SOLOMON ISLANDS

The national capital Honiara (population 23,000) is the is on the island Guadalcanal, Guadacanal is the Solomons' economic and administrative center and the most visited of the Islands.Honiara sits on a narrow shelf of land between Point Cruz, a small peninsula that forms the harbor, and a series of ridges that almost reach the sea.

CLIMATE: May to November southeast trade winds bring relatively drive weather wither temperatures seeming cooler than the average 30'c (86'F).December through April there is a mild northwest monsoon that brings rain and humidity.In the evenings temperatures rarely drops below 22'c (72'F).

VISITOR INFORMATION: Solomon Islands Tourist Authority, PO Box 321, Honiara.

Tel: 22442.

Fax: 23986.

HOW TO GET THERE: Major International airlines to Fiji then Solomon Airlines or Air Pacific to Honiara served by Henderson Int'l Airport (HIR) 13 km / 8 miles northwest of the town.

PO Box 4, Prince Philip Hwy, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Tel: 21737.

Fax: 20376.

Type: Tourist class polynesian style hotel, Location: in Chinatown at the base of a step hill, 2 km / 1.2 miles from downtown, east from Honiara, first road to the right east of the Mataniko River.

Amenities: 50 rooms & 16 suites, 2 restaurants, bar, lounge, swimming pool, tennis, squash, entertainment.

Credit Cards: AE / DC / MC / VISA.

Rates: SI$70 - 260.

Tax: 10%.

Chinatown, 1 mile east of downtown on the banks of the Mataniko River.

Casino: slots & table games.

PO Box 87, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Tel: 21008.

Casino: slots & table games.

PO Box 1380, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Tel: 25111 or 25333.

Fax: 25369.

Casino: table games.