Honiara International Airport, also known as Henderson Field, is the Solomon Islands' leading airport, located a few kilometres east of the capital Honiara on Guadalcanal Island.
It connects the archipelago with Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Nauru, as well as numerous internal connections to other islands in the country.
How to get to Honiara International Airport
By Train
There is no railway connection to the airport.
By Bus
There is no bus dedicated to flights; the informal minibus network (PMV) operating from Honiara's central market is still usable.
Bring cash in Solomon Islands dollars: credit cards are rarely accepted on the route to downtown.
Parking near Honiara International Airport
In front of the terminal is a surface parking lot of limited size.
How to get to Honiara from HIR
Transfer to Honiara's city center is generally by taxi.
By Train
There is no rail connection for the airport.
By Bus
There is no dedicated bus: the informal local minibus network (PMV), departing from the central market, is the available alternative.
By Taxi
The city center is about 9–11 km away, a 20–30 minute journey; fare estimates vary considerably depending on the source, so always agree on the price before leaving.
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From HIR to the most sought-after destinations
Solomon Airlines operates direct connections to Brisbane (Australia, also shared with Qantas and Nauru Airlines) and Nadi (Fiji, shared with Air Niugini and Fiji Airways). A new direct connection to Nauru was announced for August 2026.
Car rental at Honiara International Airport
There is a car rental desk in the arrivals area.
Hotels near Honiara International Airport
Downtown Honiara and the waterfront
20-35 minutes by un-metered taxi (200-400 SBD, to be negotiated before the ride) or hotel shuttle, covering the roughly 10-12 km that separate Henderson from downtown Honiara.
Best for: Anyone passing through Henderson: it's the area with the city's only verifiable properties, all on the sea and close to the museum and the central market.
- National Museum, central market and waterfront reachable on foot from the hotels on the coast
- The only area of the city with hotels offering verifiable international standards
- No tourist bus: every trip, including the one from the airport, requires a taxi to be negotiated
- Little choice beyond a handful of properties, with marked quality differences from one hotel to another
Recommended hotels
- Heritage Park Hotel 48 rooms and 27 apartments in pavilions among tropical gardens on the Mendana Avenue beach, in the heart of Honiara; a few minutes on foot from the national museum and the central market. View availability
- Coral Sea Resort & Casino On Tandai Highway, 15 minutes on foot from the traditional houses museum and the parliament; 35 rooms, an in-house casino, two restaurants and an outdoor pool. View availability
- Grace Hotel A recent property on the seafront, a few steps from the national museum; modern rooms described by guests as larger and more up to date than other options in the city. View availability
Airport services
The airport offers basic essential services.
Shopping & Duty Free
A small shop is present in the arrivals area and a souvenir stand in departures.
Lounges & relaxation
A VIP lounge exists, but access is tied to specific programs or cards rather than simple day passes.
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available in the terminal; for transit passengers it is free, while conditions for other travelers are unclear.
Families & Children
Family-friendly services are minimal, consistent with the airport's size.
Terminal guide
The terminal handles both international flights and numerous domestic connections to other islands of the archipelago.
Map of Honiara International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for the Solomon Islands?
The standard tourist visa allows a 90-day single-entry stay: check the updated conditions on the official immigration portal before departing.
Q. Is Honiara safe for tourists?
Moderate risk according to the United States: unexploded World War II ordnance, common crime and the possibility of fast-developing civil unrest.
Q. What currency is used in the Solomon Islands?
The Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).
Q. What language is spoken in the Solomon Islands?
English is official, but Pijin (an English-based Creole) is the widespread lingua franca, alongside more than 70 local languages.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights