Getting around the Solomon Islands takes patience and flexibility. The archipelago stretches over 1,500km from northwest to southeast, with few sealed roads between islands and notoriously unreliable schedules.
By Air
Solomon Airlines operates domestic routes connecting Honiara to provincial centres including Munda, Gizo, Auki, and Kirakira, as well as smaller airstrips across the islands. Flights are the fastest way to cover distance, but they're frequently delayed or cancelled due to weather, mechanical issues, or low passenger numbers. Build buffer days into your itinerary — missing a domestic connection because of a delay is almost a rite of passage.
Baggage allowances on small domestic aircraft are strict (often 10-15kg). Pack light.
By Boat
Boats are the lifeblood of the Solomons. For most outer-island communities, they are the only transport option.
Pelican Shipping Company operates passenger ferries from Honiara to the Western Province (Munda, Gizo, Marovo Lagoon) and Malaita, among other routes. The ferries are slow — the run to Gizo takes 20+ hours — but they're cheap and a genuine way to experience the islands. Basic cabin berths are available on longer routes; otherwise it's deck passage.
Speed boats and water taxis connect smaller communities within provinces, particularly around Gizo and the Western Province lagoons. Negotiate fares in advance.
By Road
Guadalcanal has the most developed road network, with a paved road running west from Honiara toward the Weather Coast and east toward Auki Road. Beyond Honiara, roads deteriorate quickly. Public minibuses (called "buses" or PMVs) run set routes in and around Honiara and are cheap. Taxis are available in Honiara; agree on a fare before you get in.
Most other islands have minimal road infrastructure — on Malaita, for example, walking and boats are the primary modes of travel outside Auki town.
Liveaboards
For divers and serious island-hoppers, liveaboard dive boats offer the most efficient and comfortable way to cover the islands. Several operators run week-long expeditions through the New Georgia islands, Marovo Lagoon, and the Russell Islands.