Health preparation matters more for the Solomon Islands than for most Pacific destinations. Take it seriously.
Malaria
Malaria is present throughout the country year-round and is the main health risk for travellers. Take antimalarial medication before, during, and after your trip — atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine are all recommended; discuss options with a travel medicine doctor before departure. Use insect repellent (DEET-based), sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings. Don't skip this.
Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Dengue fever is present and there's no preventive medication — just mosquito avoidance. Zika and chikungunya have also been recorded.
Water and Food
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the country, including in Honiara hotels. Drink bottled or purified water, use it for brushing teeth, and avoid ice unless you know the source. Food safety outside established restaurants can be variable; stomach bugs are common. A basic supply of oral rehydration salts is worth carrying.
Vaccinations
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A and typhoid are strongly recommended. Hepatitis B is advisable for longer stays. Rabies is not present in the Solomon Islands.
Medical Facilities
Honiara has the National Referral Hospital, which can handle most basic medical issues, though supplies and equipment are limited by international standards. Outside the capital, medical facilities are rudimentary — rural clinics have few resources. Serious illness or injury will likely require evacuation to Australia. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential — evacuation by air ambulance from the Solomons to Cairns or Townsville costs USD 50,000 or more. Do not travel without it.
Unexploded Ordnance
WWII left a significant amount of unexploded ordnance across Guadalcanal and other islands. Don't touch shells, bombs, or metal objects found on beaches, in rivers, or in the bush. Several people are killed or injured each year. Report anything suspicious to local authorities.