Honiara: The Heartbeat of the Solomon Islands

• HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeTata
  [ta-ta]
• YesIa
  [ee-ah]
• NoAore
  [ah-or-eh]
• Please/You're welcomeTangio
  [tan-gee-oh]
• Thank youTankiu
  [tan-kyoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Olketa hemi stap long we?
  [ol-keh-tah heh-mee stap long weh]
• Fine. And you?Kam gut. Na yu?
  [kam goot. nah yoo]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [yoo sah-veh toh-toh long ing-gleesh]
• I don't understandMi no save hemi se?
  [mee noh sah-veh heh-mee seh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laekim lukim menu, plis
  [mee lie-keh-m loo-keem menu, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kakae solwara
  [mee noh kah-kah-eh sol-wah-rah]
• Cheers!Kanpai!
  [kan-pie]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laekim pei, plis
  [mee lie-keh-m pay, plees]

• Help!Helpem!
  [hel-pehm]
• Go away!Go we!
  [goh weh]
• Call the Police!Kolem Polis!
  [koh-lehm poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
  [koh-lehm dohk-tah]
• I'm lostMi lasim
  [mee lah-seem]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laekim fo baim...
  [mee lie-keh-m foh bah-eem]
• I'm just lookingMi jas lukim
  [mee jahs loo-keem]
• How much is it?Hao moa?
  [hah-oh moh-ah]
• That's too expensiveHem ya stret tumas
  [hehm yah strett too-mahs]
• Can you lower the price?Yu save loaem prais?
  [yoo sah-veh loh-ahm prah-eece]

• What time is it?Hao taem?
  [hah-oh tah-em]
• It's one o'clockHem wan taem
  [hehm wahn tah-em]
• Half past (10)Haef pasten
  [hayf pah-stehn]
• MorningMonin
  [moh-neen]
• AfternoonApunun
  [ah-poo-noon]
• EveningIvinin
  [ee-vee-neen]
• YesterdayStap insait
  [stahp in-sah-eet]
• TodayNiu
  [nyoo]
• TomorrowTumoro
  [too-moh-roh]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Foa
  [foh-ah]
• 5Faef
  [fah-ehf]
• 6Sika
  [see-kah]
• 7Seven
  [seh-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [ate]
• 9Nain
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wea hemi...?
  [weh heh-mee]
• What's the address?Wanem adras?
  [wah-nehm ah-drahss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save soem mi (long map)?
  [yoo sah-veh soh-ehm mee long map]
• When's the next (bus)?Hao long nao (bas)?
  [hah-oh long now bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wahn tee-keht long]

Honiara, the capital city of Solomon Islands, was established in 1952. The city was chosen as the administrative center of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate due to its strategic location and natural harbor. It replaced the former capital, Tulagi, which had been severely damaged during World War II.

One of the most significant historical events in Honiara is the Battle of Guadalcanal, which took place from August 1942 to February 1943. This battle was a major turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The area around Honiara, particularly Henderson Field, was a focal point of intense fighting between Allied and Japanese forces. The victory of the Allied forces helped to shift the momentum of the war in the Pacific.

Following the end of World War II, Honiara emerged from the ruins of the conflict. The city's infrastructure was rebuilt, and Honiara began to grow as a center for trade, administration, and education. The establishment of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation in 1976 and the National Parliament in 1978 further solidified Honiara's role as the heart of the nation.

On July 7, 1978, Solomon Islands gained independence from British colonial rule, with Honiara as its capital. The event marked a new chapter in the nation's history, as it embarked on a journey of self-governance and development. The independence celebrations in Honiara were a significant moment for the city and the entire country.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Honiara was affected by ethnic tensions primarily between the indigenous Guadalcanal people and migrants from the neighboring island of Malaita. The conflict led to significant unrest and violence in the city. The signing of the Townsville Peace Agreement in 2000 helped to bring an end to the hostilities and paved the way for peace and reconciliation efforts.

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was deployed in 2003 to help restore law and order in the country, including Honiara. RAMSI, a multinational peacekeeping force, played a crucial role in stabilizing the city, rebuilding governmental institutions, and aiding in economic recovery. The mission concluded in 2017 after successfully achieving its objectives.

Honiara is a vibrant city that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Solomon Islands. The city hosts several important cultural sites, including the National Museum, which showcases traditional artifacts and historical exhibits. Honiara's markets, such as the Honiara Central Market, offer a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the local people. The city's blend of historical significance and cultural diversity makes it a unique destination for travelers.

Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands and is located on the island of Guadalcanal. The primary entry point for international travelers is Honiara International Airport (Henderson Field), which serves flights from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and other regional hubs. Once you arrive at the airport, taxis and shuttle services are available to take you to your accommodation in the city.

Within Honiara, you have several transportation options. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through your hotel. Public buses, known locally as 'mini-buses,' are a cheap and popular mode of transport for getting around the city. Car rentals are also an option if you prefer to explore at your own pace, but be aware that driving conditions can be challenging due to road quality and local driving habits.

The official currency of the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Honiara, particularly in the main commercial areas and at banks.

While Honiara is generally safe for tourists, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Areas such as the Central Market and certain neighborhoods like Kukum and White River have higher incidents of petty crime targeting tourists. Be vigilant with your belongings and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. For medical emergencies, the National Referral Hospital is located in Honiara and provides the most comprehensive medical services in the country. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos in villages or of people. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Saying 'halo' (hello) is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Honiara like a local, visit the Central Market where you can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Solomon Island goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss visiting the National Museum and Cultural Centre to learn more about the heritage of the Solomon Islands. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby WWII sites, which are significant historical landmarks.