Recommendations for Tonga + Solomon Islands?

Hello,

My brother and I have decided to go to Tonga and the Solomon Islands in July. Does anyone have any recommendations for cheap accommodation and cheap, reliable dive companies? Also, does anyone know the cheapest way/airline to fly between these two countries?

Thanks!!

also, does anyone know anything about swimming with the humpbacks in Tonga? thanks!

Check this site, might have some info for you: Exploring Solomons

And this link might help you find somewhere to stay (I'd recommend the Chester Rest House when you're in Honiara): Hotel information

As to Tonga it's the Vava'u group you'll want to visit

Click Here for info

You've mentioned cheap three time-there is nothing cheap about travel in the South Pacific.

I can't even imagine the cost of the air fare between the two locations!?

Don't think there's a direct connection between the two countries. The one time I wanted to get to Sols from Tonga I had to go back to Fiji then onwards again. Either through Fiji or Brisbane, and neither way was cheap so I didn't do it. Things might have changed by now but I sort of doubt it.

The OP might be able to get a Pacific Pass, if those are still available (I used that once, but not for Tonga) but the hub is (or was) Fiji and if his visit is short there wouldn't be much time left for doing what he wants to do in either country.

we chose these islands because we read in multiple sources (guidebooks and online) that they were among the cheapest destinations in the South Pacific, and we are not interested in the backpacker scene in Fiji. we have 3-4 weeks, so we have enough time to explore both countries. i guess we assumed that once we got to the South Pacific, airfare would be relative cheap to travel between countries. but now that we've looked into prices, it seems it costs about $900, which is ridiculous. what is this Pacific Pass you mention? what airline offers it?

thanks!

An air pass used to be offered by Air Pacific, Fiji's airline. I have no idea whether or not it is still available, though. Solomons is expensive to get to but not so expensive to get around, if you go island hopping by ferry. Otherwise you have to fly and that is quite pricey. The economy there has collapsed and their dollar is at a rock-bottom level right now, but prices sky-rocketed (for locals in particular) after RAMSI arrived.

Ferry and flight schedules in Solomons are, well, flexible to say the least. I don't know how many flights a week go to Solomons from Fiji these days (via Solomon Airlines); it used to be 2 times a week, then after the "troubles" it went to once a week and has been once a week for a number of years. But things change out there, often, so it might be worthwhile checking with Air Pacific. The pass has to be purchases from your home departure point, ie. not when you land in one of the countries served by the air pass. But again, things change.

I see that Laszlo is back on the Tree, and he is a walking encyclopedia for the South Pacific. He should have the best information.

Just back from Solomon Islands. There has been a glitch in the codeshare between Air Niugini and Solomon Airlines on the route between Honiara and Nadi, so there may only be one joint Solomon Airlines/Air Pacific flight a week at the moment.
The other recommended accommodation in Honiara is St Agnes, the Mothers' Union Transit house. They have email, but is wasn't working properly last week (stagnes@solomon.com.sb), but you can also email the Mothers union office in the same building at mumelanesia@solomon.com.sb but put "attention Betsy and Rose at St Agnes" in the subject line (they are the managers).
Rooms are en-suite, from $200 - $350 SBD ($40-$70 Australian) a night, and the dearest (which is rarely vacant) has its own kitchen, with fridge and gas hotplate). The others have a shared kitchen. Rooms at Chester are twins, with a shared bathroom and kitchen. You MUST book both of these well in advance, as they are very popular with locals. Most of the delegates ot the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were there when I was.
Flights out of Brisbane to Honiara can now be as cheap as $200 Australian one way on Pacific Blue (and I had 3 seats to myself both ways.) Pacific Blue flies Tuesday and Thursday, Solomon Airlines have 4 flights a week, and you can now book theirs online too.