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.

National specialities:
• Tapioca pudding.
• Taro roots with taro leaves.

Tipping: There is no tipping on the Solomon Islands and visitors are requested to honour this local custom.

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.

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.