Cruise port Honiara (Guadalcanal)
Info for port Honiara (Guadalcanal) on 9 Sept 2027
Port information & tips for Honiara (Guadalcanal)
Honiara is the vibrant heart of the Solomon Islands and a fascinating gateway to the eventful history of the South Pacific. The capital on the island of Guadalcanal impresses with its authentic tropical atmosphere and the harmonious blend of Melanesian culture and important historical memorials. Visitors can discover the lively Honiara Central Market, the informative National Museum, and the impressive Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Memorial in the immediate vicinity of the port. Cruise ships dock directly at the centrally located Point Cruz Wharf, from where the city center with its markets, stores, and sights can be reached easily and uncomplicatedly on foot or after a short drive thanks to the short distances.
Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is a unique cruise port primarily reached by air. Since cruise ships usually anchor offshore, embarkation is conveniently done by tender boat to the Point Cruz port near the city center. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, careful planning is essential.
Airplane
Travel from the German-speaking region is always by plane, usually with several layovers, for example via Australia (Brisbane or Sydney), Fiji, or Papua New Guinea. Honiara International Airport (HIR), formerly Henderson Field, is located about 8 to 12 kilometers east of the city center and is the only international airport in the Solomon Islands. Given the long flight times, which can be 27 to 30 hours or more from Europe, a pre-cruise overnight stay is highly recommended.
Transfer & Shuttle
The best way to reach the city center and the port from Honiara International Airport (HIR) is by taxi. Taxi rides in Honiara are generally not metered, so the fare (around 100-150 SBD to the city center) should be negotiated in advance. Hotels can also arrange reliable transfers upon request, which is a comfortable option. A local alternative is provided by the so-called PMV minibuses, which run along the main road, but offer less comfort and require local knowledge.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
To start your cruise experience rested and relaxed, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Honiara is highly recommended. The city offers various hotel options, including the King Solomon Hotel or the Heritage Park Hotel, which are often centrally located and sometimes offer ocean views. Many of these accommodations are conveniently close to the port area and the bustling Point Cruz, allowing for a stress-free embarkation the next day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed check-in time slot with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly, and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is a unique cruise port primarily reached by air. Since cruise ships usually anchor offshore, embarkation is conveniently done by tender boat to the Point Cruz port near the city center. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, careful planning is essential.
Airplane
Travel from the German-speaking region is always by plane, usually with several layovers, for example via Australia (Brisbane or Sydney), Fiji, or Papua New Guinea. Honiara International Airport (HIR), formerly Henderson Field, is located about 8 to 12 kilometers east of the city center and is the only international airport in the Solomon Islands. Given the long flight times, which can be 27 to 30 hours or more from Europe, a pre-cruise overnight stay is highly recommended.
Transfer & Shuttle
The best way to reach the city center and the port from Honiara International Airport (HIR) is by taxi. Taxi rides in Honiara are generally not metered, so the fare (around 100-150 SBD to the city center) should be negotiated in advance. Hotels can also arrange reliable transfers upon request, which is a comfortable option. A local alternative is provided by the so-called PMV minibuses, which run along the main road, but offer less comfort and require local knowledge.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
To start your cruise experience rested and relaxed, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Honiara is highly recommended. The city offers various hotel options, including the King Solomon Hotel or the Heritage Park Hotel, which are often centrally located and sometimes offer ocean views. Many of these accommodations are conveniently close to the port area and the bustling Point Cruz, allowing for a stress-free embarkation the next day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed check-in time slot with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly, and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Honiara is located right at Point Cruz and, thanks to its central location, allows you easy access to the heart of the capital of the Solomon Islands.
On Foot
You can easily reach the lively Central Market and the main shopping street, Mendana Avenue, in about 5 to 10 minutes. The short walk takes you straight into the bustling activity of the city and to the most important banks and shops.
Taxi
Numerous taxis are waiting directly at the exit of the port area and will take you quickly to historical monuments or beaches. The drivers agree on the price in advance and are also happy to act as knowledgeable local guides for individual tours across the island of Guadalcanal.
Minibuses (PMV)
The local minibuses, officially called Public Motor Vehicles, run frequently along the main streets. This budget-friendly transport option offers you an authentic way to get around and connects the port directly with the eastern and western districts.
To make the most of your day in Honiara, we recommend a mix of the city's lively bustle and its historic stretches of coastline, which are easily accessible by taxi or as part of an excursion.
Honiara Central Market
The vibrant main market in the heart of the city offers an authentic insight into the daily life of Solomon Islanders and, thanks to its variety of exotic fruits and handcrafted art, is the ideal place for initial discoveries near the port.
Bonegi Beach
This picturesque stretch of coastline is world-famous for its well-preserved World War II shipwrecks and, thanks to its crystal-clear water, invites you to an incomparable snorkeling experience directly from the beach.
US Memorial at Skyline Drive
The impressive memorial on a hill above the city combines deep historical significance with a magnificent panoramic view across the coast; furthermore, the location is perfect for impressive shots of Guadalcanal's tropical landscape.
US War Memorial (Skyline Ridge)
The impressive US War Memorial on Skyline Ridge is located only about fifteen minutes driving time from the port of Point Cruz and offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views over Honiara as well as the history-rich Iron Bottom Sound. This location is perfectly suited for a deep cultural insight into Pacific history and also captivates with its very well-maintained park grounds and informative commemorative plaques. Thanks to the elevated position above the city, you can enjoy a pleasant breeze and a soothing peace here, away from the bustling market life. Ideally, visit the memorial directly in the morning to take advantage of the clear light for panoramic photos, and then return to the ship completely relaxed and in good time.
The way back to the central cruise terminal at Point Cruz is easy to organize thanks to the clear structure of the city and ensures a punctual arrival at the ship.
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout the city center as well as in front of well-known addresses such as the Heritage Park Hotel and the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel. The drivers will take you directly to the port entrance, allowing for a stress-free return to the pier from more distant excursion destinations or beaches thanks to the short travel times.
Local Minibuses (PMV)
The minibuses known as PMVs are a practical option and run frequently via Mendana Avenue directly to the central point at Point Cruz. You will find these stops at prominent locations in the city area, allowing you to return comfortably and quickly to the immediate vicinity of the port grounds.
On Foot
From the bustling Honiara Central Market or the shops in the city center, you can walk directly back to the ship in just a few minutes. The path leads along the busy main thoroughfare and, thanks to the direct line of sight to the port facilities, offers easy orientation for the short walk back to the pier.
In port on 09 Sept 2027
