point cruz yacht club honiara

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Point cruz yacht club, honiara – salomonische inseln (en).

That’s where everything began! That’s where we first saw and fell in love with our sailing boat “Marianne”. We spent 3 wonderful weeks anchoring at Point Cruz Yacht Club in Honiara. We quickly signed the bill of sale, before Paul, the old owner, could change his mind…

The owner of the bar Merry introduced us to Matt who immediately invited us to his home where we recorded our first artist – George.

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Following History’s Footsteps on Guadalcanal

T he first footprints appeared on the stretch of Guadalcanal shore code-named “Red Beach” on August 7, 1942. Made by Marine Corps–issue boots, these were truly historic imprints: America’s first steps toward the ultimate, unconditional victory over Japan almost exactly three years later.

By the conclusion of the crucial battle in the southern Solomon Islands—a battle that also raged in the skies above and roiled the waters around the roughly 2,000-square-mile island until February 1943, and resulted in nearly 40,000 total casualties—there would be countless more footprints, along with the rapid accumulation of more tangible evidence of the clash. As I prepared to set foot on Guadalcanal nearly 70 years later, I wondered how many of the battle’s footprints remained.

In Europe and the United States one typically finds shiny plaques, paved guide paths, and meticulously maintained museums, monuments, and cemeteries. But many Pacific War sites remain largely undisturbed, laden with potential for not only discovery, but head-shaking sadness as well. A combination of unchecked jungle growth, unrelenting tides, and the unremitting effects of time and poor preservation efforts is steadily erasing from existence the ruins, wrecks, guns, and bunkers that have stood as symbolic sentinels for decades.

So, much like the Marines who landed that August day with little ammunition and food, I commenced the expedition with uncertainty. Little did I know that on the “Canal,” history, however hidden, is always just a few footsteps away.

It was literally under my feet only moments after my Air Pacific jet landed on the tarmac: Honiara International Airport is built upon the exact site of Henderson Field, the focal point of the six-month campaign—awakening me to the realization that Joe Foss, Bob Galer, John L. Smith, and the other legendary pilots of the Cactus Air Force once trod this very same ground.

The past quickly vanished in the dusty bustle of Honiara, the seaside Solomon Islands capital city home to 79,000—but only temporarily, thanks to John Innes. Innes is the modern incarnation of the intrepid scouts and coastwatchers who guided the Marines throughout the battle. Born in London during the war, Innes arrived in the Solomons via Australia and a work-related move. He was bitten shortly thereafter. “You can cure malaria,” Innes likes to say, “but there is no cure for the history bug.”

After decades of locating aircraft wrecks, helping recover and identify remains, and accompanying veterans on what can best be considered emotional archaeological digs, Innes has assumed a much-needed role as Guadalcanal’s on-site historian. While Solomon Islanders are very friendly and hospitable, most remain largely unaware of the historical significance of the soil on which they live. Or perhaps they just want to forget. “Having no word for ‘war’ in their native tongue,” Innes said, those present at the time of the battle referred to it as the “Big Death.”

There are no signs marking the site of the infamous Goettge Patrol massacre on the grounds of the United Church in downtown Honiara. Nor, if not for Innes, would I have known that the fairways of the Honiara Golf Course were once home to Fighter Two, the airstrip from which the P-38s of the 339th Fighter Squadron lifted off on April 18, 1943, and shot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.

The majority of the island’s historic sites, however, are located outside of the littered, betel nut–spattered streets and sidewalks of Honiara. Over the course of several exhausting yet exhilarating days, I retraced the footsteps made by Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson’s Second Marine Raider Battalion on the Long Patrol, an epic march that cleared Japanese troops and artillery from Mount Austen, the 1,514-foot monolith that dominates Guadalcanal’s interior, and hunkered down behind strands of rusty barbed wire that still circle the Lunga Perimeter, as they had in October, 1942.

On Japanese Memorial Hill, I stood upon slabs of white sun-washed stone framed by white frangipani and red hibiscus, representative of the national colors of Japan, to scan the sweeping vistas of the island panorama. Atop an eerily calm Edson’s Ridge, where, from September 12–14, 1942, a handful of Marines repulsed a massive Japanese attack and saved Henderson Field, I crouched in a depression that was once a foxhole and contemplated the identity and the emotions of the young Marines who fought there The reverberating thunder of artillery salvos from the 11th Marine Regiment’s 105mm guns has long since faded; only ocean breezes breathe across the island, gently rustling the golden-green fields of kunai grass that carpet the ridges.

And I learned not to follow in Japanese footsteps—literally. The sprawling Lever Brothers coconut plantation that Colonel Kiyonao Ichiki’s men marched west through, toward a resounding defeat at the Battle of the Tenaru, no longer exists. The easiest contemporary route passes along what was once the southern boundary of Henderson Field, past clumps of red ginger and sugar cane, onto Block Four Road. That path, little more than a jungle trail, delivers you to Alligator Creek and the sandbar where hundreds of Japanese fell before Marine machine guns on August 21, 1942.

Near the inland area known as the Gifu, where American forces reduced the last pockets of Japanese resistance in the battle’s final stages, the residents of Barana village display war relics on crowded tables: rusty bayonets, helmets, .50-caliber machine gun barrels, Marston matting, Coca-Cola bottles, and shell casings. Just off Tetere Beach, rows of amtracs sit among massive banyan trees, as if in preparation for the next island invasion.

The most impressive collection of war relics is at the Vilu War Museum, located 21 kilometers west of Honiara off the northwest coastal road. Walled by towering coconut palms and flowering coroton trees are a series of boneyard “exhibits:” nearly complete skeletons of an F4F Wildcat, an F4U Corsair, an SBD Dauntless dive bomber, and a P-38 Lightning. There is also a Type 97 Japanese tank, three 105mm guns, and a 155mm howitzer, plus an arsenal of deactivated ordnance ranging from 500-kilogram Japanese bombs to mortar shells.

And the best part? Much like the rest of Guadalcanal, the museum is hands-on history. There are no display cases, velvet ropes, or flash photography rules. For the entry price of 25 Solomon Island dollars (about $3), proprietor/curator Anderson Dua will invite you to touch whatever you please. Dua even happily showed me how to fold the creaking wing of the carrier-design Wildcat.

I continued my march further west along the northwest road, bouncing down a tunnel of tall palms to remote Koli Point, where the Japanese were able to evacuate approximately 13,000 starving troops in February 1943. The surf softly laps the black sands of Koli, perhaps the best place to visually absorb Savo Island, which rises out of the glassy, swelling surface of Ironbottom Sound like a half-moon.

On August 9, 1942, the first major naval engagement of the campaign took place off Savo Island; it was the biggest naval disaster in American history with the exception of Pearl Harbor. Although the extreme depths of Ironbottom Sound insure that most of the wrecks will remain hidden history, some of the estimated 690 aircraft and 200 vessels in the waters around Guadalcanal are divable. For those who want to see wrecks up close without getting wet, there is LST 342. Torpedoed off New Georgia in July 1943, the tank landing ship was blown in two, yet the bow was deemed salvageable enough to be towed to what is now its eternal mooring in Purvis Bay, off Florida Island, about a one-hour trip via charter from Honiara.

History’s constant close proximity on Guadalcanal was driven home to me one evening, as Innes and I were relaxing at Honiara’s Point Cruz Yacht Club, overlooking Savo and Florida Islands. About 20 paces away was a plaque memorializing Signalman Douglas Munro, and I realized I was gazing out on the site where Munro had earned the Congressional Medal of Honor—the only member of the U.S. Coast Guard to do so. Munro was mortally wounded on September 27, 1942, while leading several Higgins boats to Point Cruz to evacuate Marines. He reportedly remained conscious long enough to ask, “Did they get off?”

Yet of all the memorials on Guadalcanal, no words are more appropriate than those etched into the marble walls of the American Memorial located atop Skyline Ridge overlooking the Matanikau River valley, on what was known during the battle as Hill 73:

“May this memorial endure the ravages of time until the wind, rain and tropical storms wear away its surface, but never its memories.”

As long as one can follow the historic footprints, these memories will endure.

John D. Lukacs is a writer and historian whose work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times , and on ESPN.com. His first book, Escape From Davao: The Forgotten Story of the Most Daring Prison Break of the Pacific War , will be published in paperback by Penguin/NAL in May. His next book, on the Battle for Manila in 1945, will be published by Penguin/NAL Caliber.

When You Go Honiara International Airport is serviced by Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Our Airline (formerly known as Air Nauru), Pacific Blue, and Solomon Airlines. Getting around Guadalcanal is not difficult; rental cars are available, and taxis are both plentiful and affordable.

Where to Stay and Eat The new Heritage Park Hotel (www.hph.com.sb, 677-24007), located in the Honiara waterfront area on the site of the former governor-general’s residence, offers superb service, a sparkling pool, luxury stylings, and multiple amenities. Japanese troops called Guadalcanal “Starvation Island,” but you won’t go hungry when visiting. The Point Cruz Yacht Club offers a tasty assortment of nightly specials and is highly recommended. The Renaissance restaurant and The Terrace at Heritage Park Hotel offer formal and casual dining experiences featuring European and Pan-Asian fare.

What Else to See Guadalcanal is acquiring a reputation as one of the Pacific’s premier eco-tourism destinations. Birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, fishermen, and scuba divers flock to the Solomons. Extreme Adventures (solomonadventures.com) offers “seafari” tours, snorkeling, and fishing expeditions. Divers should contact divemaster Neil Yates (www.tulagidive.com.sb, 677-32131). For fishing and day charters, as well as a few good fish stories, Mike Hammond at Fishing Solomon (677-24498) will help you get underway.

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Anna Sherchand

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3 days in Honiara itinerary Solomon Islands

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Firstly, when traveling to the South Pacific islands in Oceania, you have to be careful in planning it because the flights are usually once a week so if you miss it you will be stuck there for another week. So, after solo traveling to Papua New Guinea and spending 3 days in Port Moresby , my next stop was Honiara in the Solomon Islands. If you are thinking about going, here is 3 days in Honiara itinerary to help you plan.

The reason why I visited only the capital cities is because I don’t dive so no interest in exploring the outer islands and I live in Australia which means when I travel I don’t want to be chasing beaches as we have tons at home. Plus limited and expensive flights as well as being time-poor made me settled on those few days but you know what, it’s better to be there for a few days focusing on 1 place than being there and spending 1 day on each island or not being there at all.

With that said, I was super anxious about visiting the Solomon Islands because of the remoteness and lack of internet with that. But it all went down smoothly in the end. So if you are a little worried, I hope this 3 days in Honiara itinerary with the hidden gems, and must-see attractions, plus my solo travel tips to Honiara, give you some reassurance that if I can do it, so can you!

Nestled on the northern coast of Guadalcanal Island, Honiara stands as the vibrant capital city of the Solomon Islands. Known for its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural beauty, and intriguing history, Honiara offers a captivating blend of experiences for travelers seeking an authentic South Pacific adventure. Let’s delve deeper into the wonders of Honiara, where tradition meets modernity in a truly unique way.

• 3 days in Honiara itinerary

Day 1:  Breakfast

2. visit the national museum, 3. visit the national art gallery, 4. visit unity square which is the paficif’s tallest flagpole, 5. grab lunch at the cafe bliss/ palm sugar/bethel cafe, 6. central market, 7. honiara botanical gardens, 8. speak to dive tulagi about arranging diving opportunities, 9. rent a car at economy car rentals for the next two days, 10. explore the local shops at npf plaza, 11. point cruz yacht club, 1. jacobs ladder, 2. breakfast at breakwater again, 3. guadalcanal american war memorial, 4. solomon peace memorial park (wwii japanese war memorial), 5. visit the willie besi war museum, 6. grab lunch at mambo juice, 7. visit the vilu military museum, 8. heritage park hotel for sunsets , 9. tenkai sushi cafe, 1. tenaru falls, 2. lunch at breakwater again, 3. bonegi beach, 4. get a massage, 5. pizza at the river house, solo travel tips to honiara, solomon islands, where to get the sim card, where to get the local currency, where to stay in honiara, how expensive are the solomon islands, how to get around honiara, when is the best time to visit the solomon islands, what is honiara known for, is honiara safe for solo travellers, let me know in the comments:.

I spent the 1st day in the town and planned outside-of-town activities for the two next days.

Start your day with good coffee/smoothies and breakfast at the Breakwater Cafe while enjoying the waterfront view. They don’t have wifi so important to get your own (info on where to get data – scroll below for solo travel tips to Honiara). This became my favorite cafe in Honiara for food and clearly for other people too so, def couldn’t work here due to a lot of people and noise.

Recommend Heritage Park Hotel or Mendana Hotel if you need to get some work done. Both hotels have restaurants and bring you your own internet as above.

On the opposite side of the cafe is the National Museum, where you can discover the rich cultural heritage and fascinating history of the Solomon Islands. Uncover the tales of ancient traditions and marvel at the remarkable artifacts on display.

There are two halls showcasing the history of Solomon Islands and don’t miss the cultural show at the back of the museum. The local ladies do a great job of demonstrating how they make different types of necklaces out of seashells and dance and you can buy the necklaces and other souvenirs there or at the gift shop. I learned a lot about the historical significance of the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal, which played a crucial role during World War II. Honiara’s strategic location made it a pivotal battleground in the Pacific campaign and they weren’t even themselves fighting. You can explore remnants of the war, such as the Guadalcanal American Memorial, the Japanese Peace Memorial, and the Vilu War Museum tomorrow (itinerary below). These sites offer insights into the conflict’s impact on the island and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives.

Next door to the cafe is the National Art Gallery. It is small but does the job of telling the “red money story” in art forms and others. It’s next to a plaza with lots of artisan booths where you can buy carvings, paintings, and jewelry.  

Honiara serves as a melting pot of diverse cultures, with over 60 different indigenous ethnic groups calling the Solomon Islands home. From the Malaitan, Guadalcanal, and Central provinces to the smaller islands surrounding Honiara, the city embraces a vibrant mix of languages, traditions, and customs. Engaging with locals provides a glimpse into their warm hospitality, ancient rituals, and captivating stories.

For a true taste of Honiara, immerse yourself in the bustling Central Market. Here, vibrant displays of tropical fruits, aromatic spices, and traditional handicrafts entice visitors. Indulge your taste buds in the flavors of the Solomon Islands by savoring local dishes like kokoda (marinated fish salad), taro, fresh seafood, and exotic fruits. The fusion of traditional ingredients and modern influences creates a culinary experience to remember.

Take a leisurely stroll through the Honiara Botanical Gardens, located near the city center. Enjoy the serene surroundings, lush greenery, and diverse plant species.

Head to the Point Cruz Yacht Club for dinner. This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and delicious seafood dishes. Relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Believe it or not, this has been one of my highlights of visiting Honiara. 

Jacobs Ladder is a well-known landmark for locals & hidden gem to visitors in Honiara. It is a steep staircase with approximately 800 steps that connect the upper part of the city to the lower coastal area. Here’s some information about Jacobs Ladder:

• Location: Jacobs Ladder is located near the city center of Honiara, specifically in the residential area of Point Cruz. It starts at the top of Murray Road and descends towards the coastline, ending near the Point Cruz Yacht Club.
• Purpose and History: Jacobs Ladder was constructed during World War II by American forces as part of the Guadalcanal campaign. It was initially built as an access point for military personnel to move quickly between the hilltop area and the waterfront.
• Fitness and Recreational Activity: Today, Jacobs Ladder has become a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and visitors looking for a challenge. So obviously I had to do it & I was not disappointed. Started from the top & walked all the way down & around. The only thing I would say is to be mindful of some stray dogs. Luckily I met a local girl who helped me distract 5 dogs at one point but the second time around there was no one and, the dog barked at me so bad I was nervous and tripped, fell down & landed on my hands hurting my wrist! Be careful out there. Other than that, highly recommend it. Many locals have homes here and use the stairs for their daily commute. The steep climb provides a rigorous workout and is often used for fitness training but also offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and the sea.
• Scenic Views: As you ascend or descend Jacobs Ladder, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Honiara skyline, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. It’s a great vantage point to capture photographs and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
• Accessibility: Jacobs Ladder is open to the public and accessible to anyone who is physically capable of climbing the steep stairs. However, due to the high number of steps and the incline, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or certain health conditions. It’s recommended to take precautions, stay hydrated, and go at your own pace while using the stairs.

Visiting Jacobs Ladder in Honiara can be a rewarding experience, providing a combination of exercise, scenic views, and a glimpse into the city’s history. If you enjoy physical activities and want to challenge yourself, climbing Jacobs Ladder can be a memorable part of your visit to Honiara.

because I definitely deserved it after all that morning hike. Plus you can rent a snorkel at the cafe or diving equipment from Tulagi Dive. Be sure to confirm if available ahead of time.

More pictures. on Instagram highlight “Solomon Islands”

Head to the Guadalcanal American Memorial, which commemorates the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal. Take a moment to reflect on the historical significance of this site and pay homage to the brave soldiers who fought here. The World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial is located on Skyline Drive overlooking the town of Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Located near the Guadalcanal American Memorial, pay a visit to the WWII Japanese Peace Memorial, dedicated to Japanese soldiers who lost their lives during the war. The memorial provides a tranquil setting for reflection.

Aka Vilu War Museum offers some wonderful displays of “relics” from the war here. Exhibits are collected from across the island and were a nice range of American and Japanese artifacts. It is a small open-air museum in Vilu open Mondays to Sundays 0730-1700, an entrance fee of 100 SBD p/p, and filming costs 1000 SBD.

Pretty decent Japanese food, I had Katsu Chicken for dinner.

Don’t forget to grab some snacks for tomorrow morning from the Chinatown Bulk Shop or others in town.

Honiara boasts breathtaking natural beauty, showcasing the Solomon Islands’ unspoiled paradise. The lush rainforests surround the hidden gems like Tenaru Falls, where cascading water creates a serene oasis for nature enthusiasts to explore. Here’s some information about Tenaru Falls:

You can either drive there or contact the Paranjiju Mountain Lodge (Amanda +677 71 01432) to align the guide to get up to the waterfalls as visitors are not allowed to go on their own. 600 SBD for it. 

• Location: Tenaru Falls is situated about 30 kilometers east of Honiara, near the Tenaru River in the Guadalcanal Province of the Solomon Islands. It is nestled within a lush rainforest, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
• Natural Beauty: Tenaru Falls is a cascading waterfall that flows down a series of rock formations, creating a stunning display of water and natural beauty. The falls are surrounded by dense vegetation, including tropical trees and ferns, adding to the scenic charm of the area.
• Hiking and Exploration: To reach Tenaru Falls, you can embark on a moderate hiking trail that winds through the rainforest. The trail takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace, and stops along the way. The journey offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate the biodiversity of the region.
• Swimming and Relaxation: At the base of Tenaru Falls, there is a pool of clear water where visitors can take a refreshing dip and cool off. The pool is relatively shallow and provides a tranquil spot for swimming or simply relaxing amidst the natural surroundings.
• Local Guides: It is recommended to hire a local guide to accompany you on the hike to Tenaru Falls. They can provide valuable insights, ensure your safety, and share interesting information about the flora, fauna, and history of the area.
• Preparation: Before embarking on the hike, it is important to wear appropriate footwear, carry sufficient water, and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects. It’s also advisable to bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

Visiting Tenaru Falls offers a chance to experience the natural wonders of the Solomon Islands and enjoy a peaceful escape from the city. The combination of hiking, swimming, and immersing yourself in the rainforest environment makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

because I like their food and giant smoothies or Red Cross cafe for a local meal.

Snorkel at one of the many beaches west of Honiara by rental car or public bus. Some recommended beaches are Bonegi Beach, Lele, Turtle, Ginger, B-17, and Visale Beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. 

at Jing’s Spa

Ps: make sure to arrive early at the airport – Honiara is hosting the Pacific games in November and they are currently fixing their roads etc so rain, bad roads, and traffic can lead to significant delays. Also, check out the memorial garden located right next to the airport- an excellent place to wait for your international flight after check-in or before. And Kuya cafe next door for last-minute pick-me-up coffee.

Note: Honiara comes alive during its colorful festivals and celebrations, providing a unique opportunity to witness the vibrancy of Solomon Islander culture. The annual Solomon Islands Arts Festival showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts, while the Guadalcanal Provincial Cultural Festival celebrates the province’s cultural heritage. These events offer a glimpse into the locals’ deep-rooted traditions and are a testament to their pride in their cultural identity. Pls, check with S.I. Visitors Bureau to get real-time info on when these are scheduled.

Honiara, with its rich cultural tapestry, intriguing history, and breathtaking landscapes, stands as a gateway to the wonders of the Solomon Islands. It offers an unforgettable journey that combines authenticity, natural beauty, and a warm sense of community, making it an ideal destination for adventurous solo female travelers.

As soon as you land you can pick up and top up your Telekom SIM card at the airport or at the Telekom office. And you can top it up in little roadside snacks/cellular top-up shops – I found one called Breezeland.

Unfortunately, there were no ATMs or currency exchange at the airport, lucky I had exchanged some PNG Kina for Solomon Dollars (SBD) prior to leaving PNG. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand before you arrive or to ensure you have an alternative method of payment in case the ATMs are out of service or experiencing technical issues. 

Alternatively, you can exchange currency after your arrival at the Post Office and pick up some Solomon Islands postcards too.

Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some areas and hotels where you can consider staying in Honiara:

• Town Center: The town center of Honiara is a convenient location for accessing amenities, restaurants, and shops. Several hotels are situated in this area, providing easy access to key attractions and services. Examples of hotels in the town center include Heritage Park Hotel , Coral Sea Resort & Casino , and Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel .
• Kukum/NPF Plaza: The Kukum area, near NPF Plaza, is another popular area to stay. It offers a range of mid-range and budget accommodations, including guesthouses and hotels. Some options in this area include King Solomon Hotel , Pacific Crown Hotel , and Honiara Pacific Hotel.
• Point Cruz: Point Cruz is a residential area located near the waterfront and offers a peaceful atmosphere. This area has a few hotels and guesthouses, such as The Pacific Hotel, King Solomon’s Palace, and Iron Bottom Sound Hotel.
• Tasahe: Tasahe is a suburban area located a short distance from the city center. It offers a more relaxed environment and is home to some upscale accommodations, such as the Coral Sea Villas and Honiara Hotel Motel.
• Lungga/Naha: Located outside the city center, the Lungga/Naha area provides a quieter setting and is known for its beautiful beaches. Accommodation options in this area include Guadalcanal Beach Resort.

When choosing a place to stay in Honiara, consider factors such as your budget, preferred location, proximity to attractions or activities, and the amenities offered by the hotel. It’s also advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred choice.

The cost of visiting the Solomon Islands can vary depending on several factors, including your travel style, accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities. Here is a general overview of the expenses you can expect in the Solomon Islands:

• Accommodation: Accommodation options in the Solomon Islands range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Prices can vary significantly, with budget accommodations starting at around $55-80 AUD per night, while mid-range and higher-end options can range from $100 to several hundred dollars per night.
• Internet: Range of options available in terms of how much data you want to buy. For example, 1GB was $9 SBD and 2 GB was $11 SBD so it made sense to get the 2 GB. *155# to get data plans & *121# to check the balance. The internet speed was a little spotty but surprisingly worked most of the time.
• Food and Dining: Dining options in the Solomon Islands can be relatively affordable, especially if you opt for local eateries and markets. A basic meal at a local restaurant can cost around $10 AUD, while dining at mid-range restaurants may range from $15-30 AUD per person. Prices at high-end restaurants and resorts will be higher.
• Transportation: Transportation costs can vary depending on the distance and mode of travel. Taxis within Honiara and short trips within the city may cost around $5-10 AUD. Public buses (PMVs) are a more affordable option, with fares ranging from $1-5 USD depending on the distance but not reliable. Rental car prices vary, starting from around $100 AUD per day.
• Activities and Tours: The cost of activities and tours can vary widely depending on the type and duration. For example, diving and snorkeling trips can range from $50-150 AUD per dive or excursion. Guided cultural tours, visits to historical sites, and adventure activities can cost anywhere from $20 to a few hundred dollars per person.
• Flights: International flights to the Solomon Islands can be a significant expense, depending on your location and the time of booking. Prices for round-trip flights can vary widely, ranging from $500 to $2000 AUD or more, depending on factors such as the airline, season, and demand.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and prices can fluctuate. Additionally, remote areas or less touristy islands may have fewer accommodation and dining options, which can affect prices. It’s advisable to research and plan your budget accordingly, taking into account the specific activities and locations you plan to visit in the Solomon Islands. Regardless, people do vacation in the Solomon Islands because it is secluded & beautiful.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Honiara and can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street. Public transport is not the best, so my best bet was to get taxis to get around. However, if you stay right in the city must-see places are located in the town. So you probably won’t need it unless for day trips. 

There are two well-known taxi companies and they charge 10 SBD per KM

King Taxi and Crown Taxi +677 20777

Rental Cars: Renting a car can provide more flexibility and independence for exploring Honiara and its surrounding areas. Several car rental agencies operate in the city, and you can arrange a rental either in advance or upon arrival. Keep in mind that driving is on the left-hand side of the road in the Solomon Islands.

Walking: Honiara’s city center is relatively compact, making it suitable for exploring on foot. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and easily access nearby attractions. However, be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas or at night.

