World Country Guide

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Food & Drink
Local recipes include tapioca pudding and taro roots with taro leaves. There are a few restaurants outside the hotels in Honaria. Both Asian and European food is served and the cuisine is generally good. There are two Chinese restaurants in Honiara which are quite popular. Table service is normal. Spirits, wine and beer are available.

Nightlife
Honiara is a comparatively quiet town, although there are a few clubs with music and dancing, the occasional film show, and snooker and darts. The clubs offer temporary membership to visitors.

Shopping
Local purchases include mother-of-pearl items, walking sticks, carved and inlaid wood, copper murals, conch shells and rare varieties of cowrie. New Georgia in the western district is known for carved fish, turtles and birds. Carvings in ebony, inlaid with shell, are unique. Duty free shopping is available at a number of stores in Honiara. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1200.

Special Events
For a complete list of special events, contact the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in the Solomon Islands in 2005:
Feb 25 Province Day Choiseul. Jun 2 Province Day Isable. Jun 8 Province Day Temotu. Jun 29 Province Day Central Island. Jul 7 National Independence Celebration. Jul 20 Provine Day Rennell. Aug 1 Province Day Guadalcanal. Aug 3 Province Day Makira/Ulawa. Aug 15 Province Day Malaita. Dec 7 Province Day Western Province.

Social Conventions
A casual atmosphere prevails and European customs exist alongside local traditions. Informal wear is widely suitable although women often wear long dresses for evening functions. Men need never wear ties. Women, in general, should dress modestly and appropriately, noting that certain areas may be 'taboo' and exclusively reserved for men. It is customary to cover thighs. Visitors are discouraged from wearing beachwear and shorts around towns and villages. Swearing is a crime and can lead to huge compensation claims and even jail. Tipping: There is no tipping on the Solomon Islands and visitors are requested to honour this local custom.