Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled in the South Pacific Ocean northeast of Australia, the Solomon Islands offer intrepid trekkers the chance to traverse untouched rainforests, scale volcanic peaks, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse themselves in ancient Melanesian cultures. As one of the world’s last unspoiled trekking locations, this island nation provides a transformative adventure into remote wilderness.
With nearly 1,000 islands covered in dense, mountainous rainforest, the Solomon Islands have become a top destination for trekkers seeking to push beyond the crowds and trek through truly virgin terrain. Read on to discover why you should make the Solomon Islands your next trekking adventure.
Getting There
Reaching the Solomon Islands requires some travel time but the journey is well worth it. The islands are located around 1,000 miles northeast of Australia. Most travelers fly into the capital city of Honiara located on Guadalcanal Island. From major hubs like Sydney, Singapore, or Auckland, regular non-stop flights can get you to Honiara in just a few hours.
Upon arriving, trekkers must obtain a visitor’s permit before venturing beyond Guadalcanal. Having a pre-planned trek itinerary will help secure the necessary permits before arrival.
When to Go
As a tropical nation near the equator, the Solomon Islands stay warm year-round but still offer some variation between a wet and dry season. The ideal trekking months fall between May and October during the dry season when rainfall is less frequent.
Temperatures hover in the 80s Fahrenheit most of the year. The wettest period runs from November through April which can bring heavy downpours, especially December through February. But the wet season has less humidity which some trekkers prefer.
Where to Trek
With so many unspoiled islands to choose from, where should your Solomon Islands trek begin? Here are some of the top destinations and routes to consider:
Guadalcanal
Home to the capital Honiara, Guadalcanal offers multiple trekking trails through the interior highlands. Stunning crater lakes, waterfalls, and WWI historical sites can be found here. The tallest peak is Mount Popomanaseu at 7,335 feet.
Malaita
Malaita has intricately carved fa’atupa huts along its lagoons and rich rainforest covering its volcanic slopes. Treks here lead to scenic beaches, villages, and mountain summits reaching 4,000 feet above sea level.
Makira
Makira is known as the “island of a thousand waterfalls.” Its most famous trek is the five-day hike to the towering 2,000-foot-tall Matevulu Falls, but shorter routes to remote waterfalls and villages are plentiful.
From summiting active volcanoes to tracing jungle rivers to their source to encountering colorful birds like the makira melody, trekkers will not run out of places to explore in the Solomon Islands. Finding a knowledgeable local guide can help craft the perfect island hopping itinerary.
What to Expect
Solomon Islands trekking delivers raw, unspoiled nature and unique Melanesian cultural encounters few other places can match. Here’s a taste of what you’ll experience:
Lush Rainforests – Expect to hike through untouched emerald rainforests, crossing burbling creeks, spotting exotic orchids and birds, and listening to the chorus of the jungle.
Mountains & Volcanoes – Volcanic peaks jut high above the treeline offering tremendous vistas. Guadalcanal and Malaita have numerous mountains to summit.
Untouched Beaches – Idyllic white sand beaches fringe the islands with calm blue waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling after a hike.
Wildlife Encounters – Keep your eyes peeled for native birds, fruit bats, wild pigs, monitor lizards, or even crocodiles along jungle rivers.
Exploring the Solomon Islands by foot allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and experiences of one of the last untouched corners of our planet.
Trekking Essentials
To fully enjoy trekking through the Solomon Islands, pack these essentials:
Footwear – Waterproof lightweight hiking boots are ideal to tackle the muddy trails. Bring sandals too for wading across rivers or relaxing at camp.
Lightweight Gear – Pack items like synthetic quick-drying shirts and pants, insulation layers, and a quality rain jacket for storms.
Water Filtration – A portable water filter allows you to safely drink from the island’s freshwater sources.
Insect Repellent – The humid climate means mosquitoes will be prevalent, especially after rain.
Other recommended items are a first aid kit, trekking poles, plenty of antimicrobial wipes, sun protection, and a headlamp. Waterproof everything since sudden downpours occur. Pack light because porters are rarely used for treks here.
Finding a Guide
Enlisting a knowledgeable local guide vastly improves the Solomon Islands trekking experience. Guides eliminate much of the logistical stresses while helping you fully engage with the culture and environment.
Recommended outfitters like Solomon Island Trekking or Exotic Solomon Islands can match you with experienced guides like Robert Afia and Dunstan Beia who lead treks throughout the islands. Guides arrange everything from permits to village visits to boat transfers between islands.
Letting a local guide plan the route also gives flexibility to change plans if needed due to weather, trail conditions, or other unexpected circumstances. Guides share a wealth of insight into the flora, fauna, history, and customs around you.
Staying in Villages
One highlight of trekking the Solomon Islands is staying in traditional villages, allowing for a truly immersive cultural experience. Arriving at a village at the end of a long day’s hike to rest, eat, and sleep offers wonderful hospitality.