The best time to visit the Solomon Islands, including Honiara, is during the dry season, which typically extends from April to November. This period offers more favorable weather conditions and is considered the peak tourist season. Here are some factors to consider when planning your visit:

• Weather: The dry season experiences less rainfall and more sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the islands. The temperatures are generally warm and pleasant year-round, with average highs ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F).
• Diving and Snorkeling: The months of April to October are particularly popular for diving, Whale watching,  and snorkeling enthusiasts. The waters are generally calm and visibility is excellent, offering great opportunities to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Festivals and Events: The dry season also coincides with various cultural festivals and events in the Solomon Islands. These celebrations showcase traditional music, dance, arts, and crafts, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors.
• Crowds and Prices: The dry season is the peak tourist season in the Solomon Islands, which means that popular sites and accommodations may be more crowded. It’s advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance to secure your preferred options. However, it’s worth noting that prices for flights and accommodations may also be higher during this period.
• Wet Season Considerations: The wet season, from December to March, brings more rainfall and increased humidity to the Solomon Islands. While some travelers may still choose to visit during this time, it’s important to be prepared for potential rain showers and plan activities accordingly. Some outdoor activities and tours may be limited or disrupted during heavy rain.

It’s always recommended to check the current weather conditions and consult local resources when planning your visit to the Solomon Islands. Additionally, keep in mind that weather patterns can vary, and it’s possible to experience rainfall even during the dry season.

Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, is known for several notable features and attractions. Here are some things that Honiara is known for:

• World War II History: Honiara played a significant role during World War II as the site of the Battle of Guadalcanal. The city is known for its historical significance and various war-related sites, including the Guadalcanal American Memorial, Japanese Peace Memorial, and Vilu War Museum.
• Cultural Diversity: Honiara is home to a diverse population, representing various indigenous ethnic groups from the Solomon Islands. The city offers opportunities to experience and appreciate the rich cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, arts, crafts, and local customs.
• Central Market: The Central Market in Honiara is a bustling hub where locals gather to sell and purchase fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts, and traditional artifacts. It’s a vibrant place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, sample local cuisine, and engage with friendly vendors.
• Pristine Beaches and Marine Life: Honiara boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Places like Bonegi Beach and Visale Beach offer opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
• Natural Wonders: Honiara is surrounded by lush rainforests and natural wonders. Tenaru Falls, located just outside the city, offers a serene hiking experience leading to a magnificent waterfall. The Honiara Botanical Gardens provide a tranquil escape with a variety of flora and fauna to explore.
• Melanesian Art and Crafts: Honiara is known for its vibrant art scene and the production of Melanesian arts and crafts. The city offers a range of galleries and craft markets where you can find traditional wood carvings, shell jewelry, paintings, and other unique artworks.
• Warm Hospitality: The locals of Honiara are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, providing a warm and hospitable atmosphere for visitors. Interacting with the residents offers insights into their way of life, traditions, and cultural practices.

These are just a few highlights of what Honiara is known for. Besides, the country’s blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes the Solomon Islands worth visiting and an intriguing destination for travelers seeking an authentic South Pacific experience.

Honiara can generally be considered safe for solo travelers, but it’s important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions, as with any travel destination. Here are some factors to consider:

• Personal Safety: Like in any city, it’s advisable to be mindful of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less crowded areas. Avoid displaying valuable items openly and be cautious of pickpocketing or petty theft. It’s recommended to use common sense, trust your instincts, and take appropriate safety measures.
• Local Advice: Seek local advice and information from trusted sources such as your hotel or reliable tour operators. They can provide insights into areas to avoid or precautions to take based on the current situation in Honiara.
• Transportation: Ensure that you use reliable and licensed taxis or transportation services. It’s recommended to agree upon a fare before starting your journey. Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers.
• Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local customs and cultural norms. Respecting the traditions and sensitivities of the local population can help create a positive and safe experience for solo travelers.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep important contact numbers, including your embassy or consulate, local authorities, and emergency services, readily available in case of any unforeseen situations.
• Travel Insurance: It’s always advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, personal belongings, and trip cancellations. Ensure that your insurance policy is suitable for the activities you plan to undertake in Honiara.

While Honiara is generally safe, it’s essential to stay informed, use common sense, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience. As with any travel destination, it’s advisable to research and be aware of the local customs, laws, and potential risks before your trip.

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Discover top rated places in Honiara

Point Cruz Yacht Club - Bar in Honiara, Solomon Islands

One of the Best Places To Visit in Honiara

Point Cruz Yacht Club

One of the Best Places To Visits in Honiara

HX93+WX4, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Rating on Google Maps

Working hours.

• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
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• Monday: Open 24 hours
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• Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews

• 5/5 Sahid Martin Robles B. 7 years ago on Google • 377 reviews A friendly place to have a cold one and watch the sunset. They don't serve food, but there's a good Indian restaurant within the same building. Try to catch the happy hour! 2 people found this review helpful 👍
• 3/5 Rob H. 8 years ago on Google • 428 reviews Pretty good by local standards, on the water. Feels dodgy walking in but it's nice 1 person found this review helpful 👍
• 5/5 Mikee G. 7 years ago on Google • 19 reviews One of the cleanest and safest clubs in town...nice place for a refreshing drink after work. 1 person found this review helpful 👍
• 3/5 Ken W. 6 years ago on Google • 5 reviews A very casual but basic establishment. Cold beer and an outstanding absolute seafront location in Honiara's c.b.d. are the foundations of a unique experience. Don't expect 5 stars, just relax and enjoy yourself. 1 person found this review helpful 👍
• 4/5 John H. 6 years ago on Google • 260 reviews Few years ago - fantastic location and can relax on the water. Great bar and music
• 4/5 Papa R. 2 months ago on Google • 81 reviews New Good place, so far so good,
• 5/5 Zack S. 3 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New Amazing views and awesome pool tables “free to play” Cheap drinks and great atmosphere, well worth a visit.
• 3/5 John W. 1 year ago on Google • 43 reviews Daytime is very relaxed. Evenings can get a bit more lively. Lovely sandy beach looking out to the north to the Florida Islands and Savi island.
• 5/5 Honduras Samba J. 1 year ago on Google • 18 reviews Good service,atmosphere,music and fun as well......
• 4/5 G B. 4 years ago on Google Great beach spot, but you have to be a member to enter.
• 4/5 Joan A. 6 years ago on Google • 5 reviews Best place to enjoy few beers with a slow music rhythm
• 1/5 Iakov K. 6 years ago on Google Never go to Solomon Islands unless you paid a huge amount of money or you bloody need to go there. This yacht club is just rubbish
• ✓️ Free parking lot
• ✓️ Free street parking
• ✓️ Cocktails
• ✓️ Food at bar
• ✓️ Hard liquor

Dining options

Service options.

• ✓️ Outdoor seating

Solomon Islands Historical Encyclopaedia 1893-1978

Place: honiara.

After the Second World War, the British decided to transfer their capital from the destroyed Tulagi (q.v.) to Honiara, drawn by the existing wartime infrastructure and the proximity to the Guadalcanal Plains (q.v.). 'Honiara' is a Ghari language name for the piece of land west of Point Cruz, the site of today's Yacht Club, the Kitano Mendana Hotel, and the old Government House which is now the site of the Heritage Park Hotel. Naho-ni-ara means 'facing the ara ', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Honiara sits on a curving section of the Guadalcanal coast, with no natural sheltered port other than small Point Cruz. It is now home to around sixty-five thousand people.

The land of present-day Honiara was part of Ndi-Nggai territory and the main villages were at Mataniko and Kakambona to the east and west of the Point Cruz, respectively. The core area is made up of three land leases from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, mainly negotiated before the British Solomon Islands Protectorate was established in 1893. The central area from Point Cruz to Tenaru, known as Kukum or Mataniko, was purchased for £60 of trade goods from Uvothea of Lungga, Allea of Manago and his son Manungo on 7 November 1886, by partners Thomas Garvin Keely, John Williams and Thomas Woodhouse, traders in the Shortlands, New Georgia and Ontong Java. However, this purchase was later disputed when Suala, chief of the Gombata descent group living at Mataniko village claimed that Woodhouse had only purchased the land east of Tanakaki belonging to the Simbo people. The deeds seem to have been renegotiated on 18 December 1896, by Woothia (Uvothea) of Langa (Lungga), Allea of Manago, and his son Manungo. Charles Woodford (q.v.) investigated the purchase in 1902. The area to the west, bordering on Point Cruz, called 'Ta-wtu' or Mamara Plantation, was purchased by Karl Oscar Svensen (q.v.) and his partner Rabuth, and the area to the east, named 'Tenavatu' was purchased by Svensen's employee William Dumphy, apparently late in the first decade of the century. After the Protectorate Government established a lease system, leases on all three areas were sold to Lever's Pacific Plantations Pty. Ltd. (q.v.) as part of a much larger block of land Levers controlled on the north coast. (Golden 1993, 146, 202; BSIP files 18/I/2 and 18/II 5)

In 1919-1920 a Lands Commission was appointed to investigate all previous land alienation in the Protectorate, including claims that purchases on Guadalcanal had been unfair. At this time, as mentioned above, a Mataniko chief named Suala claimed ownership of part of the Honiara land: the Commission recommended that Levers give up part of the land and pay a small sum of money. In 1924 the Secretary of State confirmed the recommendations of the Lands Commission, which gave them force in law. Levers gave up their old title and received conveyance of a smaller piece of land, including the Honiara site. After the war, in 1947, Levers sold the land to the Protectorate Government. In 1964, Baranamba Hoai of Mataniko village claimed ownership of part of Honiara on behalf of himself and the Kakau and Habata descent groups, but the High Court found that the 1924 transfer was still valid.

Second World War

During the Second World War, the site of Honiara became part of a battlefield, first captured by the Japanese, and then by the Americans who established major infrastructure in the area. In early May of 1942, the Japanese reached Tulagi Island, the old administrative capital off Nggela Sule, and attacked the capital and the three adjoining commercial islands, Levers Pacific Plantations Limited's Gavutu - Tanambogo and Burns Philp & Company's Makambo. After heavy air raids on the 1st and 2nd of May, Tulagi fell on the 3rd and the Japanese began to occupy Guadalcanal on 20 June. There they quickly began building an airfield at Lungga and a camp at nearby Kukum, from which they planned to interact with Allied shipping in the Pacific and with operations in nearby New Guinea. The Japanese airfield on Guadalcanal was almost complete when in early August the Americans invaded and secured Guadalcanal, which halted the Japanese southern advance.

Heavy fighting took place all along the Guadalcanal coast, much of it in what is now the centre of Honiara; for several months the surrounds of Mataniko River was a 'no-man's land' between the Japanese and the American forces. Once the Japanese were routed, the Americans set up their main base at Lungga to the east of the present town, although the huge 1st Marine Division was spread over three Levers' plantations: Kukum, Lungga and Tenaru. In late August 1942, Martin Clements, a Protectorate Officer who had become a coastwatcher (q.v.), was instructed by Resident Commissioner William Marchant (q.v.) (evacuated to Malaita) to resume his duties as District Officer of Guadalcanal. By 2 September, the Resident Commissioner was himself based at Lungga and accommodations were worked out between the Allied forces and the Protectorate Government. (Clemens 2004, 204, 221) Point Cruz became a supply and transit base for the Americans and there was a road extending on both sides, thirty-two kilometres east and ten kilometres west-the first real road in the Solomon Islands. From this period until the end of the war, about two thousand Solomon Islanders, most of them from Malaita, worked on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands Labour Corps, with another 680 enlisted for combat duty in the British Solomon Islands Defence Force, working alongside the Americans. (Laracy 1983, 16) In 1946, the war over, the British shifted their headquarters west to use the buildings the Americans had left at Point Cruz. (Tedder 1966, 36)

Once Honiara was established, Guadalcanal was administered from there with the District Commissioner Central in charge. On 22 October, at the first postwar meeting of the Advisory Council (q.v.), the formal decision was made to shift the administrative headquarters of the Protectorate from devastated Tulagi to a new site between the Mataniko River and Point Cruz. The Americans valued the pre-made town at US$10,359,695. (Bathgate 1977, 5) No one thought about asking permission from the people of the area; after all, the land had been alienated for more than half a century. And no one thought to ask other Solomon Islanders if they would like a new capital perched on a narrow coastal plain backed by dry coral rock ridges, all very sunny, exposed and infertile.

In December 1947, Qantas Empire Airways surveyed a possible new route from Australia via New Britain, Guadalcanal and Nauru, extending its 'Bird of Paradise' service. Qantas began regular charter services in June 1949, including the monthly Catalina flying boats of Trans Oceanic Airways, which operated out of Sydney to New Caledonia, New Hebrides and Tulagi. Some flights flew from Sydney to Honiara via Papua New Guinea, then on to Barakoma (a wartime airstrip on Vella Lavella) and the private Levers Pacific Plantations airstrip at Yandina, Russell Islands. Trans-Australia Airways (TAA) and Fiji Airways began services in 1952 using the same route, at first landing at Honiara's Kukum Fighter II airfield and later at Henderson Airfield, after it was upgraded. These airlines used DC3s, Fokker Friendships and Heron aircraft. Alan Lindley, who arrived in Honiara in 1952, remembers one rather bizarre detail. There was no radio communication at Kukum or Henderson airfields before 1958, so the local radio station used to play 'Slowcoach' by Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys on its frequency to enable the planes to home in using their radio directional loop. ( PIM Dec. 1947, June 1948, May 1952; AR 1949-1950, 5, AR 1953-1954, 41; Tedder 2008, 15; Alan Lindley, personal communication, 30 June 2011)

In 1945, once the decision was made to shift the capital to Honiara, a town plan was prepared by Mr Bentovsky and a quarter-million pounds was requested from the High Commissioner, only one-fifth of which was allocated. ( NS 31 May 1969) It took until after 1953, when the High Commission was moved to Honiara, for extra attention to be given to shaping its development. More housing was built for the growing number of public servants, and government buildings were improved or replaced.

