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Honiara International Airport
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Honiara International Airport
Gateway to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific.
- ›Originally built by the U.S. military in 1942 and known as Henderson Field during World War II.
- ›Named after Major Lofton Henderson, a U.S. Marine aviator killed at the Battle of Midway.
- ›The airfield was a key strategic objective during the Guadalcanal Campaign.
- ›Located on the island of Guadalcanal, not far from the capital city of Honiara.
- ›Serves as the main hub for Solomon Airlines' domestic and international network.
Honiara International Airport, also known as Henderson Field, sits on Guadalcanal and carries deep historical significance as a former World War II airstrip that saw fierce fighting during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Today it serves as the primary international gateway to the Solomon Islands, connecting the archipelago to regional hubs including Brisbane, Port Moresby, and Nadi. The airport is modest in scale but central to the economic and social life of this Pacific island nation.
- Main Terminal — A single combined domestic and international terminal handling all passenger arrivals, departures, and customs processing.
- Taxis available outside the terminal — negotiate fares before boarding
- Minibus services (local buses) running along the Kukum Highway toward central Honiara
- Hotel shuttle transfers bookable in advance through major properties
- Car rental desks available at the terminal from local operators
- Heritage Park Hotel
- Coral Sea Resort & Casino
- Honiara Hotel
- King Solomon Hotel
- Woodford International Hotel
Dining options inside the terminal are limited, with a small café offering light meals, snacks, and beverages for departing passengers. The drive into central Honiara opens up a wider range of local eateries serving Solomon Islands staples such as fresh fish, taro, and rice dishes. Visitors are advised to have local Solomon Islands dollars on hand as card payment acceptance can be inconsistent.
- Arrive at least two hours before international flights as check-in and security processes can be slow during peak times.
- Currency exchange is available at the airport but options are limited, so carry some USD or AUD as backup.
- The airport is approximately 11 kilometres east of central Honiara; budget around 20–30 minutes for the taxi ride depending on traffic.
- Malaria is present on Guadalcanal — consult a travel health professional and bring prophylactics before arrival.
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Honiara International Airport, formerly known as Henderson Field, is an airport in the province of Guadalcanal in the nation of Solomon Islands. It is the primary international airport in the country, the second being Munda Airport in Western Province, which serves as its alternate. It is located 8 kilometres from the capital, Honiara.
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