Help on Solomon Islands

Hello! all
I am trying to plan a vacation in Solomon Islands, in October 2008. Have arranged things all the way to Brisbane and back, but seem to face two issues:
1- I plan to spend 2 weeks in Solomon, and have already received a quotation from Dive Adventures (Uepi Resort and Wilderness Lodge), but I cannot decide whether it is better to have the whole thing booked and paid for, or decide on the spot (i am travelling alone) Have you any information on Dive Adventures?
2-I am trying to find (and book) air tickets BNE-HIR-BNE, and stumble up to all ranges of prices (from USD700 to USD1600), which seems kind of weird. Skyairworld seems to have direct flights at about USD760. Any ideas about reliable and cheap bookings? Solomon airlines seem to have direct flights both ways, only you cannot book them together.

I could really use some advise here!!!

Emmanuela, if you want to travel anywhere in Western Province, and only have 2 weeks, you must book at least your flights in advance. If you are going to Uepi, you will need to book accommodation as well, as they will need to know to pick you up at the airfield at Seghe, which is very small. Planes can be unreliable, though the people who run Uepi are used to helping out when this happens, and making sure you get your flight out. They are also booked out early.
If you were to arrive in Honiara without booking, you could book diving off Guadalcanal locally, but you might have trouble getting to any other dive spots without a booking. It is also a good idea to book any accommodation you might need in Honiara in advance, as the number of expat advisers there means it can be hard to get a room.
I am not a diver, so cannot advise on dive companies.

With your limited time, you will need to book a package. It is hard to be independent in Solomon Islands if you only have 2 weeks Independent travellers need tome to wait for a seat on a plane, or for a ship to go where they want to travel. most divers coming for a week or two are part of organised groups.
If you want to do or see other things as well, then give yourself a week or so for diving and another to look at other parts of the country,. You could be less organised for this part.

Ozziegiraffe, Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Really had a tough time deciding :)

Please let me know, either here, or by PM, if I can help you with anything else.

hiya,
the different quotes on airfaires usually depend on the length of stay (for the visa etc). The two week return flight should cost around 800AUD, its best to book that through solomon airlines. There are some pretty cheap guest-houses in honiara, that you cant really book for, but the mendana or king solomon hotels are pretty swish and not too expensive.
As for going west, i went by ship, but it can take a few more days and be a bit crazy, i think you can fly to gizo, but you would need to book. The dive place can be a bit of a rip off if you stay in the hotel as well, its like 15solomon dollars for an icecream! but the rekona lodge is a really cheap and beautiful alternative not far away.. the diving is amazing!
hope that helps!

Most of the cheap places in honiara need booking well in advance, especially the church rest houses, which are the best choices, and are very popular with locals. If anyone wants contact details, send me a PM, as I have a Solomon Islands phone book beside my computer.