Cruise port Onua Island
Info for port Onua Island on 23 Mar 2028
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.
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.
Arrival at Onua Island is convenient via tender boat directly at the coast, from where you can immediately explore the untouched nature and authentic village life of the Solomon Islands.
On Foot
The island is wonderfully manageable and can be perfectly explored on foot. Thanks to the short distances, you can reach the local village as well as the picturesque beaches in just a few minutes directly from the landing point.
Banana Boats and Canoes
Local banana boats as well as traditional outrigger canoes are often ready at the shore and offer an authentic way for trips to nearby coral reefs. These small boats are the primary means of transport between the coastal sections and also allow for a fascinating view of the island from the water.
Zodiac Service
As larger ships anchor in the bay, the ship's own Zodiacs bring guests safely and comfortably to the beach. This organized transfer is perfectly tailored to the expedition characteristics of the region and simultaneously guarantees direct access to the most beautiful spots on the island.
To fully experience the authentic magic of Onua Island, it is recommended to focus on the warm village community and the untouched coastal sections directly near the port.
Dorf Onua
The traditional village impresses with the authentic hospitality of its residents and offers a fascinating insight into the vibrant culture of the Solomon Islands thanks to artistic dance performances and handcrafted carvings.
Die Korallenriffe von Onua
The crystal-clear waters around the island are a paradise for nature lovers and, thanks to the colorful underwater world, offer perfect conditions for extensive snorkeling directly on the sugar-white sandy beaches.
Die tropischen Palmenhaine
A relaxed walk through the shady coconut plantations in the interior of the island opens up dreamlike views of the Pacific and, thanks to the flat paths, is ideal for a light exploration of the exotic vegetation.
Onua Beach & Lagoon
The dreamlike beach of Onua Island is directly accessible via the ship's own Zodiacs and offers a paradisiacal sanctuary with fine coral sand and crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water. This location is perfectly suited for cruise guests, as the colorful coral gardens can be explored directly from the shore and house an impressive biodiversity. Thanks to the secluded location, you can enjoy an excellent atmosphere of peace and quiet here and also take advantage of the amenities organized by the expedition team, such as cool drinks directly under palm trees. Ideally, start your shore excursion in the morning to experience the best visibility for snorkeling, and plan your return with the Zodiac about one hour before the scheduled departure.
Returning to the ship is very simple on the idyllic island of Onua and is ensured by the ship's own shuttle service. Thanks to the manageable size of the island, you will always reach the landing site punctually and comfortably.
Ship Tenders and Zodiacs
Since larger cruise ships anchor off the coast, the ship's own tender boats or Zodiacs will take you from the marked landing site on the beach back to the ship. Departures occur at regular intervals, and the expedition team will assist you with a safe boarding directly at the shore.
On Foot
The paths on Onua lead through charming villages and along palm-fringed beaches directly back to the central meeting point by the water. The paths are flat and easy to walk; furthermore, the friendly islanders or the provided markings will show you the right way to the landing pier at any time.
Local Orientation and Meeting Points
The main meeting point for the return journey is usually located near the village center or at the prominent main beach, where the greeting ceremonies also take place. Thanks to the constant presence of the ship's crew at these hubs, you can receive up-to-date information on the last departure times at any time and return to the ship relaxed.