The Americans left behind a rudimentary road system, although there were no permanent bridges over most of the rivers. In early 1948, six Bailey bridges were imported at a cost of £24,000 to replace dilapidated timber bridges on Guadalcanal. (AR 1953-1954, 8; PIM Jan. 1947, Feb. 1949, Dec. 1949, Mar. 1951, Feb. 1952; Michener 1957 [1951])

The first Bailey bridge erected was the present-day Chinatown bridge over the Mataniko River that was completed in June 1950. The initial labour supply for building British Honiara came from rotated batches of sixty Fijian and Indian workers from Suva, housed in the area still known as the Fiji Quarter (q.v.) near Chinatown. In 1948-1949, Honiara's population consisted of about eighty Europeans, including twenty-three women and eighteen children, one hundred Chinese living in what is now Chinatown, the workers in the Fijian Quarter, and Solomon Island labourers. Up until 1948 there had been a severe labour shortage in Honiara because of an informal strike by the Maasina Rule movement (q.v.), but the supply improved in 1949 and was adequate by 1950. By 1949, Honiara was fully surveyed, twenty-four new houses had been built for European residents, and 'labour lines' (barracks) had been constructed at Kukum. (The latter were extended in the early 1960s.) The supply of ivory palm leaves was insufficient and often the government had to fall back on timber and iron for house-building materials, and it relied extensively on second-hand American buildings and materials. (AR 1949-1950, 26)

The population rose quickly and reached 2,500 in the mid-1950s, and by 1959 Honiara was home to 3,534 out of a total Protectorate population of 124,000. By 1966, Honiara had fifty-five registered shops and stores, nine tailors and three bakers. A substantial Chinatown developed on the eastern bank of the Mataniko River, containing a non-residential hotel (really just a fairly rough bar) and thirty-nine of the registered businesses in Honiara. Most Solomon Islanders shopped there. ( NS 7 Apr. 1966; Nage 1987) The government administrative centre was concentrated around Point Cruz. Premises varied from modified Quonset huts to modern air-conditioned banks and supermarket buildings. Four businesses were registered at White River, two at Kukum and three at Kola'a Ridge. Urban associations began to form, more hotels were built and roads were given names. A Jaycees branch, a Masonic Lodge and a Chamber of Commerce were established. ( NS 19 Dec. 1966, 31 Jan. 1969; SND 3 June 1977) A multi-racial Solomon Islands Club, later named the Honiara Club (q.v.), was begun in July 1964 in one of the Quonset buildings near the Central District Office on Mendana Avenue as temporary premises. Many Europeans felt more comfortable at the more exclusive Golf Club that opened in 1957, with its local-style sago leaf clubhouse. In 1959, plans were unveiled to extend the course to nine holes, and a permanent clubhouse was built in 1964. Expatriates also congregated at the Guadalcanal Club and at the Point Cruz Yacht Club.

The more literate appreciated the opening of Honiara Public Library in mid-1968, which had space for twelve thousand books. That number had almost been reached by 1970, when the library had ten thousand volumes and 782 expatriate and 403 indigenous borrowers. ( NS 13 Dec. 1967, 31 Aug. 1968, 30 Nov. 1968, 28 Feb. 1970) A few of the more musical residents joined 'Honiara Deadbeats', the 'hottest jazz band in two million square miles of the Pacific', which performed in local repertory events. Others joined the Chess Club or the Film Society. The main public celebration was the Queen's Birthday in June, when a parade was held and many decorations and awards were presented, followed by a garden party and ball at Government House. (Gutch 1987, 115-116; NS June 1966, 31 Jan. 1968, 16 Oct. 1972)

Honiara's Chinatown of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s was the classic two-sided street of wooden red, green and blue trade stores with tin roofs, and crossed-frame railing around the front verandahs. The business was conducted behind counters in the central rooms and there were living quarters at the back. The same style of Chinatown existed at Gizo and Auki, with business links to the Honiara shops. Chinese business houses also began to extend into major business operations. The largest was Quan Hong Pty. Ltd. (q.v.), which opened a substantial bêche-de-mer processing factory at Kukum, and its famous Joy Biscuit factory. They were also increasing numbers of Chinese importers and exporters, plantation owners, ship owners and general merchants. ( NS 31 Mar. 1967, 7 June 1967)

The children of the first generation of Chinese were blocked from taking expatriate-salaried government jobs; although many were Australian-educated, they were domiciled in the Solomon Islands and ineligible for the overseas salary supplement. The younger Chinese left the family trade stores and branched out into other commercial ventures. They supplied logging camps, marketed trochus shell and bêche-de-mer, and began specialist shops in the central business district along Mendana Avenue. There were always tensions because Solomon Islanders resented the Chinese stranglehold on retail and wholesale business, but the Chinese worked hard and served the nation and themselves reasonably well. They prospered under the later decades of the British administration, which operated in a fairly non-corrupt and straightforward manner. During the years around independence the Chinese were uncertain about their future welcome, but many families stuck it out and have prospered since. They have become leading hoteliers, owners of a wide range of businesses, and even parliamentarians. ( PIM June 1950; NS Oct. 1961, Feb. 1962, 15 Nov. 1965; Moore 2008c)

Some Chinese men married Solomon Islander women a generation ago, which has stood them in good stead in periods of conflict in Honiara during which local connections have been crucial. Families such as the Chans have entered the mainstream as hoteliers and latterly as politicians. A few other Asians prospered as well, such as Japanese businessman Yukio Sato, who established himself in Western District in the 1950s before shifting his business interests to Honiara.

Solomon Islanders and Honiara

The 1959 Census spelled out something that had been clear since Honiara began, and worried authorities. Although males and females were well balanced in the overall Protectorate population, in Honiara single males made up 40 percent of the indigenous population and 25 percent of the total population. The majority came from Malaita, a harbinger of the problems to come in the 1990s. While Malaitans dominated overall and were the main labour force in Honiara, all islands were represented in the new urban centre. For instance, Choiseulese, rather like the Malaitans, came to Honiara to find work and pursue lifestyles impossible on their own island. (Kengava 1979) The main drive was to find employment in the new town and to better their economic and social circumstances. Later the momentum was increased by wantoks migrating to join existing families or individuals, just as occurs today. However, wages were low and there was insufficient accommodation available for families, and much of the unskilled labour force was transitory. In 1958, 40 percent of the labourers worked in Honiara for three months or less, 20 percent for three to seven months, and 15 percent for six to twelve months. (Tedder 1966, 37) However, by 1960, building contractors, other employers and the Public Works Department were able to engage all necessary labour in Honiara, and only the Ports Authority still recruited stevedores from elsewhere for its Honiara-based activities. (AR 1959-1960, 8) The first meeting of the Legislative Council (q.v.) in 1961 discussed the problems created by Solomon Islanders who were visiting Honiara without sufficient means of support and thereby causing financial hardship for permanent residents. The administration was asked to report on possible remedies. (Legislative Council Debates, 2 May 1962, 48)

Initially, Solomon Islanders from outside Guadalcanal saw Honiara as a place to earn money quickly and return home. Home remained their islands of origin, and most families returned there on annual holidays. The Guadalcanal population had long been displaced from the Honiara area and was not large. In this way Honiara differed from Papua New Guinea's Rabaul, Lae and Port Moresby, where nearby villagers supplied much of the manual labour and were employed to do lower-level clerical work. As children began to be born in Honiara they still identified with their parent's islands of origin. Over decades, there has been a shift as many Honiara-born residents have now lost touch with their ancestral roots, seldom if ever return to their parent's villages and neglect cultural obligations. One index of this has always been the place of burial for any Solomon Islander who dies in Honiara. The old pattern was for almost all to be buried back on their ancestral lands, but as decades pass there are an increasing number of burials in Honiara as the city becomes a permanent home for many families. (Frazer 1985; Friesen 1986)

1960s: Infrastructure

In the late 1950s, Honiara had a population of around 3,550 people, and by 1965 6,684 people. In 1968, the estimated population was eight thousand, which grew by a thousand in 1969, a 12.5 percent increase. ( NS 28 Feb. 1970) In the 1970 census the population was 11,191 persons: 7,237 males and 3,954 females. The proportions of Solomon Islanders had changed considerably. Between 1959 and 1965 males had increased from 2,297 to 3,980, up 73.2 percent. Women had increased in numbers from only 520 in 1959 to 1,426 in 1965, an increase of 174.2 percent, creating a more balanced, if still imbalanced community. The size of the European population had more than doubled over the same years, from 363 in 1959 to 624 in 1965. The number of Chinese had risen from 266 to 414, an increase of 64 percent. These increases, particularly the greater number of indigenous women in Honiara, meant that housing and services had had to increase fast. (AR 1965, 5, AR 1969, 90, AR 1971, 7; Tedder 1966)

The remnants of the American wartime camps gradually disappeared, replaced by new buildings and facilities. One large stimulus to Honiara was the new national educational institutions located there. However, all of this infrastructure development meant that Honiara absorbed a large proportion of Protectorate and WPHC expenditures. By the 1960s, Honiara absorbed about two-thirds of the Protectorate's capital expenditure on utilities, buildings and communication. Several severe problems were difficult to solve. One was that, because Honiara was located on a former battleground, there was wreckage along the shores and hundreds of unexploded bullets and bombs almost everywhere. In the first few years of the British Solomon Islands Training College at Kukum more than four hundred shells were uncovered on the grounds and had to be destroyed, and the same was true all around Honiara. The largest bomb found, a 500 pound device thought to be Japanese, was detonated at Henderson airfield in 1968. ( NS 14 Feb. 1968) Later that same year a man was killed when a bomb exploded in a fire at Kukum, and in 1970, 75 millimetre shells, two mortar bombs and three hand grenades were found in a valley at Kola'a Ridge. ( NS 15 May 1968, 15 Sept. 1970)

Another continuing problem, which remains Honiara's biggest weakness today, was the water supply. Honiara's original supply was provided by a combination of rainwater tanks, and boreholes at Kukum. Electric pumps were submerged in two boreholes, supplemented by six permanent springs caught in a small dam. ( NS 31 Jan. 1969; AR 1949-1950) From 1965, the Mataniko River water was used, stored in a series of large tanks in different locations. Water pressure has always been poor in hill areas like Skyline and Kola'a Ridge, and also on the other ridges as new houses were built. For sixty years, Honiara's residents have complained about rationed and inadequate water supplies, and there is little solution in sight and larger problems looming as Honiara continues to grow. More boreholes have been sunk over the years but there seems to be no prospect of there ever being a large dam to supply water to Honiara.

Another problem with the Honiara location, which has now been rectified, was the lack of a port. During the American occupation in the 1940s the main wharf was at Kukum, with a smaller temporary wharf at Point Cruz. Kukum docks had three sections, two at right angles to the shore and one parallel, forming three sides of a rectangle. The Kukum facility was used as the main wharf for overseas shipping, but the most easterly section fell into disrepair and was demolished, and the other sections were destroyed in a cyclone in January 1952. After this, ships had to load and unload at Tulagi. The first stage of building new port facilities for Honiara was approved in September 1955, and the new deepwater berth was used for the first time on 15 February 1966. This also enabled cruise ships to visit, the first being Orcades in August 1967, which provided a market for artefact sales. ( PIM Mar. 1951; NS 1 Sept. 1955, 12 Sept. 1955, July 1960, 15 Feb. 1963, 31 Mar. 1964, 14 Feb. 1965, 21 Feb. 1966)

Honiara's public and commercial facilities began to become permanent and more substantial during the 1960s. Honiara Town Council's new fish market, with its freezer, cold store and ice-making facilities, opened in May 1966, leased to the Honiara Co-operative Fish Marketing Association Ltd. Guadalcanal Bus Service began in 1968, travelling from King George VI School (q.v.) to White River, operated by partners Monty Ho, William Chan, James Kwan and Nga Kwak Kwan, with William Chan as General Manager. A second bus was added in 1969 and a third in 1970. ( NS 31 Aug. 1968, 15 May 1969, 31 Dec. 1969; SND 6 Feb. 1975) The red busses trundled back and forth until the introduction of the smaller buses of today made them obsolete. A permanent wharf was constructed next to the fish market in 1969, which allowed small ships and canoes to bring produce directly to the market. ( NS 15 Apr. 1969) The Australian and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) opened its first branch in Honiara in mid-1966. ( NS 7 May 1966)

In 1969, Honiara held the first National Agricultural and Produce Show, the forerunner of many similar events to come. Substantial churches and cathedrals were also built and remain the focal points of life for many Solomon Islanders. In European tradition, the presence of cathedrals is taken as the marker of the difference between a town and a city. In Honiara, the foundation stone for Anglican St. Barnabas' Cathedral (q.v.) was laid in 1961, and the completed building consecrated in 1969, while the Catholic's Holy Cross Cathedral was finished during 1977-1978. Both cathedrals replaced earlier temporary structures. ( NS 31 July 1957, June 1960, Feb. 1961, 7 July 1967, 30 Nov. 1969; AR 1968, 82, AR 1969, 80-81; SND 18 Mar. 1977) Even if, by dint of its cathedrals, Honiara was a city, it was still a small colonial town replete with racial attitudes that segregated indigenous and non-indigenous inhabitants.

