opt for taro, cassava, or greens like island cabbage in Honiara's markets for under SBD 10 (about $1 USD), embracing the plant-based staples of Solomon Islands cuisine.
- Vegan Choices: Villages offer coconut-based dishes and root vegetables, with growing awareness in urban areas for plant-only meals.
- Gluten-Free: Traditional foods like poi and fish are naturally gluten-free, widely available across the islands.
- Halal/Kosher: Limited but possible with fresh fish and veggies; inquire in Honiara's diverse communities for accommodations.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Greetings & Introductions
Offer a gentle handshake or nod, smiling warmly. In villages, elders are greeted first with respect.
Use "halo" (hello in Pijin) and avoid direct eye contact with superiors to show humility.
Dress Codes
Modest, lightweight clothing for tropical heat; cover knees and shoulders in communities.
Remove shoes before entering homes or sacred sites like WWII relics on Guadalcanal.
Language Considerations
English is official, but Solomon Islands Pijin is everyday; over 70 indigenous languages exist.
Learn Pijin basics like "tankyu" (thank you) to build rapport in rural areas.
Dining Etiquette
Eat with your right hand in villages; wait for the host to start communal meals.
No tipping in informal settings, but small gifts like kava are appreciated for hospitality.
Religious Respect
Christianity dominates; attend church services respectfully if invited, dress modestly.
Honor "kastom" (traditional) sites by asking permission before photography or entry.
Punctuality
"Island time" is relaxed; be patient with delays in remote areas.
Respect scheduled flights or ferries, arriving early for safety and courtesy.
Safety & Health Guidelines
Safety Overview
Solomon Islands is generally safe with friendly locals, but tropical risks like malaria and rough seas require preparation, while urban areas in Honiara have minor petty crime concerns.
Essential Safety Tips
Emergency Services
Dial 999 for police or 911 for medical help; English is used, but response may vary in remote islands.
Local clinics in Honiara provide basic care; carry travel insurance for evacuations.
Common Scams
Beware of overpriced taxis or fake guides in Honiara markets during peak tourist times.
Use registered boats for inter-island travel to avoid unlicensed operators.
Healthcare
Vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid recommended; malaria prophylaxis essential in lowlands.
Boil or treat water; dengue fever risks high—use repellent and long sleeves.
Night Safety
Stick to lit areas in Honiara; avoid walking alone after dark in urban spots.
Remote islands are safe but secure accommodations against insects and wildlife.
Outdoor Safety
For diving in Marovo Lagoon, check currents and use certified operators.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen; inform guides of snorkeling plans to prevent rips.
Personal Security
Keep valuables hidden on ferries; use lodge safes in resorts.
Respect local customs to avoid misunderstandings in villages.
Insider Travel Tips
Strategic Timing
Visit during dry season (May-Oct) for clear diving; book flights early for festivals.
Avoid wet season cyclones; shoulder months offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Budget Optimization
Use local ferries over flights; eat at markets for fresh meals under SBD 20 ($2 USD).
Homestays cheaper than resorts; exchange cash in Honiara for best rates.
Digital Essentials
Download offline maps for spotty coverage; get a local SIM in Honiara.
WiFi limited outside cities; solar chargers vital for remote island hopping.
Photography Tips
Capture sunsets over atolls in the Outer Islands for vibrant colors and calm waters.
Underwater housings for reefs; always seek permission for village portraits.
Cultural Connection
Join kastom dances or feasts to bond with communities authentically.
Offer small gifts like tobacco to elders for meaningful exchanges.
Local Secrets
Discover hidden WWII wrecks via local divers or untouched beaches on Ranongga.
Ask village chiefs for off-grid spots rich in culture but free from tourism.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Marovo Lagoon: World's largest saltwater lagoon on New Georgia with pristine coral and kayaking, ideal for secluded eco-adventures.
- Ghizo Island: Tranquil spot for diving WWII relics away from crowds, surrounded by turquoise waters.