Visitors are warmly welcomed with local fruits and vegetables. Meals traditionally include fish, taro root, yams, and papaya cooked in earth ovens. Accommodations are simple, typically sleeping on woven floor mats. But lacking amenities is offset by connecting with locals and learning about their way of life.
Show respect when visiting villages by asking permission, paying any requested fees, dressing conservatively, and avoiding sensitive topics. Let your guide do any negotiating. Participate in ceremonies if invited, try using common Melanesian words and phrases, and share photos you take.
Key Safety Tips
While richly rewarding, trekking through remote Solomon Islands wilderness requires taking some basic precautions:
Register Your Trek – Leave your detailed itinerary with local authorities or trusted contacts in case an emergency search is needed.
Avoid Unexploded Ordnances – Remnants from WWII battles may still exist. Stay on trails and heed guide warnings.
Limited Medical Access – Be prepared to self-treat minor injuries. Evacuations may take days from remote areas. Consider emergency communication devices.
Talk with your guide about potential hazards and how to avoid them. While challenging, taking responsibility for your own safety ultimately empowers deeper wilderness immersion.
Respecting Local Communities
To tread lightly when trekking through the Solomon Islands, follow these tips:
Ask Permission – Check with village chiefs before entering land or settlements. Pay any requested fees.
Dress Appropriately – Avoid causing offense by covering shoulders and knees. Ask your guide what’s considered respectful.
Learn Key Phrases – Knowing basics like greetings and gratitude in the local Pidgin language shows goodwill.
Give Back – Voluntarily teach useful skills, make donations to villages, or support conservation efforts.
Buy Local Handicrafts – Purchasing traditional carvings, baskets, and fabrics directly benefits locals.
Showing respect opens doors to incredible hospitality and friendships. Let locals share their home and way of life on their terms.
Sustainable Trekking
To preserve the Solomon Islands for future generations of intrepid trekkers, make sustainability a priority:
Follow Marked Trails – Straying degrades vegetation and leads to erosion on the fragile islands.
Properly Dispose Waste – Pack out all trash and bury human waste far from water sources.
Avoid Wildlife Disturbances – Give nesting seabirds plenty of space and don’t touch or feed wildlife.
Travel in Small Groups – Limit group sizes to minimize impact. Solo trekking is also an option.
When in doubt, defer to your guide’s advice to ensure you leave no trace on the landscapes you traverse. Making conscientious decisions protects treasured destinations.
Why Go Now
The Solomon Islands remain a raw, untamed gem but are starting to show some cracks from modern development. Logging, plantations, commercial fishing, and mining threaten the rainforests, coasts, and traditional lifestyles.
Visiting in the near future allows you to experience and appreciate the islands in their natural state before increasing globalization changes them forever. You’ll come home with a deeper admiration for these unspoiled places which propels you to protect them.
Have an authentic adventure now to gain inspiring new perspectives you can pass on to others. As a visitor, you become an advocate for preserving the vibrant yet vulnerable Solomon Islands.
Trekking as a Transformative Experience
Trekking the Solomon Islands will reshape how you see the world, moving you in powerful ways. Here are some transformations you may undergo:
Nature Appreciation – Immersing in untamed wilderness reconnects you with the awe-inspiring natural world.
Cultural Eye-Opening – Experiencing warm Melanesian cultures fosters global unity and understanding.
Personal Accomplishments – Trekking through remote terrain builds grit, resilience, and self-reliance.
Return home with expanded perspectives from exposure to environments and people beyond your everyday existence. Let the life-changing discoveries you make shape your actions.
Conclusion
For intrepid trekkers seeking raw adventure far from the crowds, the Solomon Islands deliver some of the world’s last untouched wilderness along with vibrant indigenous cultures. Verdant rainforests, volcanic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and idyllic beaches reward those who make the journey.
By hiring knowledgeable local guides and respectfully immersing yourself in remote villages, you’ll tread lightly while soaking up the incredible landscapes and people. As development accelerates across the globe, now is the ideal time to experience the majestic Solomon Islands before they forever change. Let this transformative trekking frontier ignite your passion to preserve our precious natural and cultural treasures.
FAQs
What immunizations are needed to trek in the Solomon Islands?
Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria medicine is also commonly taken. Consult your doctor for latest advice.
When is the best time of year for whales and dolphins?
June through October is prime viewing season for migrating whales and dolphins like humpback and pilot whales.
How difficult is trekking the Solomon Islands?
From moderate day hikes to multi-day treks, options exist for most ability levels. But expect humid, rugged conditions with river crossings.
What languages are spoken in the Solomon Islands?
While English is an official language, Pidgin is most common. Also expect to hear locals speaking 100+ Melanesian dialects. Learning Pidgin phrases shows goodwill.
Are there ATMs in the Solomon Islands?
ATMs are limited to major cities like Honiara. Carry enough cash for your entire trip, especially when visiting rural islands.