Solomon Islands

Has anyone been since the earthquake tsunami in April this year? I really want to go next summer, but there is a warning on the lonely planet site about the repairs to things and the political tension. If anyone has any news of this i would really appreciate it. Also, if you think it is okay to go, any recommendations of where to go/what to see?

I want somewhere less touristy than Fiji (went there in 06 and loved it but want something a little different), so any other island suggestions are welcome too!

Hi, ladydeb,

First, the tsunami only affected two provinces. One of these (Western) is popular with tourists and divers, but there is plenty more to the country than that.
As far as the political issues are concerned, you are probably safer there than practically anywhere else in the world, as long as you dress respectfully. I spent 5 weeks there In July/August, living and travelling with locals, and my general impression is that it is getting better than it has been since the ethnic unrest, and the roads are the best they've been in 15 years (which isn't really saying much).
Depending on your interests, I suggest you check out .exploring Solomons, the most up to date SI site on the net. They give lots of alternatives to the tourist places.
What sort of thing do you have in mind specfically? And do you mean Southern or Northern hemisphere Summer?

Thank you for your advice. We really want to go. We want to go somewhere for about 6-8 weeks, so island hopping and even other sets of islands (like flying to the Cook islands for example). We want to be able to sit on a beach and read, but also do something a bit more cultural.

I meant summer in the north, so July, August, September. What is the weather like there? I know it will be winter, but it's quite northernly.

Will take a look at that website, thank you very much!

Like Ozziegiraffe, I also recommend Solomons, I go there as often as possible and love it. However, you might want to consider Vanuatu as well, it is very similar to Solomons but has the added attraction of active volcanoes to view.

It would be difficult and costly to get from the Solomons to the Cooks. I'd pick one or the other.

There isn't really a summer or winter in the tropics, more a drier or wetter season. Your months will be drier, but still hotter than an English summer, although some areas are cooled by wind, and you might occasionally need a jacket, especially if travelling by boat at night.

At present the countries you can get to easily from Solomon Islands are Australia (Brisbane) Fiji, Vanuatu, Nauru, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea. This could change if the SI government makes an agreement with Pacific Blue (Virgin).

Meanwhile, if you have plenty of time, you could experience both Polynesian and Melanesian culture in Solomon Islands, by travelling to one of the Polynesian outliers. Rennel, with its wonderful World Heritage Lake Tengano is probably the easiest to get to. You could be lucky like I was and find a ship going to the largest atoll in the world, Ontong Java, also known as Lord Howe. They are very careful to preserve their culture and environment, and only live in traditional houses.
However, be warned, if you think you might wait for the next ship, you might be there for months.

Hi - just back from the Solomons.

Tension - I had absolutely no trouble, the only guns I saw were swinging from Aussie cops. Felt very safe.
Tsunami - There is a lot of wrecked housing in Gizo, and the main wharf in Munda is still trashed. Go there, and try to spend your money locally.

I had a great time in the Solomon Islands, I just posted my main travel notes to the board.
See here

There is a total gun ban in Solomon Islands, thousands were collected and destroyed after the tension.
The only people who can caryr guns are members of the Regional Assistance Mission.(not just Aussies - Kiwis, PNG, Fiji, and the rest of the Pacific are represented.