Heading to the Solomon Islands, an amazing destination renowned for it's beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities? Our travel cost guide will help you plan an epic vacation without overspending. We’ve got all the essentials, from average hotel rates to dining and entertainment costs. All of the travel expenses are from real travelers, so you can travel smart and have an amazing trip.
How much does it cost to travel to the Solomon Islands?
You should plan to spend around $171 (SI$1,414) per day on your vacation in the Solomon Islands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $32 (SI$263) on meals
- $22 (SI$184) on local transportation
- $131 (SI$1,089) on hotels
A one week trip to the Solomon Islands for two people costs, on average, $2,387 (SI$19,796). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is the Solomon Islands expensive to visit?
The Solomon Islands is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, the Solomon Islands is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to French Polynesia or Fiji.
For more details, see Is the Solomon Islands Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to the Solomon Islands?
The average Solomon Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Solomon Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
SI$238
($29)
|
SI$544
($66)
|
SI$1,040
($125)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
SI$81
($9.72)
|
SI$184
($22)
|
SI$352
($42)
|
|
Food 2
|
SI$115
($14)
|
SI$263
($32)
|
SI$502
($61)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
SI$89
($11)
|
SI$204
($25)
|
SI$390
($47)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
SI$20-60
($2-7)
|
SI$46-137
($6-17)
|
SI$87-262
($11-32)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your budget. While many travelers like to see themselves as "budget" travelers living on just $75 a day, most find that lifestyle uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to the Solomon Islands can cost just $75 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, museums, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $171 per person.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodations is elevated, plan for a daily price near $326. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in the Solomon Islands
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in the Solomon Islands can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Solomon Islands is $66 (SI$544). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Solomon Islands is $131 (SI$1,089). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in the Solomon Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in the Solomon Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in the Solomon Islands is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 (SI$184) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Solomon Islands.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
SI$184
In the Solomon Islands, public transit options are often limited. It's advisable to rent a car or arrange for a form of transportation in advance, such as a guided tour. However, keep in mind that this might affect your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in the Solomon Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in France is around $32 (SI$263) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $61. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in the Solomon Islands are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Being surrounded by water, fish is the staple meat throughout the Solomon Islands. As fishing and agriculture provide most of the occupations, everything is fresh. Typically any meat dish is cooked and served with sweet potatoes, rice, taro roots, cassava, taro leaves, and a variety of many other vegetables. And as far as influences go, the Solomons received cattle from Spanish and a mix of various spices and produce from the Asians and Indians, plus some vegetables from the English colonies. Most cooking techniques involve baking, boiling, and frying. Typical foods of the island include:
Ulu: or breadfruit, from a type of flowering tree related to mulberry and Jackfruit family. Can be served with any dish.
Dessert: Bananas and other exotic fruits, wrapped in pearl cassavas and served with whipped cream or caramel.
Poi: a dish made with fermented taro roots, can be served with chicken or fish, or made like porridge. Usually served during any Solomonian celebration.
Also used a lot during holidays is tapioca or pearl cassava generally served like a pudding.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Entertainment Budget in the Solomon Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in the Solomon Islands typically cost an average of $25 (SI$204) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
SI$204
Alcohol Budget in the Solomon Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (SI$91) on alcoholic beverages in the Solomon Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
SI$91
While enjoying the nightlife is often one of the most fun activities while traveling, cutting back on drinking can actually help reduce your travel budget in a big way.
The Solomon Islands on a Budget
Solomon Islands
An archipelago nation in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands are not a haven of resorts and pristine beaches, but a paradise for the eco-tourist with opportunities to explore island volcanoes, kayak through vast lagoons, trek deep into green forests, and snorkel amongst untouched reefs. There are many things to see and do for the outdoor adventurer with a smattering of traditional guesthouses and comfortable hideaways to spend the nights.
At a Glance
The main island of the archipelago is called
Guadalcanal and is home to the nation's capital city of Honiara. The hills of the island were once the site of some fierce WWII battles, while the city has much to explore with a museum, gallery, and a central market where you can find handmade jewelry and crafts. The only international airport of the islands is also located here, and there are opportunities nearby for beach-going and hiking to waterfalls.
Choiseul is the northernmost area which also includes the Treasury Islands and Shortland Islands, while the New Georgia Islands consist of New Georgia plus a myriad of tiny island and atolls. Santa Isabel was where European contact was first made with the islands, while the Santa Cruz Islands lie remotely in the southeast, closer to Vanuatu than to anywhere else in the Solomons. Other islands include Malaita, Renell and Bellona, San Cristobal, and the Florida and Russell Islands.
Most of the activities on the Solomons consist of the outdoor adventure kind-snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, trekking, kayaking, and more. There are plenty of emerald forests with cascading waterfalls, scenic trails and overlooks, as well as peaceful lagoons perfect for underwater sight-seeing. And if you are one for history, the islands are also home to a handful of museums like the Vilu War Museum outside of Honiara and the WWII Museum which consists of a dirt trail leading to 30 or more abandoned amphibious troop carriers located near Tetere Beach. You can also find a collection of WWII relics long-wrecked beneath the waves.
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Top Tourist Attractions
While each island has its own unique feel, there are a few identifying factors of the Solomons that remain the same throughout-abundant reefs, thick jungles and waterfalls, thriving marine life, and vibrant cultural villages. Some of the best attractions include:
Waterfalls: Mataniko Falls is a popular destination to hike to from Honiara. The trail begins in Lelei Village with a steep ascent to a ridge followed by a stretch of hills to the falls. They are a spectacular sight, water thundering down to the canyon below. Tenaru Falls is another one to hike to, cascading beautifully into the Chea River. Both have tranquil pools for swimming below.
Rennell Island: Located just south of the other main islands, Rennell is a paradise for the eco-tourist with all you could ask for in outdoor sightseeing. Lake Te'Nggano, designated a World Heritage Site, is the South Pacific's largest expanse of freshwater and acts as a habitat for abundant bird and marine life. The shores are dotted with a few small villages, while other sights in the area include Octopus Cave and Bird Island.
Honiara Central Market: A typical Melanesian city market, Honiara's Central Market boasts everything fresh-vegetables, fruits, and fish. There are also plenty of stalls selling handmade jewelry and crafts, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs. Giza is another city with a waterfront market worth visiting.
Marova Lagoon: A great place to dive for all levels of experience, Marova Lagoon is thriving with reefs full of marine life from tropical fish and tiny bottom dwellers to manta rays and sharks. It is located in the New Georgia Islands region, though there are many other lagoons just as beautiful throughout the Solomons.
WWII Relics: While the jungles are littered with abandoned vehicles and equipment from WWII, the Solomon Islands are dotted with battlefields and memorials, as well as abandoned amtracks, a Sherman tank, Japanese field guns, and the remains of several US aircraft. Even below the waters you can find sunken wrecks, dozens warships and planes still lying at the bottom of the Savo Sound, now nicknamed "Ironbottom Sound." There are also a number of museums with WWII debris and memorabilia.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.