Cruise port Onua Island
Live-Info for port Onua Island
Port information & tips for Onua Island
Onua Island is a hidden gem of the Solomon Islands and welcomes travelers with a pristine tropical backdrop in the middle of the South Pacific. The atmosphere is characterized by crystal-clear, turquoise water, fine coral sand beaches, and lush vegetation that radiates complete tranquility. Highlights include the colorful coral gardens of the Onua Reef, which are ideal for snorkeling, as well as exploring the dense palm groves and secluded coastal sections. Since the island does not have a large pier, cruise ships anchor in the lagoon and guests reach the natural landing site on the beach comfortably by tender boat or zodiac. Thanks to this direct connection, visitors reach the heart of the island's nature immediately and can explore the paradisiacal shore zones as well as the coral banks within a few minutes' walk.
Travel to the Solomon Islands, particularly to the main cruise port in Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal, is primarily by plane for guests from the DACH region. The port of Honiara has a modern terminal at Point Cruz Wharf, which is equipped for cruise ships.
Airplane
The nearest and only international airport in the Solomon Islands is Honiara International Airport (HIR), formerly Henderson Airport. There are no direct flights from the DACH region; travel usually requires one or two stopovers, often via Australian hubs such as Brisbane (BNE) or also Fiji (Nadi, NAN), Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby, POM), or Vanuatu (Port Vila, VLI). Due to the long travel time, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before the scheduled embarkation.
Transfer & Shuttle
It is approximately 11 kilometers from Honiara International Airport (HIR) to the port in downtown Honiara. The journey time is 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. There are no direct public bus connections from the airport. Instead, you can use taxis, where fares are negotiated and cost about 200-400 SBD (approx. 25-50 USD) for a trip to the center. Comfortable alternatives are pre-organized hotel shuttles or private transfers, which many cruise lines or local providers arrange in advance.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long international flight and to ensure a relaxed start to your cruise experience, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Honiara is highly recommended. This allows you to acclimatize and comfortably cover the short distance to the cruise terminal at Point Cruz Wharf on embarkation day. Many hotels in Honiara also offer the option to organize transfers from the airport.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in 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 scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
