Marau Airport

Marau Airport sits on the eastern coast of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, serving the Marau Sound region with a single gravel airstrip and a basic terminal building. It is one of the country's smaller domestic airports, handling flights operated by Solomon Airlines from Honiara, the capital, about 100 kilometres west as the crow flies. The airport does not operate daily; flights are scheduled on specific days depending on demand and weather, which in the Solomon Islands can change the timetable on short notice. There are no jet bridges, no air conditioning in the waiting area, and no shops. What Marau Airport offers is a functional link to a part of the country where road access is limited and the sea is the other common form of transport.

For passengers, the airport is simply a place to wait for a flight in a setting that feels more like a rural airstrip than a conventional terminal. The experience is stripped back, but the surrounding landscape — dense tropical forest, the blue of the Marau Sound, the distant volcanic ridges — makes up for the lack of infrastructure. If you are travelling to Marau, you are likely visiting the village itself, fishing villages along the coast, or the small resorts on nearby islands. The airport is your arrival point, and it requires some preparation: bring your own water, snacks, and patience.

Getting There

Marau Airport is located about 30 kilometres by road from the village of Marau, which lies on a peninsula at the eastern tip of Guadalcanal. The road is unpaved and can become impassable after heavy rain. Most visitors reach the airport by flying from Honiara International Airport (HIR). The flight takes approximately 30 minutes in a Twin Otter or similar small aircraft, operated by Solomon Airlines. There are no scheduled buses or taxis from Honiara to Marau by road because the journey would take at least four hours on rough tracks, and during the wet season from November to April, sections of the road are often closed. For those already on Guadalcanal but not flying, a boat is the alternative transport — hour-long trips from Honiara to Marau Sound are possible but depend on weather and vessel availability. Once you land at Marau Airport, the village of Marau is a short drive (about 15 minutes) by vehicle that can be arranged in advance with your accommodation or by asking the airport staff if a local driver is around. There is no formal taxi rank; transport is informal and should be arranged before arrival.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Marau Airport is a single-storey building with a waiting area, a check-in counter, and a baggage claim area that doubles as the same room. There is no separate arrivals and departures area — passengers gather on a veranda or inside until their flight is called. The building has basic shelter but no air conditioning; open windows let in the tropical air. Seating is limited, so expect to stand or sit on your luggage. There is no café, restaurant, or shop. Toilets are available but are basic pit toilets, not flushing toilets. There is no Wi-Fi or phone charging stations. Power may be available from a generator but is not guaranteed for passenger use.

On departure, check-in is manual — you give your name, your luggage is weighed on a small scale, and you receive a handwritten boarding pass or just a stamp on your ticket. Security screening is minimal; there is a metal detector wand but it is not always used. You are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, though delays are common. On arrival, you walk from the aircraft across the tarmac to the terminal, where your bags are brought in a cart and placed on the floor for collection. There is no carousel. The entire process from landing to leaving the terminal usually takes less than ten minutes if you have carry-on luggage.

Marau Airport and Marau

Marau is a small coastal village at the southeastern tip of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. The area is known for the Marau Sound, a network of islands, reefs, and calm waters that offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the country. The village itself is modest — a few hundred people live in houses built on stilts along the shore, with a church, a primary school, and a small market. There are no banks, no ATMs, and no supermarkets. Visitors come to Marau for its remote beaches, the nearby bonefish flats popular with sport fishers, and the tranquillity of a place far from the capital's bustle.

The region was heavily involved in the Solomon Islands conflict of the late 1990s and early 2000s, but it has since returned to a peaceful, slow-paced existence. The local population speaks 'Are'are and Pijin, and English is understood by some. Tourism infrastructure is minimal; there are a handful of eco-lodges and guesthouses that offer accommodation and guided kayaking trips. For most travellers, Marau is a destination for a few days of relaxation, snorkelling, learning about local customs, or fishing. The airport is the primary gateway — without it, reaching Marau would require a long boat ride from Honiara that many would find impractical.

The Marau Sound area includes over 200 islands, many uninhabited. The waters are rich with marine life, including sea turtles, dugongs, and a variety of reef fish. Birdwatchers can spot frigatebirds, tropicbirds, and the endemic Solomon Islands sea eagle. On land, the forest holds species like the Solomon Islands skink and numerous orchids. The culture is Melanesian, with strong clan ties and a subsistence lifestyle. Visitors are expected to show respect for local customs, such as asking permission before entering villages or taking photographs. The airport's existence makes this remote part of the country accessible, but it remains a place where modern conveniences are scarce — something that is part of its appeal for those who make the journey.

Practical Information

Marau Airport (IATA: not assigned, ICAO: AGGY) is operated by the Solomon Islands Government. It is not open every day: flights are scheduled typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but schedules change frequently. Always confirm with Solomon Airlines (the only carrier serving Marau) before travelling. There is no public phone at the airport; contact the airline's Honiara office for information. Hours of operation are limited to flight times only — the terminal is not staffed otherwise.

Tips for a smooth trip: bring all food, water, and any necessary medication with you because none are available at the airport or in Marau village. Cash in Solomon Islands dollars is essential — there are no ATMs or card facilities. Pack insect repellent and sun protection. If you are staying at a resort, arrange airport transfer in advance; your accommodation will likely send a vehicle. Do not rely on finding transport on arrival. Lastly, be prepared for delays — the tropical weather can ground flights, and the airstrip may be closed due to rain. Factor in an extra day or two in your itinerary if your schedule is tight.