Sporting facilities, crucial in any city, developed in Honiara. The sports grounds (q.v.) and playing fields became known as ' tama ', which means 'park' or 'ground'. Sports (q.v.) became a central part of the lives of Solomon Islanders and large crowds attended Sunday afternoon football matches. (Bellam 1970; Bathgate 1977)

1960s: An Education Hub for the Pacific

A small Protectorate Education Department was established in Honiara in 1946, with just three positions, which functioned under considerable difficulties. The first Director, C. A. Colman-Porter, resigned in 1948, leaving an Inspector of Mission Schools as the only person in the Department during 1949, and she departed in 1950. The missions still conducted all education in the Protectorate, except for a part-time school in Honiara for European children, and the Chung Wah School (q.v.) for Chinese children, which opened in October 1949. The expatriate students of Honiara's Woodford School (q.v.) were enrolled in the New Zealand Correspondence School. (AR 1953-1954, 26)

The postwar BSIP government initiatives flowed on from the appointment of Colman-Porter and a November 1947 conference for all educators. The conference outlined a new policy to create state institutions to provide skills for the Protectorate in teaching, nursing, agriculture, commerce, carpentry and engineering. The only concession to the Christian missions was a rather strange plan to allow colleges within these institutions to be organised according to religious denominations. This development was delayed after Coleman-Porter resigned in 1948, after he realised that he did not have the support of the government. A new conference held in March 1949 was no more conciliatory to the churches than the 1947 conference had been. New BSIP education regulations were circulated in 1953, stipulating new multi-course colleges to produce practitioners in all of the skills needed to develop the Protectorate. (Laracy 1976, 151-152) This was the foundation of what eventually became the Teacher and Vocational Training College, the British Solomon Islands Training College, the Agricultural Staff Training Institute, Central Hospital in Dressers School, the Nurses' Training Centre, Auki Boatbuilding School, the T.S. Ranadi Marine Training School, and finally the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education. All of these institutions brought a new generation of young Solomon Islanders to Honiara, along with a mix of fellow students from the Gilbert and Ellice Colony (Kiribati and Tuvalu), the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) and a few other Pacific colonies. Honiara slowly became more cosmopolitan and better known throughout the Pacific, a change aided by the removal of the Western Pacific High Commission headquarters from Suva to Honiara in January 1953.

Urbanization

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Honiara's urban sprawl began to move inland through the rolling valleys back from the beach. The government continued to develop housing estates: in 1967, 112 houses were built at Vura Creek and sixty at Rove, mainly for police families, and a hostel for single girls was planned. ( NS 7 June 1967) The first stage of what is now the large suburb of Vura began with the multi-stage Vura Housing Estate, with a plan to construct three hundred family homes, a primary school and a retail area. The smallest houses, with two bedrooms, a veranda, kitchen, septic toilet and a shower, cost over A£1,000, at a time when junior clerks and artisans earned around A£200 a year. Rents varied with salaries, but were capped at an uneconomical A£12 per year, which did little to encourage people to buy or build their own houses. (Tedder 1966, 37-38) The Housing Authority was formed in 1970 and enabled Solomon Islanders to obtain small loans to purchase houses. More houses were constructed at Mbokonavera, Kola'a Ridge, Koloale and at Mbua Valley (Kukum), and new housing estates developed at Tuvaruhu, Vara Creek. (AR 1971, 4, AR 1974, 81-82; NS 15 Mar. 1970; SND 4 Apr. 1975)

Communal urban facilities slowly increased in number. The Christian churches led the way in providing facilities such as multi-purpose church buildings and halls adjoining churches. A Solomon Islands Community Centre, constructed in 1971 between Chinatown and Lawson Tama sports ground, close to the new urban sprawl areas, provided a multi-purpose indoor sports and meeting place. A swimming pool was added in 1973, but it closed in 1975 due to the high costs of operation. (AR 1971, 5; NS 7 May 1973)

Honiara's boundaries were increased in 1969, expanding the town from 3,800 to 4,800 acres, although at the time this only added one hundred people to the population. The boundaries were extended inland to include the new government housing estate at Tavaruhu on the Mataniko River, and the areas to the south to Kola'a Ridge, including squatter settlements. This brought into the city boundaries the planned 3,705 hectare Queen Elizabeth National Park (q.v.) south of Honiara. ( NS 15 Feb. 1969; AR 1953-1954, 31) Also in 1969, the Honiara Council took over education activities and opened its first new school on the Tavaruhu Housing Estate. The Council effectively took over responsibility for all new schools except for church schools. The next school was opened at White River, and there were plans to open schools at Vura and Mbokonavera. ( NS 28 Feb. 1969)

There were whole areas of housing where foreigners never visited, some of them formal suburbs and others squatter areas. Squatting became a considerable problem as more people migrated to Honiara, attracted by employment opportunities. The accommodation provided by employers was often inadequate or non-existent and people also needed garden land so as to be able to supplement their meagre wages. They began to build houses in squatter settlements from bush materials or a combination of bush materials and scavenged or purchased materials. A good example of the problem was people who occupied single labour quarters and then brought their families to join them. They usually had a small wage and could not afford to rent houses, even if they were available, and so they moved to squatter settlements such as Matariu. Sanitation in these settlements was poor and they had no reticulated water supplies, and so people depended on streams and tapping into other local supplies. The squatters, and even many among the emerging Solomon Islander middle class, also worked in gardens on weekends, usually on government land. The area designated as Queen Elizabeth II National Park around Mt. Austen was highly vulnerable to this and soon most of it had been cleared for gardens. Eventually, the Honiara Town Council established a system of Temporary Occupation Leases.

Political Processes

As preparation was made to hand over political power to Solomon Islanders, Honiara became central to the process. Through a series of constitutional changes (see Constitutions), Solomon Islanders served on the Advisory Council (1951-1960), the Executive Council (1960-1969), the Legislative Council (1960-1969), the Governing Council (1970-1974) and the Legislative Assembly (1974-1978) (all q.v.). The first general election (see Elections) was held in all eight constituencies on 7 April 1965. The member representing Honiara constituency was elected by direct ballot, while the other seven were chosen by an electoral college, its members chosen by the members of the Local Councils. The first direct election occurred in May 1967. Sixty-two candidates contested fourteen seats, and 17,689 votes were cast (of 35,101 registered voters, a turnout of 50.3 percent). The Honiara seat was contested by Bartholomew Buchanan, a senior executive officer in the government, William Ramsay, Manager of the BSIP Ports Authority, and Lilly Ogatina Poznanski (q.v.), the sitting member for the former electoral district of Central Solomons excluding Guadalcanal. Ramsay received 211 votes, Buchanan 157 and Poznanski 20. ( NS 21 May 1967) The first political party (q.v.) was formed in 1965.

This new political process added special complexity to Honiara, particularly through the direct elections and the early political parties. Political parties were never strong and lacked ideological bases, except for those connected with trade unions. Early campaigning was lacklustre compared with the extravagant affairs of today. Until a national parliament house was constructed in the 1990s, the meeting place was the Teachers' College, and later the Supreme Court building. Politicians, unless they were in charge of departments, had no offices and met constituents in their rooms at the Parliamentary Resthouse in Hibiscus Avenue, at their homes if they were Honiara-based, or wherever they were living with their wantoks . Telephones were mainly confined to government offices and not found in private homes, although eventually most middle-class homes installed them. Constituents found that it was best to call on Members of Parliament at home, early in the morning or in the evening. As still occurs today, a great deal of business was conducted while walking along Mendana Avenue or while shopping at the Central Market, Chinatown or the variety of stores in Point Cruz. The Mendana Hotel and the Yacht Club also became favourite gathering places. Church buildings were also integral to the political process, since almost all Solomon Islanders attended church one or more times a week.

Honiara had become a major Melanesian city, along with Port Moresby, Lae, Suva, Noumea and Port Vila. By the time of independence, Honiara was a bustling, thriving city based on an inherited American infrastructure, and designed by the British according to their own colonial precedents, but inhabited by Solomon Islanders who were slowly changing it to accommodate the needs of wantokism (q.v.), lius (q.v.), extended families, work, travel to and from other islands, access to gardens, daily trips to the market and weekly visits to church.

Related entries

Related concepts.

• Maasina Rule
• Political Parties
• Sports Grounds
• Wantok System

Related Corporate Bodies

• Chung Wah School
• Executive Council
• Governing Council
• Honiara Club
• King George VI School
• Legislative Assembly
• Legislative Council
• Levers Pacific Plantations Pty. Ltd.
• Mendana Hotel
• Quan Hong Pty. Ltd.
• St. Barnabas' Anglican Cathedral, Honiara
• Woodford School

Related Cultural Artefacts

• Constitutions of the Solomon Islands

Related Events

• Young Dick Massacre, Malaita, 1886

Related Party

• Coastwatchers

Related People

• Mamaloni, Solomon Suna'one (1943 - 2000)
• Marchant, William Sydney (1898 - 1953)
• Mendaña y Neyra, Alvaro de
• Poznanski, Lilly Ogatina (1942 - 1989)
• Svensen, Karl Oscar ( - 1893)
• Woodford, Charles Morris (1852 - 1927)

Related Places

• Fijian Quarter (also, Camp or Village)
• Guadalcanal Island
• Guadalcanal Plains, Development
• Mataniko River
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Tadai Highway
• Vaivila Fishing Village, Honiara

Published resources

• Clemens, Martin, Alone on Guadalcanal: A Coastwatcher's Story , Originally published: 1998, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Md., 2004. Details
• Golden, Graeme A., The Early European Settlers of the Solomon Islands , Graeme A. Golden, Melbourne, 1993. Details
• Gutch, John, Colonial Servant , T.J. Press, Padstow, Cornwall, 1987. Details
• Laracy, Hugh M., Marists and Melanesians: A History of the Catholic Missions in the Solomon Islands , Australian National University Press, Canberra, 1976. Details
• Michener, James, Return to Paradise , 1957 edn, Penguin, Harmondsworth, 1951. Details
• Tedder, James L.O., Solomon Islands Years: A District Administrator in the Islands, 1952-1974 , Tuatu Studies, Stuarts Point, NSW, 2008. Details

Book Sections

• Kengava, Clement, 'Choiseul Immigrants in Honiara', in Peter Larmour (ed.), Land in Solomon Islands , Institute of Pacific Studies and Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Suva, 1979, pp. 155-166. Details
• Moore, Clive, 'No More Walkabout Long Chinatown: Asian Involvement in the Solomon Islands Economic and Political Processes', in Sinclair Dinnen;Stewart Firth (ed.), Politics and State Building in Solomon Islands , Asia Pacific Press, Canberra, 2008c, pp. 64-95. Details
• Nage, James, 'Immigrant Settlements in Honiara, Solomon Islands', in Leonard Mason;Pat Hereniko (ed.), In Search of a Home , Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific, Suva, 1987, pp. 93-102. Details

Conference Proceedings

• Bathgate, Murray A. (ed.), The Honiara Market in the Solomon Islands. A Study of the Supply of Food from the Rural Area and the Marketing Behaviour of the Vendors , Food, Shelter and Transport in the Third World Seminar, Australian National University, Canberra, 1977, 103 pp. Details

Edited Books

• Laracy, Hugh M. (ed.), Pacific Protest: The Maasina Rule Movement, Solomon Islands, 1944-1952 , Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific, Suva, 1983. Details
• Pacific Islands Monthly . Details
• Solomons News Drum , 1974-1982. Details
• British Solomon Islands Protectorate (ed.), British Solomon Islands Protectorate News Sheet (NS) , 1955-1975. Details

Journal Articles

• Bellam, M.E.P., 'The Colonial City: Honiara, a Pacific Islands 'case study'', Pacific Viewpoint , vol. 11, no. 1, 1970, pp. 66-96. Details
• Frazer, Ian L., 'Walkabout and Urban Movement: A Melanesian Case Study', Pacific Viewpoint , vol. 26, no. 1, 1985, pp. 185-205. Details
• Tedder, James L.O., 'Honiara (Capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate)', South Pacific Bulletin , vol. 16, no. 1, 1966, pp. 36-41 (43). Details
• British Solomon Islands Protectorate, British Solomon Islands Protectorate Annual Reports (AR) , 1896-1973. Details
• Friesen, Ward W., 'Labour Mobility and Economic Transformation in Solomon Islands: Lusim Choiseul, Bae Kam Baek Moa?', PhD, University of Auckland, 1986. Details

Graham Reid: A sad state in the Happy Isles

Village children in Honiara. Photo / Alan Gibson

It is called it the Point Cruz Yacht Club, but the name elevates it. It's just a slightly shabby but enjoyable seafront bar in Honiara, the capital of the strife-riven Solomon Islands.

