Honiara sits on a sheltered harbor and feels like a good place to buy things made by hand. Markets and small stalls are common, and you can also find higher-quality pieces in galleries and museum shops. This guide covers items you’ll find across the city, not a single street or store.

Focus on locally made or regionally associated goods, things that pack without trouble, and practical tips for judging quality. Skip mass-produced trinkets and look for items with clear maker information.

1. Shell jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Shell necklaces and earrings reflect local materials and island aesthetics. They’re lightweight and often made by small-scale artisans.
• Where to look: Check markets where stalls display handmade shell pieces.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight, even stringing and shells without drilled chips.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap jewelry in a soft sock or small pouch and keep it in your carry-on.

2. Small wood carvings

• Why it’s worth buying: Carved figures and bowls show traditional carving techniques in a compact form. They often use local timber and finish well.
• Where to look: Find well-crafted examples in independent shops along the main shopping streets.
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: Smooth joins, consistent grain direction, and a clean finish indicate care.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Cushion carvings with clothing inside checked luggage or request protective wrapping.

3. Woven pandanus bags

• Why it’s worth buying: Woven bags are practical, durable, and made from natural fibers suited to the climate. They fold flat for travel.
• Where to look: Spot them at markets and co-ops run by local weaving groups.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Even, tight weaving and securely finished seams mean it will last.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold flat and slide between clothes to keep shape without crushing.

4. Tapa cloth items

• Why it’s worth buying: Tapa or bark-cloth pieces carry traditional patterns and make distinctive gifts. Small items show hand-printing or stenciling.
• Where to look: Galleries and museum shops sometimes stock smaller tapa products.
• Price range: $12–$80
• How to spot a good one: Look for natural fiber texture, clear motifs, and neat edge finishes.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll tapa gently with tissue paper to avoid creases.

5. Artisan sea salt

• Why it’s worth buying: Coarse, locally harvested sea salt brings a taste of the coast to home cooking. It’s stable and travel-friendly.
• Where to look: Small food stalls and markets sell packaged sea salt.
• Price range: $4–$18
• How to spot a good one: Choose sealed packaging with a production date and simple ingredient list.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place the jar in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leaks in luggage.

6. Coconut oil and coconut-based products

• Why it’s worth buying: Virgin coconut oil and balms are multipurpose and reflect island agriculture. Bottles are usually well sealed.
• Where to look: Food halls or market food vendors offer bottled coconut products.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Prefer clear labeling, minimal additives, and opaque bottles for light protection.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put liquids in sealed plastic bags and pad with clothes in checked baggage.

7. Linocut prints and small artworks

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture local motifs and are easy to frame later at home. They support individual artists.
• Where to look: Galleries often carry prints by emerging local artists.
• Price range: $10–$90
• How to spot a good one: Crisp lines, quality paper, and a signed or numbered mark show authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip flat between cardboard and place in your carry-on to avoid creasing.

8. Small ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Handmade cups or small bowls combine local glazing styles with functional design. They make good gifts.
• Where to look: Independent shops and gallery outlets sell well-fired pieces.
• Price range: $12–$85
• How to spot a good one: A stable base, even glaze, and no hairline cracks indicate quality firing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and place in the center of a suitcase for protection.

9. Packaged dried fruit or honey

• Why it’s worth buying: Dried fruit and local honey are compact edible souvenirs showcasing island flavors. They travel well when sealed.
• Where to look: Markets and food halls typically offer small, sealed packages.
• Price range: $3–$20
• How to spot a good one: Prefer vacuum-sealed packs or jars with clear labels and expiry dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place jars in sealed plastic bags and pad with soft items in checked luggage.

10. Seafood seasoning blends

• Why it’s worth buying: Spice mixes tailored to seafood bring coastal tastes to home cooking. They’re small and fragrant.
• Where to look: Markets and food stalls sometimes sell pre-mixed seasonings.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Look for simple ingredient lists and recently packed dates for best flavor.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal packets in zip-lock bags to prevent spills and protect other items.

11. Nautical-themed crafts

• Why it’s worth buying: Small model boats, carved ropework, or shell-adorned keychains reflect maritime culture. They’re compact keepsakes.
• Where to look: Find these at waterfront stalls and market vendors near the quay.
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Secure fittings, tidy knots, and natural material authenticity show craftsmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place delicate ropes or rigging into padded pouches to avoid tangles.

12. Natural soaps and balms

• Why it’s worth buying: Handcrafted soaps and balms use local oils and scents and last through travel. They’re useful and compact.
• Where to look: Co-ops and market stalls often stock small-batch soaps.
• Price range: $3–$20
• How to spot a good one: Simple ingredient lists and firm texture without weeping suggest proper curing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap soaps in paper and place in plastic bags to keep other items dry.

Quick buying tips for Honiara

• Carry small bills; many vendors prefer cash vs card for quick purchases.
• Haggling is sometimes appropriate at market stalls; be polite and offer fair prices.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing and request bubble wrap at independent shops when possible.
• Many sellers can ship larger pieces; ask about costs and reliable carriers first.
• Look for ‘made locally’ labels, artisan signatures, or natural-material indicators on tags.
• Liquid foods and oils must be sealed; pack them in checked luggage with protection.

Where to shop in Honiara

Shopping is spread across open markets, the waterfront, and a few gallery-lined streets. For everyday souvenirs, markets and quay stalls are the easiest; galleries and the museum offer higher-quality pieces.

• Central Market — main place for foodstuffs, sea salts, woven goods, and small carved items.
• Town waterfront and quay — expect nautical crafts, ropework, and shell-adorned trinkets.
• National Museum and cultural centre — museum shop sells prints, books, and carefully made replicas.
• Main business streets — independent galleries and shops with ceramics, prints, and refined jewelry.
• Weekend craft markets or festivals — rotating artisans sell textiles, tapa items, and handmade jewelry.
• Community co-ops near market areas — find woven mats, bags, and locally produced body products.
• Port area around Point Cruz — seasonal stalls often have seafood seasonings and bottled coconut products.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Very cheap plastic jewelry labeled as “authentic” often uses synthetic materials and fades quickly.
• Heavy, fragile souvenirs without a clear shipping option; these can be damaged in transit.
• Unlabeled food or open jars at stalls where production date and packaging are missing.
• Generic mass-printed t-shirts sold at every stall; they usually lack local craftsmanship.
• Items claiming cultural significance without maker information or community provenance.
• Imitation mother-of-pearl or shell made from plastics; check real nacre layers and weight.

If you only buy three things

Shell jewelry — lightweight, culturally tied, and easy to carry home.
Woven pandanus bag — practical, foldable, and genuinely local craft.
Linocut print — supports artists and travels flat in a portfolio or carry-on.

FAQ

1. What is Honiara known for making?
   Honiara is known for traditional island crafts such as wood carving, shell jewelry, woven pandanus items, and tapa cloth. Local artisans produce small household items and decorative objects that use materials found nearby.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Honiara?
   Small jars of sea salt, bottled coconut oil, dried fruits, and local honey are good choices. Pick sealed or vacuum-packed products with clear labels and dates for safe transport.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Honiara?
   Prices range from very affordable market finds to pricier gallery pieces. Expect reasonable costs for small crafts, with higher prices for detailed carvings or gallery-quality artworks.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Honiara?
   Prints, folded textiles, and shell jewelry are the easiest to pack because they’re flat or light. Keep fragile ceramics or jars well cushioned or carry them in your hand luggage.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask who made it and where materials came from, check for artisan signatures or ‘made locally’ tags, and prefer co-op or museum-sourced pieces. Sellers able to describe materials and techniques usually point to genuine local production.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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