The Solomon Islands consists of six major islands and approximately 900 smaller islands spread across 1,400 kilometers of ocean. No roads connect the islands. Movement between islands depends entirely on air and sea transport, with schedules that shift based on weather, mechanical issues, and passenger demand.
Solomon Airlines operates the domestic network from Henderson International Airport in Honiara on Guadalcanal. The airline flies Twin Otter aircraft and Dash 8 turboprops to approximately 20 airstrips across the archipelago. Flights connect Honiara to Gizo in Western Province, Munda on New Georgia, Auki on Malaita, Kirakira on Makira, Seghe near Marovo Lagoon, and other provincial centers. The airline publishes schedules, but flights operate only when passenger numbers justify the fuel cost. Cancellations occur frequently during the wet season from November through April when clouds prevent visual flight rules landings at airstrips without instrument approaches. One-way fares from Honiara to Gizo cost approximately 1,200 to 1,800 Solomon Islands dollars depending on advance purchase. The airline accepts cash and credit cards at the Honiara office but requires cash payment at most outer island locations.
Airstrips on outer islands consist of grass or crushed coral. Munda and Gizo have paved runways long enough for Dash 8 aircraft. Most other airstrips accommodate only Twin Otters carrying 15 to 19 passengers. Baggage allowances restrict passengers to 15 kilograms checked and 5 kilograms carry-on. The airline enforces these limits strictly because weight affects takeoff performance on short runways. Charter flights through local operators cost approximately 8,000 to 15,000 Solomon Islands dollars per hour for small aircraft, making them viable only when split among groups.
Passenger ferries operate irregular schedules between major islands. The MV Fair Glory and similar vessels depart Honiara for Auki on Malaita, Gizo in Western Province, and other destinations when cargo volume justifies the voyage. Ferries typically leave once or twice weekly on routes to Malaita and Western Province. No published timetables exist. Departure dates become known through word of mouth, VHF radio announcements, and inquiries at the Honiara waterfront. Deck passage from Honiara to Gizo costs approximately 400 to 600 Solomon Islands dollars. Cabin berths cost 1,000 to 1,500 Solomon Islands dollars. Voyages from Honiara to Gizo take 12 to 18 hours depending on cargo loading stops at intermediate islands. Ferries carry cargo and livestock as their primary business. Passenger accommodation consists of foam mats on open decks or small cabins with bunks. No meals are provided. Passengers bring their own food or purchase from vendors who board at stops.
Smaller cargo boats and outboard-powered canoes provide transport within island groups. In Western Province, fiberglass outboard boats shuttle passengers between Gizo and surrounding islands like Kolombangara, Vangunu, and villages throughout the New Georgia group. These boats depart when full, typically carrying 10 to 20 passengers seated on planks. Fares depend on distance and fuel costs. A one-hour journey costs approximately 50 to 100 Solomon Islands dollars per person. Weather stops all small boat movement. Waves exceeding one meter height make open passages dangerous in boats under seven meters length. Boat operators refuse travel during afternoon squalls and throughout periods of sustained northwest winds from November to March.
Honiara contains the only road network exceeding 50 kilometers. Paved roads run east along the Guadalcanal coast to the Alligator Creek area approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, and west to the airport at Henderson and beyond to White River approximately 30 kilometers from Honiara. Logging roads extend into the mountainous interior but deteriorate rapidly during rain. No paved roads circle Guadalcanal. The north coast road ends at Lambi Bay roughly 60 kilometers northwest of Honiara. The south coast remains roadless.
Taxis in Honiara charge fixed rates by zone. A ride from the city center to Henderson Airport costs 150 Solomon Islands dollars during the day and 200 Solomon Islands dollars at night after 1800 hours. Taxis to destinations beyond the airport charge negotiated rates, typically 50 to 100 Solomon Islands dollars per additional five kilometers. Shared taxis operate on the main routes, picking up passengers along the way. Passengers pay per seat. A shared taxi from downtown Honiara to Henderson costs approximately 20 to 30 Solomon Islands dollars per person.