- Red Beach (Ranongga): Remote pink-sand shore with volcanic origins, perfect for quiet picnics and shell collecting.
- Kolombangara Trails: Hidden rainforest paths for birdwatching and volcano hikes in ancient forests.
- Munda: Charming coastal town with submarine wrecks and cultural villages, great for history dives.
- Utupua Island: Isolated atoll with traditional thatched huts and untouched reefs for cultural immersion.
- Arnavon Islands: Protected marine sanctuary for turtle nesting, accessible by guided boat for wildlife spotting.
- Savo Island: Volcanic isle near Guadalcanal with hot springs and WWII sites, offering peaceful hikes.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Independence Day (July 7, Honiara): National celebrations with parades, cultural dances, and feasting marking 1978 independence.
- South Pacific Festival of Arts (Biennial, Varies): Regional event showcasing Melanesian dances, crafts, and music, drawing artists from Pacific nations.
- Christmas & New Year (December-January): Island-wide festivities with church services, feasting, and community sing-alongs.
- Laulau Festival (October, Malaita): Traditional shell money festival with exchanges, dances, and markets celebrating heritage.
- Orthodox Easter (April, Temotu Province): Vibrant processions and feasts in remote communities blending Christian and kastom elements.
- Surfing Season Events (May-Oct, Various): Informal surf meets at world-class breaks like those on Santa Isabel, with local competitions.
- Kastom Day (Varies, Villages): Local ceremonies honoring ancestors with storytelling, dances, and traditional foods.
- Diving Festivals (Dry Season, Gizo): Underwater clean-ups and guided wreck dives promoting marine conservation.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Shell Money: Traditional currency necklaces from Malaita artisans, authentic pieces start at SBD 50-100 ($6-12 USD), avoid mass-produced fakes.
- Carvings: Wooden masks and canoes from Guadalcanal workshops, handcrafted items for SBD 200+ ($25+ USD).
- Beaded Jewelry: Coconut shell and shell bead crafts from island markets, unique designs under SBD 30 ($4 USD).
- WWII Memorabilia: Ethical replicas or artifacts from Munda shops, research history before buying.
- Baskets & Mats: Woven pandanus from Temotu Province, practical souvenirs for SBD 50-150 ($6-18 USD).
- Markets: Honiara Central Market for fresh produce, spices, and local crafts at daily low prices.
- Copra Products: Coconut oil and soaps from small producers, natural items supporting rural economies.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-Friendly Transport
Opt for solar-powered boats or shared ferries to reduce fuel use on inter-island trips.
Walk or paddle canoes in lagoons for low-impact exploration of reefs.
Local & Organic
Buy from village gardens and markets to support sustainable farming of taro and fruits.
Choose reef-safe seafood caught daily, avoiding overfished species.
Reduce Waste
Carry reusable bottles; rainwater collection common, but treat if needed.
Pack out all rubbish from islands, as waste management is limited.
Support Local
Stay in community homestays to directly benefit families and learn kastom.
Hire local guides for dives and hikes, boosting village economies.
Respect Nature
Follow no-trace principles on beaches and trails; don't touch coral during snorkeling.
Support marine protected areas like Arnavons by avoiding destructive fishing.
Cultural Respect
Participate only in invited ceremonies; learn about land taboos before visits.
Contribute to conservation projects, respecting indigenous knowledge of ecosystems.
Useful Phrases
Solomon Islands Pijin
Hello: Halo
Thank you: Tankyu
Please: Plis
Excuse me: Sori
Do you speak English?: Yu save tok Inglis?
English (Official)
Hello: Hello
Thank you: Thank you
Please: Please
Excuse me: Excuse me
Do you speak Pijin?: Do you speak Pijin?
Basic Kwara'ae (Malaita Dialect)
Hello: Aero
Thank you: Ngara
Please: Fala
Excuse me: Sori
Do you speak English?: U sui ba Englisi?