The club is a haven for expat officials, cash-only businessmen, doctors and lawyers, shopkeepers, and rogue traders of this part of the western Pacific who gather daily to drink SolBrew or something stronger and talk over the events of the day.

And in Honiara - a rundown town of a few broken streets working on gossip and rumour - is always full of events to discuss.

I was there after what they euphemistically called the ethnic tensions, which is a polite way of talking around the massacres that had happened, and the still-simmering tensions between people from the nearby island of Malaita and those here on Guadalcanal.

Two days before I arrived in the Solomons, the Prime Minister's special adviser was the target of an assassination attempt as he left his house. On the final day, disgruntled special constables - former rebels who had been given the status of policemen in an attempt to placate them - took to the streets for a noisy and potentially violent parade as they protested about promised cheques which hadn't arrived.

Honiara was volatile but generally safe. No guns were visible, although there were occasional shots in the night. But politicians were keeping out of sight because, as expat Aussie Kenneth said one night over a SolBrew at Point Cruz, "A moving target is harder to hit."

Most afternoons of my fortnight in Honiara I would go to the club, sign in as a temporary member, and get the gossip. In the absence of radio and a decent newspaper, the club's coconut telegraph kept information - admittedly sometimes bent out of shape - on the move.

It wasn't particularly attractive. The view took in a broken-down Navy boat that some friendly government had bequeathed the Solomons, and kids diving off the pier.

One afternoon, while swatting away malarial mosquitoes, I noticed a family of rats leave the club's kitchen and sprint down the muddy open creek just a couple of metres away from where I was sitting with Richard.

He seemed barely interested when I pointed them out.

Richard was originally from Germany but had somehow fetched up in the Solomons well over a decade ago when it was just another beautiful, peaceful and largely undiscovered part of the western Pacific.

Richard ran a small store selling dubbed-off cassettes to the local boys - CD technology hadn't reached the increasingly impoverished Solomons - but business was getting worse.

Music ran a poor second behind food and, since the troubles began, it was costing Richard money to keep his store open. But what else could he do?

At the end of one long, SolBrew-soaked afternoon he told me a story I had heard from so many middle-aged men washed up and emotionally adrift in Pacific islands which had once been their paradise.

Richard had married a local woman and they had a little boy.

About 10 years ago he had gone back to Germany to see his family but had felt like a stranger.

His friends had moved on and he now had nothing in common with them - none of them even knew where the Solomons were.

Now, with his business in free-fall and their uncertain future, his wife was saying they should go to Germany, because he had spoken about it so often.

But he knew they didn't have enough money to get out and start again in Germany and that she wouldn't be able to stand the cold or the rejection she would inevitably face from his family and friends.

So Richard was trapped in a place riven by endemic corruption, simmering violence and spiralling poverty.

A place where he no longer even cared about rats running in the creek just a metre or so away from where he would sit most days, staring at his beer in a country once known to the world - and to him - as The Happy Isles.

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SOLOMON ISLANDS Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara

1. COUNTRY INTRODUCTION It ranges from sizeable rivers on the larger mountainous islands with dense rainforests, to Description: those small low-lying atolls and islets which rely The Solomon Islands are comprised of about upon rainwater harvesting and maybe a thin fresh 1000 very scattered islands of diverse size. These water lens for their freshwater needs. For example islands have a total land area of 28,370 square Honiara has abundant water in the Lungga kilometres consisting of volcanic peaks rising up River but limited means and financial resources to 2,500 metres, and low lying coral islands less to extract, treat, and reticulate it. Much of the than 3m above sea level. The Solomon Islands are water provided for Honiara is sourced from small divided into 9 provinces with a total population streams, springs and groundwater abstraction of approximately 523,000 (2009 estimate) who are bores. almost exclusively of Melanesian decent. Island Vulnerability: Economy: Cyclones, flooding, drought and seismic events The economy consists of a mixed subsistence periodically affect the Solomon Islands. Sea level agriculture, fishing, and forestry on which over rise also poses a threat to the smaller low islands. 80% of the population depend. Log exports Soil erosion and increased sediment load in rivers and fisheries remain the major foreign exchange result from human activities such as large scale earner for the country. Over-reliance on single clearing from mining and logging activities, as commodities magnify the country’s susceptibility well as impacts from traditional subsistence slash to external shocks. The islands are rich in mineral and burn farming, increasing urban development resources but these are comparatively under and residential housing. Potential pollution and developed apart from the Gold Ridge mine which contamination of water resources have been was scheduled for reopening in early 2011. identified from untreated domestic sewage, small industry discharges (eg fish processing), Water Availability: hydrocarbons from oil storage tanks, mine Water resources availability in Solomon Islands drainage and leaching discharges from mine varies considerably for each island but on the waste, and residues of agricultural fertilizers and larger islands can be considered as very abundant. pesticides. The extent of this contamination is

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 122 Site refurbishment, Lungga River, Guadalcanal

currently not well understood due to a lack of sector and has little impact on watershed and recent data. coastal ecosystems at present. Tourism numbers reached 13,748 in 2007 (Solomon Islands Power generation: National Statistics Office). The Solomon’s has significant potential for hydropower generation for large, mini and micro hydroelectricity. Apart from some small localised 2. GEOGRAPHIC community mini and micro plants, there has The scattered archipelago of the Solomon Islands, been no substantial investment in this sector about 1,000 mountainous islands and low- that has progressed beyond a feasibility study to lying coral atolls, lie east of Papua New Guinea energy production. and northeast of Australia in the South West 0 0 Health: Pacific Ocean, between latitudes 5 and 12 S of the equator and longitude 1550 and 1700E. Water quality analysis available within the The islands include the large high islands of Solomon Islands is limited. Faecal coliform and Guadalcanal, Malaita, Santa Isabel, San Cristóbal, high nutrients have been detected in samples Choiseul, New Georgia, and the Santa Cruz taken from boreholes with the indication Group with many diverse smaller islands. The that waste water leachate contamination from island chains together measure some 1500 kms overflowing septic tanks during heavy rains is a in total length. The islands in the archipelago common occurrence and is impacting on water are of two types: they are either of volcanic supplies. origin or are coral atolls. The six main islands in Environment and Tourism: the group are volcanic, and are mountainous, blanketed with dense rain forests, with some of Solomon Islands is recognised for its high level the volcanoes on the islands considered active. of biological diversity in terrestrial and marine The lowest point on the islands is the coral environments. The coral reefs, shallow lagoons atolls at only a few metres above sea level, while and mangroves of Solomon Islands are amongst the highest is Mount Popomanaseu at 2,310m, the most biologically diverse in the world. on the Island of Guadalcanal. The island chain However, many reefs appear to be currently experiences regular seismic activity, more recently at most risk due to continued exploitation in 2007, a devastating earthquake and tsunami for food and other resources through the use was experienced in the western province with of unsustainable and destructive harvesting dozens of lives being lost and thousands being methods. Industrial, agricultural and sewage dislocated. The provincial capital of Gizo was pollution of water courses, logging and coastal the worst hit area. The capital city of Honiara is development also threaten coastal, reef and located on the north of Guadalcanal Island. mangrove habitat. Tourism is still a very small

Page 123 SOLOMON ISLANDS Map of Solomon Islands

Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007

Map of Guadalcanal Island showing Lungga River catchment

(after Falkland and Abawi, 2006)

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 124 Solomon Islands Geological Map 1983

http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esdb_archive/EUDASM/Asia/lists/coc.htm

3. CLIMATIC the Northwest monsoon season, with reduced rainfall during February when the equatorial The Solomon Islands has a climate typical of trough is normally furthest south. Locations many tropical areas, being characterised by on the southern sides of the larger islands also moderately high and uniform temperature and tend to have a rainfall maximum between June humidity, with abundant rainfall in all months, and September. As there are no rainfalls stations in most areas, especially in the mountains. at altitude (with long-term averages) the effect The range of average maximum temperature of increasing rainfall with height above mean deviation is approximately 20C throughout sea level is unrecorded and an isohyetal map is the year. Rainfall is the least uniform of the currently not available. Depending on the local climatic elements, as topographical effects cause topography, rainfall will increase with elevation, significant variations between locations. The with a maximum falling expected at about the average annual rainfall is mostly within the range 600 to 1,000 metres level on windward slopes. It of 3,000 to 5,000 millimetres with the majority is possible that the heaviest average yearly rainfall of monthly rainfall amounts in excess of 200 could reach up to 9,000mm at some elevated millimetres, with the exception of Honiara which sites. The extreme falls seem to be confined to the experiences a distinct dry period from May transition months of December and April when to November. The wettest months are during

Page 125 SOLOMON ISLANDS Lungga Gorge, site of possible hydroelectric power plant the equatorial trough is migrating across the islands. The islands because of their proximity to the equator, are less subject to the damaging effects of tropical cyclones than elsewhere in the southwest Pacific, though cyclones still pose a serious threat each year. Additionally due to the low latitudes of the Solomon’s, atmospheric pressure has only a small variation from month to month, recording little change from day to day except when a tropical cyclone is in the area.

Monthly Mean Climate Data for Honiara, Guadacanal

Period for Observation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Item the Mean

Temperature Jan 2000 – 27.5 27.2 27.4 27.2 27 26.5 26.5 26.2 26.8 26.9 27.4 27.4 27.0 (ºC) Dec 2008

Precipitation Nov 1954 262 288 297 187 132 89 96 95 96 130 149 208 1937 (mm) – Aug 2009

Source: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service

Monthly Mean Rainfalls Honiara, Guadalcanal

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 126 Rove Stream, Honiara botanical gardens, stream gauging

Prior to the implementation of Pacific HYCOS, 2007-2010, the NHS had in large ceased to operate a regular field program with no operational automatic raingauges. To address this shortfall, 6 automatic raingauges were installed in the Honiara and Guadalcanal Plains area, including one at the main Solomon Islands Meteorological Service synoptic station located at Henderson Field, Honiara International Airport. Apart from the long term Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, SIMS, daily data, there is no available data for short or long term rainfall analysis. The following table identifies the new rainfall stations.

Rainfall stations installed by Pacific HYCOS located on Guadalcanal.

Elevation Period of Average No Station (m) Location and coordinates observations rainfall

Henderson Airfield 5004652 Honiara 2 9º 25’ 44” E 160º 02’ 50” S ? - Open 1937

Honiara City 1934 5004051 DGMWR Office 71 9º 26’ 20” E 159º 56’ 20” S 2009 open 1986 only

Honiara Hinterland 5004651 Mt Austin 250 9º 28’ 32” E 159º 58’ 49” S 2009 open NA

Lower Tina 5006051 Rate School 52 9º 30’ 10” E 160º 06’ 46” S 2009 open NA

Guadalcanal Plains 5006950 Tetere Prison 10 9º 27’ 06” E 160º 12’ 40” S 2009 open NA

333 Below Proposed powerhouse Temp No Tina 75 9º 31’ 52” E 160º 05’ 48” S 2009 open NA

NA records too short for analysis

Page 127 SOLOMON ISLANDS Limestone formations, Lungga Gorge

4. WATER RESOURCES areas of high impact activities such as logging and mining, or fish processing bounding the coastal 4.1 General Description fringe. These activities are considered to impact Due to the diversity and great geographic spread on the riverine and coastal environments due to of the Islands, water resources vary from one increased sediment loads especially during times island to the next where the smaller islands which of heavy rains. have no surface water are limited to rainwater Rainfall and river flows are highly variable in harvesting and where geologies permit formation certain areas, with protracted dry periods which of a thin fresh water lens within a coral island may compromise drinking water supplies and environment. The larger islands have a range of agricultural yields resulting in severe food surface water sources from small streams to very shortages, followed by periods of significant large rivers flowing from a high mountainous flooding and damages. Floods in the high environment. The longest river in the Solomons mountains can be particularly damaging to road is the Lungga River with a catchment area and bridge infrastructure and villages located of 377km2 (SPREP). With rural populations close to the rivers. In logging areas, the damages accounting for approximately 85% of the are particularly severe with resultant irreparable country’s population, water supplies for villages soil erosion and mass debris slides of earth. and outlying communities from both surface water and groundwater is very important. Limited Development of water resources to date has information is available on the water resource been primarily for the purpose of potable availability, and hydrological data is largely and domestic needs, with some development absent due to an inconsistent and fragmented for agricultural and industrial purposes and approach being taken for the assessment of very limited hydro electric energy generation. this resource. Of the limited data available, Groundwater development has mostly taken most data is confined mostly to Guadalcanal place in and around Honiara on the island of and the Honiara area, along with limited usage Guadalcanal for Honiara City water supply. data. Groundwater resources are currently not Industrial use of water is currently limited where measured. Water losses in reticulated systems are only light industries are present such as fish estimated to be as high as 60% within Honiara processing. Irrigation is currently only at a very through system transmission losses. On the larger small scale, either at village or demonstration islands the issue of water quality is considered level. Irrigated rice on the Guadalcanal Plains to be one of the major concerns, particularly in using river water was developed in the 1970’s with

