The Best Views of Honiara

Positioned high on a prominent hill above the city, this solemn memorial offers one of the most commanding panoramic views available. From the marble monument, you can gaze straight out over the infamous Ironbottom Sound where countless naval battles took place. The elevated perspective provides a brilliant geographical understanding of why this location was so fiercely contested during the war. It is an incredibly peaceful place to watch the ships pass through the distant harbour. The visual beauty perfectly contrasts with the heavy historical weight of the site.

Standing at the edge of the city's main seaport offers a brilliantly dynamic and industrial perspective of the capital. You can watch massive international cargo ships manoeuvring alongside colourful inter island passenger ferries. The view perfectly captures the vital maritime lifeline that connects the Solomon Islands to the rest of the world. Looking back towards the land, you get a fantastic sweeping view of the hilly urban landscape rising up from the water. It is a highly energetic and visually fascinating spot.

Located a few kilometres down the coastal road, this beautifully maintained park sits slightly elevated above the beach. It offers sweeping, uninterrupted views across the sparkling ocean towards the distant volcanic islands. The immaculate grounds provide a highly tranquil setting to sit and absorb the sheer vastness of the Pacific horizon. The gentle sound of the waves crashing on the shore below adds a deeply meditative quality to the scenery. It is a profoundly moving place to witness the natural beauty of Guadalcanal.

This elevated residential area provides a stunning, unobstructed bird's eye view of the entire capital spreading out below. Looking down, you can clearly trace the path of the main highway and see the colourful roofs of Chinatown and the bustling seaport. The gentle climb up to the ridge takes you away from the noise of the town, offering a highly serene environment to enjoy the scenery. It is widely considered by locals to be the absolute best spot to watch the sun set over the Pacific. The cool breezes at this altitude are a fantastic bonus.

For those seeking a highly comfortable and sophisticated viewing experience, this hotel terrace is unmatched. Situated right on the shoreline, the outdoor deck provides magnificent front row seats to the ocean and the passing local boat traffic. It is an incredibly popular spot for expatriates and visitors to gather in the evening with a cold drink. The setting sun paints the sky in brilliant shades of pink and orange, reflecting perfectly off the calm harbour waters. It delivers absolute postcard quality views with exceptional convenience.

The hill upon which the National Parliament sits provides a fantastic, highly symbolic vantage point over the city centre. From the manicured grounds of the building, you can look down over the commercial heart of the capital and out towards the sea. The perspective highlights the dense green canopy that constantly threatens to reclaim the urban streets. It is a brilliant place to photograph the iconic architecture of the parliament against the sweeping backdrop of the ocean. The area is generally very quiet and heavily secured.