Solomon Islands Holidays & Tourism

Take a moment to reveal the beauty and richness of the Solomons

Halo Olketa

Soaring mist in shrouded mountains preside above dense, abundant rain-forest, waterfalls and rivers cascade to an intricate coastline. Here the villages and sun soaked golden beached fringed with coconut palms lie scattered around lazy lagoons. This is indeed a diver’s paradise and an eco-tourism destination that’s unspoiled, unhurried and totally unforgettable.

The setting for some of World War II’s most fierce and bloody battles is today home to one of the most natural and peaceful races in the South Pacific.

Here, in this archipelago of mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, you can experience the undiscovered delights of a primitive culture which has not allowed the advances of the outside world to overshadow it. Colorful costumes age-old customs, rituals and taboos. They still endure in the Solomons.

The islands and waters are still a little known pristine paradise. They are particularly special for their remarkable biodiversity, containing thousands of different plant and animal species, especially the marine life. Many species are known only to the Solomons.

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People

The Solomon Islands are part of the Melanesian group
of islands which includes, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu,
New Caledonia and Fiji. Hunters and Gathers were
the first settlers in Solomon Islands, followed by the
seafarers.
Almost all of the population are Christians
although small minorities still practice traditional
beliefs.
Around 70 percent of the population live a
subsistence form of life in their villages, settlements and
islands away from urban centers. This is expected to
change as an effect of urban drift, more people are
moving from rural to urban areas for education and
employment.
There are about seventy different languages spoken
throughout the Solomon Islands. The lingua franca is Pidgin
and the official language is English.
The vast majority of the population are Melanesians.
Polynesians form a small minority, as well as small
numbers of Gilbertese from Micronesia. These is also
a very slight portion of the population who are Chinese
and Europeans. This makes Solomon Islands
a melting pot of cultures.
Culture

The diversity of the cultures of Solomon
Islands is a reflection of the different races of
ethnicities found in the islands. Melanesians,
on the big mountainous volcanic islands, Polynesians
living on the outlying islands and atolls and the
Gilbertese settlers.
Communal, clan and familial ties remain strong within
the islands with the existence of “Wantok System”.
The wantok system or wantokism is derived from the
Solomons Pidgin term for “one talk”, meaning from the
same language, and implies giving preference to kin in
the expectation of a series of reciprocal obligations
being fulfilled. It also defines traditional laws, rules
and way of living.
It is normal practice in the traditional culture of Solomon
Islands that age – old customs (kastoms) are handed
down from one generation to next.
Traditional barter system is still practiced today as well
as the significant bride price ceremonies.
As it was in the past, village life still remains the
same. Most welcome visitors while others will need
to seek authority first before visiting.
RAW Beauty

Known for its richness in pure natural beauty
both on land and under water, Solomon Islands
is rich in lush tropical forests, pretty beaches
connecting crystalline waters, mix of island cultures
and war time memories.
The country’s unique and endemic natural
surrounding remains part of the people’s natural
heritage and cultural identity.
The main islands are volcanic with scenic waterfalls,
flowing rivers and streams which are home to about
4,500 species of plants. Most of the main islands
have their own endemic bird species and magnificent
underwater corals and fish life.
Long white sandy beaches, clusters of islands and
palms within the whooshing breeze are just some
of the amazing scenes of this wonderful country.
Traditional leaf thatched huts in making the villages
beautiful are built from local materials with
knowledge gained from traditional
architectural designs.
Both on land and underwater, you can find
war time remains, lying within the natural
state. Memories of war connects with the country’s
natural system, cultures and traditions.
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