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 128 a robust export industry but this industry slowly communities based on traditional village and collapsed many years ago and the land is now clan social structures and are dependent on extensively covered with Oil Palm Plantations. subsistence agriculture supplemented by cash Hydroelectric power generation options still cropping, fishing and forest products. Use of remain undeveloped despite a significant water is based on traditional cultural use for international donor investment over many years. fishing, food preparation, laundry and recreation. There have been feasibility studies undertaken Limited use is made of water for village based for some quite significant schemes which have irrigation. Most use can be considered in-stream not progressed. There appears to be significant where any degradation of the resource through development potential of the water sources destructive catchment uses such as logging however the current political situation seems to or mining, can have a detrimental and long be a restricting factor for the investment needed term or permanent effect on the communities to realize this potential. Logging catchments have which rely upon it. Groundwater use and not been studied by HYCOS but it is understood rainwater harvesting are the only options on that uncontrolled sediment runoff to the ocean the outer small islands. Approximately 16 per is very significant at numerous logging sites. The cent of the population live in urban areas with Goldridge Gold Mine has a mine tailings dam increasing migration to cities and towns in the but there are some smaller in-stream operations past decade or so contributing to substantial that have few controls for sedimentation and urban unemployment and accompanying control of mining wastes into the rivers. Apart social problems. Along with this increased from a severe localized effect on villagers and the urbanisation is the poor infrastructure including ocean, potable water supplies are considered to degrading reticulated water supply systems not be compromised by degraded water quality, especially in Honiara, where a mix of surface where the current scale of activities is relatively and groundwater is used. Solomon Islands still small. has limited primary health care facilities and infectious diseases, including water borne disease, 4.2 Major Floods and Droughts still claim lives. There is abundant opportunity In 1986 during Cyclone Namu, flooding claimed with the larger rivers on all larger islands for about 100 lives in the Guadalcanal plains. In hydro electric power production for local and 1995, drought severely affected most parts of industrial use, where current diesel based energy the country causing severe food shortages. is extremely expensive. Apart from a few small With increasing frequency of climate extremes micro and mini hydro systems, there has been occurring there is need for a more informed little progress to date on hydro electric power understanding of the potential risks needs to be generation. This is compounded by the difficulty developed and information disseminated to the in sustaining hydrological monitoring systems, or general public. Risk from floods continues with implementing site investigation works and raising Guadalcanal experiencing several severe events in capital for construction. A major issue precluding recent decades with loss of life and damages to effective data collection programs being sustained important infrastructure. Due to reduced capacity is land owner based where damages are often within the National Hydrological Service, NHS, effected to any public or remote monitoring a functioning hydrological monitoring program equipment deployed and/or the subject of large has not been possible and there is no available compensation claims. data for assessment of either droughts or floods enabling more informed decisions on appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures. 5. HYDROLOGICAL INFORMATION 4.3 Socio-economic characteristics Hydrological monitoring and assessment commenced in the Solomon Islands in the Most Solomon Islanders live in rural mid 1960’s with the measurement of river flow

Page 129 SOLOMON ISLANDS commencing on the Lungga River in 1965 under 5.1 Hydrological Stations the British Administration. It appears that no When Pacific HYCOS implemented no other sites were installed until 1977 when the hydrological stations were operating in the Lungga Gorge station was installed. During Solomon Islands. The reasons for no operational the mid 1980’s additional rivers stations were hydrological stations are largely institutional, constructed collecting very insubstantial data. coupled with limited operational budgets. There The Solomon Islands has no National is a poor recognition within government of Hydrological Service, NHS. The function is the value of the hydrological data, and higher undertaken by the Hydrology Unit coming under government priorities have resulted in limited the Department of Mines and Energy, DME, resources for the skilled and capable staff being Ministry of Natural Resources which was setup able to undertake relevant hydrological activities. post independence in 1978. Little international The following number of hydro meteorological assistance has been advanced to the NHS apart sites are listed on the Solomon’s TIDEDA from an NZAid funded assistance program database system; running from 1982 to 1996 when significant • Instantaneous Water level and flow, 12 training and transfer of technology was given in surface water and groundwater hydrology. • Periodic discharge only, 26 During this period some quite good data was • Rainfall, 17 collected, however on cessation of this assistance, 1996, the hydrology program appears to have • Groundwater, 37 quickly waned to the point where data ceased to As indicated the review by Pacific HYCOS in be collected. This has been compounded by the 2007, identified that no sites were operational and ethnic disturbances commencing in 1999 and essentially no data had been collected or added running for 3 years. The reliance on development to the database since the mid 1990’s, despite aid funds seems essential to support any future some good equipment being on hand. Transport NHS operations. Many of the NHS staff who to access the sites and empowerment of staff to were present in the 1980’s are still with the undertake this work seems to be a contributing Hydrology Unit today, however little succession factor. planning has been considered. 5.2 Study Catchment Introduction Pacific HYCOS implemented in 2007 and has supplied considerable assistance to the NHS Pacific HYCOS in discussion with the Solomon and made the best effort to renew the interest in Islands DME, elected to support the Lungga hydrological data collection. A brief review of the River catchment as the main study catchment. data on the TIDEDA database shows that apart This is the only catchment with some long term from the Lungga River, the data is of limited use data available and rating curves established, due to many gaps in the record, with sometimes however data collection ceased in the mid 1990’s. up to 40 or 50% of missing or corrupted data. Pacific HYCOS supported the installation of two Few flow discharge measurements have been additional river flow stations plus a number of done since 1996 on the existing stations to raingauges on Guadalcanal. The Lungga River is establish rating curves limiting the application on the city boundary of Honiara, has periodic of the water level data being collected. Donor flooding problems, has encroaching urban sprawl, support, technical assistance and training hydro electric power options and is an important opportunities since the NZAid Project, has been local asset for recreation, and small business such extremely limited for the Solomon Islands NHS as the local car washing industry with in-stream and they have struggled to maintain a consistent use. and robust field program to collect even basic datasets.

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 130 Bilibili (bamboo raft) Lungga river Pacific HYCOS also supported new sites on the is interspersed with some deeply incised rugged much smaller largely spring fed Rove Stream gorges. Access to rivers on Guadalcanal depends rising in the Honiara foothills, important on road availability and conditions. In rural areas for water supply, and the Tina River to the the roads are very bad and impassable during the east of Honiara, an important Hydro electric wet season. Much of the islands have no road development option. Despite the close proximity access. of these stations to Honiara (the Rove is 1 km 5.2.2 Measured Hydrological data from the Office located securely in the Botanic gardens) these stations could not be sustained by Apart from that of the Lungga River, there is little the hydrological staff of DME, where no effective quality hydrological information available for data has been collected from these sites since they the Solomon Islands. The DME hydrology unit were installed 2 years ago. has recently collected some data from the outer islands for rural electrification potential using 5.2.1 General Description hydro electric energy, but this data is very limited All three study catchments rise on the northern and with no discharge ratings developed. The side of Guadalcanal Island and range from the following table identify the hydrological stations Rove, a small spring fed stream, to the Tina a and their locations which were supported by significant river with hydro electric potential Pacific HYCOS. to the Lungga river, Solomon’s largest. The stream upper catchments are forested, with lower clearings being pasture land with limited animal grazing and village food production, this terrain

Hydrological stations supported by Pacific HYCOS

Station and Area Observation Observation No number Location (km2) period items

Lungga Highway Bridge 1 5004601 09º 25’ 40” S, 160º 01’ 41” E 377 1965 to 1996 WL, Q, RF

Lungga Betikama College 2 NA 09º 26’ 13” S, 160º 02’ 00” E 375 2009 open ?

Rove Botanic Gardens 3 5003901 09º 25’ 59” S, 159º 56’ 28” E NA 2009 open ? WL, Q, RF

Tina Below Intake 4 NA NA NA 2009 open ? WL, Q, RF

WL = Waterlevel, Q = discharge flow, RF = Rainfall ? assumed to be open NA not available

Page 131 SOLOMON ISLANDS Lungga River, construction of security housing Catchment 1 – Lungga at Highway Bridge The longest period record for any measured river station in Solomon Islands is on the Lungga River at the Bridge Station No: 5004601, with a catchment area of 377 km2. The period of hydrological data is from 1965 to 1996, when the site ceased to be operational and maintained To address this problem, Pacific HYCOS using equipment supplied under UNESCO funding in 2006 upgraded the Lungga station in 2008 to a fully operational station. The site was vandalised and all equipment taken within 3 months of its installation. Better security measures were implemented and the site upgraded with Pacific HYCOS funded equipment but despite high security measures, it was vandalised again within 2 days of commissioning. The site was abandoned and in 2010 the DME relocated the station 2 km upstream to Betikama College where it is located within a secure school compound. The DME Hydrology Unit has been unable to supply any data from this new site to date for this publication. Therefore only historic data can be presented. Security issues such as these can be an ongoing problem in many Melanesian Countries.

Map of North West Guadalcanal showing the Lungga Catchment.

Source: SOPAC 2010

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 132 Lungga River longitudinal profile.

Long Term Variation of discharge (Instantaneous), Lungga River, Station No. 5004601 /s 3 Flow m

Page 133 SOLOMON ISLANDS Lungga River, water level measurement instrumentation

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 134 Source is hydro.mtd Site 5004601 Lungga River at Bridge From 8-Oct-1965 08:30:00 to 1-Jan-2001 24:00:00 Interval = 0 Flow m3/s

Coeff. Year Mean of Var Minimum Date Maximum Date

*1965 41.561 0.49 24.848 16-Dec-1965 05:07 186.75 31-Oct-1965 21:21 1966 39.824 1.03 4.7860 12-Sep-1966 03:33 709.78 16-Nov-1966 16:27 1967 56.388 1.31 15.184 25-Dec-1967 08:24 1836.9 29-Mar-1967 01:47 1968 37.019 1.08 5.2790 7-Sep-1968 02:18 733.81 12-Dec-1968 15:08 *1969 35.421 1.46 6.2240 26-Aug-1969 06:12 623.78 27-Feb-1969 02:11 *1970 34.083 0.84 12.197 28-Apr-1970 16:47 380.32 29-Dec-1970 01:47 1971 49.817 1.14 10.266 27-Sep-1971 11:51 715.07 8-Mar-1971 12:53 *1972 64.178 1.70 9.0010 26-May-1972 12:00 899.53 11-Jan-1972 20:01 1973 No values for this year 1974 No values for this year *1975 25.954 0.88 5.9270 9-Jul-1975 18:00 291.03 1-Mar-1975 21:06 *1976 27.228 0.72 14.352 18-Dec-1976 00:29 187.57 3-Dec-1976 21:05 1977 44.290 1.17 10.850 8-Dec-1977 08:39 638.93 14-Mar-1977 09:12 1978 24.077 1.14 6.3540 15-Aug-1978 07:30 408.06 7-Feb-1978 22:27 1979 37.625 1.93 7.7890 15-Aug-1979 07:30 1329.2 7-Jan-1979 02:52 *1980 33.983 1.90 9.4970 17-Jun-1980 24:00 1407.7 24-Mar-1980 04:47 *1981 36.868 1.03 13.614 14-Jan-1981 21:15 305.72 31-Jan-1981 23:16 *1982 32.344 0.95 7.3140 6-Dec-1982 12:00 332.05 24-Mar-1982 12:00 *1983 30.608 0.97 6.5060 18-Jul-1983 24:00 619.94 25-Jan-1983 18:42 *1984 29.580 0.81 6.5060 26-Sep-1984 03:10 289.00 17-Dec-1984 21:33 *1985 40.352 1.66 7.1430 21-Jul-1985 16:18 932.99 3-Mar-1985 15:53 1986 38.688 3.01 5.1620 31-Aug-1986 18:00 2693.8 19-May-1986 13:15 1987 30.569 1.10 3.9490 13-Sep-1987 23:30 391.17 5-Feb-1987 01:45 1988 34.552 1.15 6.4590 30-Sep-1988 12:30 609.31 27-Dec-1988 14:15 1989 30.933 0.89 5.7970 31-Aug-1989 18:30 372.74 11-Apr-1989 22:32 *1990 35.939 0.94 5.5820 1-Sep-1990 08:30 328.36 19-Dec-1990 17:15 *1991 34.668 0.81 7.5880 25-Dec-1991 19:30 464.57 15-Mar-1991 00:15 *1992 33.582 1.63 5.3630 13-Oct-1992 13:00 1103.9 25-Feb-1992 05:30 *1993 22.846 1.05 3.1850 8-Nov-1993 00:30 228.45 2-Jan-1993 08:00 *1994 28.703 1.24 2.5470 28-Dec-1994 17:45 473.04 25-Mar-1994 09:30 *1995 18.094 1.31 1.9050 4-Jan-1995 23:30 374.88 25-Oct-1995 23:30 1996 44.468 1.55 6.9120 5-Oct-1996 03:45 1140.8 25-Dec-1996 20:35 *1997 33.877 0.95 4.8380 2-Nov-1997 15:30 291.82 6-Jan-1997 09:50 1998 No values for this year *1999 47.858 0.56 12.401 24-Jul-1999 03:15 227.93 21-Oct-1999 21:45

Average Annual Minimum 7.3989 Maximum 964.97 (complete yrs) ‘*’ denotes years with gaps in the data or incomplete years Coeff. of Var. = sd/mean Minimum is 1.90500 at 4-Jan-1995 23:30:00 Maximum is 2693.83 at 19-May-1986 13:15:00 Mean is 35.9787 Std. Dev. Is 51.8569 Coeff. of Var. is 1.44

Page 135 SOLOMON ISLANDS Discharge rating curve Lunga River - Site No. 5004601 Level mm

The TIDEDA database identifies 36 discharge ratings developed over 30 years, (not all are shown on the rating curve plot), the last rating was updated in 1992. From the available data and ratings, it is evident that the Lungga is a highly mobile river with at least annual rating changes necessitating regular gaugings in order to monitor the rating curve. The flood portion of the rating curve is very poorly supported by discharge measurements with only one flow measurement undertaken above 650 3m /s.

