Honiara

Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is located on the northern coast of Guadalcanal and serves as the nation's political and economic heart. The city was established after World War II on the site of a former U.S. military base, officially replacing Tulagi as the capital in 1952. Honiara's layout is centered around Point Cruz, a strategic peninsula and harbor that facilitates the country's international trade in commodities like copra and timber. The city's history is inextricably linked to the 1942 Battle of Guadalcanal, with numerous war memorials and relics located at sites such as Henderson Field and Iron Bottom Sound. Key institutional landmarks include the National Parliament Building, which features a conical roof inspired by traditional island architecture, and the National Museum. As the primary gateway to the archipelago, Honiara is a bustling urban center that balances rapid population growth with a rich cultural heritage. It remains the essential hub for government services, higher education, and the primary link to the country's diverse and remote provincial islands.

Nearby cities

Point Cruz Business District

This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.

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Kokumbona

A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Lungga

Lungga is an industrial and residential settlement on the eastern edge of Honiara, located by the river of the same name.

Auki Market Center

Auki is the economic center of Malaita Province.

Auki

Auki is the capital of Malaita Province and one of the largest towns in the country.

Buala

Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.

A-Tulagi

The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.

Tulagi

Tulagi was the former capital of the British Protectorate and is now the capital of the Central Province.

Tulagi Island

The former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council

The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.

Point Cruz Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is a social landmark of Honiara located at the harbor.

All Saints School, Honiara

This historic school is closely linked to the Anglican Church.

Point Cruz

A small peninsula in central Honiara.

Mbokonavera Market

This local market in a residential area of Honiara is an authentic landmark of daily life.

National Parliament Library

The library is part of the parliament complex and houses key national documents.

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Solomon Islands Parliament Building

The distinctive cone-shaped building in Honiara was completed in 1993 with US assistance.

Honiara Central Market

Honiara's bustling marketplace located at the historic Point Cruz area, serving as the economic heart of the city.

More places

Yacht Club Pier

The Yacht Club pier is a well-known landmark in Point Cruz harbor.

All Saints Church, Honiara

The Anglican church in the city center is a significant religious gathering place.

Point Cruz Plaque

This commemorative plaque at the Yacht Club marks the historical significance of Point Cruz during the naval battles of 1942.

Matanikau River

A river west of Honiara that formed the frontline for months.

Mendaña Monument

A monument in Honiara commemorating the arrival of Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568.

Honiara Port

This is the primary international maritime port of the Solomon Islands at Point Cruz.

US War Memorial

This memorial on Skyline Ridge commemorates the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Heritage Park Honiara

Heritage Park is a central landmark in Honiara, blending modern hotel architecture with a site of historical importance.