Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Port Honiara on Guadalcanal Island stands apart from other cruise ports by blending a dynamic capital energy with a profound World War II heritage and access to authentic Solomon Islands experiences. Signature experiences include a battlefield heritage circuit to Henderson Field and Iron Bottom Sound, a visit to the Solomon Islands National Museum and Parliament precinct, and a stroll through the lively Central Market to sample crafts, flavors, and local music; add a reef snorkeling or glass-bottom boat trip off nearby coves, and you have a day that feels like a living history lesson and cultural immersion rolled into one. Destinations extend beyond the quay to lush landscapes and coastal villages around Guadalcanal, with short trips up the Mataniko River for a forest walk and easy access to pristine beaches and WWII sites along the coast. Fleet features at Honiara include deep-water access with efficient docking and clearly organized passenger flow, a modern quay with sheltered walkways, and a dedicated shore-excursion hub that streamlines port calls for crews and guests alike; the facility supports mid-size to large ships with robust safety, customs, and sustainability measures, plus flexible tendering options for smaller vessels. Onboard services surrounding the call are designed to amplify immersion: cruise lines offer pre-booked private tours, multilingual guides, cultural performances by local ensembles, and onshore dining or spa add-ons coordinated through the port, ensuring guests leave with a memorable sense of the archipelago’s history, people, and landscapes.