Lungga River Maximum and Minimum Discharge Statistics

Minimum Maximum Total No gauged Max gauged level of Site Names Date Date recorded Date discharge Level Flow Level Flow (m) measure- m m3/s m m3/s ments

Lungga at Bridge NA 1.9 04/01/95 7.23 2,694 19/05/86 7.23 19/05/86 216

Rove at Botanic Discharge measurements not on database & not accessible, 6 Gardens all taken at limited low flow range Note, the new Lungga at Betikama site has no discharge measurements available

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 136 Lungga River, Honiara carwash, a commercial venture

The last known discharge measurement was undertaken at Lungga Bridge in August 1996 and the last filed discharge rating was updated in February 1992. The maximum rated discharge is 2,964 m3/s on 19th May 1986, this was effectively the flood peak of the cyclone Namu event. The Tina River has no discharge measurements filed at this stage on the database.

6. COMMENT collection of hydrological data but will require continued support to ensure the development In general there is limited usable hydrological of robust datasets for the short to medium term. data available for the Solomon Islands due to Where these datasets are available they will assist poor and fragmented records, few discharge government and stakeholders alike to make a measurements being undertaken and uncertainty more informed assessment on the development in any rating curves which have been developed. and sustainability options of the nation’s water This is despite the Solomon’s commencing resources. It is unfortunate that the NHS staff hydrological monitoring over 40 years ago and have had little to no access since the NZAid having some 100’s of station years of data. Over Project to training courses, capacity building or the last decade very little hydrological data professional development either in the Solomon’s has been collected, in part due to institutional or offshore, and their skills and capacity to limitations, commitments and limited ongoing undertake such work remain much depleted for financial support for operations. The data that operational hydrology. There are no professional is available is useful for the basic calibration of hydrologists within the DME Hydrology catchment models and for identification of some Unit who might be able to better advance the individual storm or drought sequences and only operational program, and develop capacity and if they were measured. A minimum of 10 years address the serious and ongoing issues recognised of consistent and continuous data is needed for during the Pacific HYCOS implementation hydrological statistics to be derived and a review and the preparation of this publication. The of the data has shown this to be lacking. The staff hydrology program is driven from a largely of DME Hydrology Unit have shown a fair level technical base with only modest skill levels. of commitment during Pacific HYCOS to the

Page 137 SOLOMON ISLANDS 7. PHOTOGRAPHS

Lungga Bridge during Cyclone Namu in May 1986 (Source Bob Curry)

Undertaking flood discharge measurements Lungga River from the Highway bridge during Cyclone Namu 1986, note the water level station on the left bank. (Source Bob Curry)

Refurbishment of Lungga at Bridge Station in June 2008

Inspection of Ngalimbu River, downstream of Tina River inflow, looking south to the mountain spine of Guadalcanal

Automatic raingauge located at Rate School, Guadalcanal foothills

CATALOGUE OF RIVERS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS Page 138

Pacific Manuscripts Bureau

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• 132 more...
• Item 131 - Charles Liu, Returning Officer [Gela Constituency]
• Item 132 - Jan Gammage, Charles Liu [Returning Officer, Gela Electorate], Des Ratima in Counting Centre [Bukalonga, Tulagi]
• Item 133 - Jan Gammage [Australian observer, International Election Observation Mission], Charles Liu [Returning Officer, Gela Electorate]
• Item 134 - Rebecca [Sam] and Liza [Koso] on wharf at Tulagi
• Item 135 - Approaching Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club (on right)
• Item 136 - Arriving back into Honiara (Point Cruz) from Tulagi [on boat operated by the International Peace Monitoring Team]
• Item 137 - View of Honiara from FFA (Forum Fisheries Authority)
• Item 138 - Shennia Spillane [on left],and other members of Australian contingent, Megan [Jackson]?, Jenny [Brown]?, Barbara Lynn]
• Item 139 - Jackie [Bailey]?, Brett [Aldam]?, Catherine Gill

Item 135 - Approaching Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club (on right)

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• Approaching Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club (on right)

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Jan Gammage, Canberra, Australia

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USMC USN November 15, 1942 1996 1996 1996 1996 Point Cruz is located on the north coast of bordering . The name "Honiara" is derived from one of the Guadalcanal languages, "nagho ni ara" meaning "place of the east wind". This was possibly the indienous name for . To the north is . To the southeast is the mouth of the and . To the south is . To the west is . Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate (BSIP). Today located in in the . During early July 1942 occupied by the Japanese. After the U.S. landing at , the Japanese fortified the area with defensive positions including trenches and foxholes. Afterward, the Point Cruz area was the site of several important combat actions and battles. On U.S. Marines from Companies A, B and D of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines . From there, they were extracted by landing craft under heavy fire from Point Cruz. Boat group leader was killed and earned the Medal of Honor for his actions. Located inland from Point Cruz. Today the King Solomon Hotel is atop this feature. Located behind Point Cruz is this ravine. On , Marines under the command of Col "Chesty" Puller caught a group of Japanese refilling their canteens in the river below. From the hillside above they fired down and eliminated the group. Quonset Huts After the Guadalcanal Battle, this are was developed into a large staging and supply base for the American forces on Guadalcanal, with rows of Quonsont Huts. Today, several of these huts remain near the present day Point Cruz sea port for cargo and container traffic. Point Cruz Yacht Club The Point Cruz Yacht Club is located on Point Cruz and includes a memorial plaque for who earned the Medal of Honor to the west of this location. Do you have photos or additional information to add?   Map Aug 7, 1942 September 27, 1942   All rights reserved. 224 IMAGES Point Cruz, Honiara Honiara Scuba Diving Resorts & Liveaboards Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara Honiara HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS Point Cruz,Honiara,Solomon Islands COMMENTS Point Cruz The Point Cruz Yacht Club is located in the Point Cruz suburb [28] and overlooks the Savo and Florida Islands. [29] The new clubhouse of the Point Cruz Yacht Club in Honiara was opened by its Commodore, High Commissioner Sir Robert Foster, on 15 August 1964. [30] Pacific Wrecks The name "Honiara" is derived from one of the Guadalcanal languages, "nagho ni ara" meaning "place of the east wind". ... Point Cruz Yacht Club The Point Cruz Yacht Club is located on Point Cruz and includes a memorial plaque for Sig 1c Douglas A. Munro who earned the Medal of Honor to the west of this location. Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara The Point Cruz Yacht Club is an institution among expats in Honiara. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, good food and drink and wonderful views over Iron Bottom Sound out to Savo Island across the sunken wrecks of a large number of American and Japanese warships as well as that of HMAS Canberra which was sunk by Japanese cruisers in the first battle of Savo Island on 17th June 1942. The two ... PCYC Point Cruz Yacht club Honiara About. See all. Point Cruz Honiara, Solomon Islands. 185 people like this. 185 people follow this. 2,278 people checked in here. Always open. Local Business. Tulagi Dive Tulagi Dive has built a reputaion as one of the best Training and Tech Diving destinations in the Solomons. Tulagi Dive is a full service dive centre next door to the Point Cruz Yacht Club on Honiara's waterfront. Equipped with both a truck and boat, we offer shore diving on the various wrecks along the shoreline of Guadalcanal, and trips ... Point Cruz Yacht Club Point Cruz Yacht Club - Corporate entry - Solomon Islands Encyclopaedia, 1893-1978, NAME is a biographical, bibliographical and archival database of SUBJECT with links to related articles and images. ... The new clubhouse of the Point Cruz Yacht Club in Honiara was opened by its Commodore, High Commissioner Sir Robert Foster, on 15 August 1964 ... Point Cruz Yacht Club (PCYC) Private Members Club About this group. A club of mostly local Solomon Islanders who share the same passion and interest in terms of socialisation and other common values. Private. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. Visible. Anyone can find this group. History. Group created on August 30, 2020. See more. Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara - Solomon Islands. That's where everything began! That's where we first saw and fell in love with our sailing boat "Marianne". We spent 3 wonderful weeks anchoring at Point Cruz Yacht Club in Honiara. We quickly signed the bill of sale, before Paul, the old owner, could change his mind…. Point Cruz Yacht Club Junior Sailing Point Cruz Yacht Club Junior Sailing, Honiara, Solomon Islands. 179 likes. junior sailing training sessions saturdays weekly from 10am to 3pm Following History's Footsteps on Guadalcanal History's constant close proximity on Guadalcanal was driven home to me one evening, as Innes and I were relaxing at Honiara's Point Cruz Yacht Club, overlooking Savo and Florida Islands. About 20 paces away was a plaque memorializing Signalman Douglas Munro, and I realized I was gazing out on the site where Munro had earned the ... Point Cruz Yacht Club Point Cruz Yacht Club, Yacht Club (Honiara, SB, 09° 25′ 46″ S / 159° 57′ 18″ E) :: marinamap.com - Nautical Search Engine and Voyage Planner: Finding marinas by mouseclick on the marinamap sea chart. 3 days in Honiara itinerary Solomon Islands 11. Point Cruz Yacht Club. ... Pacific Crown Hotel, and Honiara Pacific Hotel. Point Cruz: Point Cruz is a residential area located near the waterfront and offers a peaceful atmosphere. This area has a few hotels and guesthouses, such as The Pacific Hotel, King Solomon's Palace, and Iron Bottom Sound Hotel. ... Point Cruz Yacht Club Point Cruz Yacht Club is The 9th Best Places To Visit in Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club - Bar in Honiara, Solomon Islands Point Cruz Yacht Club Log In. Forgot Account? Honiara 'Honiara' is a Ghari language name for the piece of land west of Point Cruz, the site of today's Yacht Club, the Kitano Mendana Hotel, and the old Government House which is now the site of the Heritage Park Hotel. Naho-ni-ara means 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Honiara sits on a curving section of the ... Graham Reid: A sad state in the Happy Isles It is called it the Point Cruz Yacht Club, but the name elevates it. It's just a slightly shabby but enjoyable seafront bar in Honiara, the capital of the strife-riven Solomon Islands. Honiara Approach Point Cruz lining up the post in front of the yacht club with the post further up on the hill. There are green and red (unlit) buoys marking the entrance. The latest C-MAP ED3 2012 is correct, some of the older C-MAP ED2 show you off to the W on the reef. Updated Oct 2012 by Kestrahl. Entrance. Honiara is SOLOMON ISLANDS Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara SOLOMON ISLANDS Point Cruz Yacht Club, Honiara 1. COUNTRY INTRODUCTION It ranges from sizeable rivers on the larger mountainous islands with dense rainforests, to Description: those small low-lying atolls and islets which rely The Solomon Islands are comprised of about upon rainwater harvesting and maybe a thin fresh 1000 very scattered islands of diverse size. POINT CRUZ YACHT CLUB POINT CRUZ YACHT CLUB - Facebook ... members club. Approaching Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club (on right) Approaching Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club (on right) Identity area. Reference code. AU PMB PHOTO 62-135. Title. Approaching Honiara, Point Cruz Yacht Club (on right) Date(s) Level of description. Item. Extent and medium. 1 photograph. Context area. Name of creator. Gammage, Jan (1945-) Repository. Point Cruz Yacht Club Point Cruz Yacht Club Honiara. See 3 social pages including Facebook and Google, Hours, Phone, Website and more for this business. 3.0 Cybo Score. Point Cruz Yacht Club is working in Bars, pubs and taverns, Pharmacies and drug stores activities. Review on Cybo. Point Cruz Yacht Club You can contact Point Cruz Yacht Club by phone using number 22500. Point Cruz Yacht Club is located at HX93+WXQ, Honiara, Solomon Islands. ... Point Cruz Yacht Club HX93+WXQ, Honiara, Solomon Islands Get Directions. Phone: 22500. Hours: Show Web: ptcruz.com. Facebook Profile: Visit. Google Maps: Visit. Foursquare: Visit. 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