South Pacific’s Eco Shift: Solomon Islands Now Rebrands to Put Nature First

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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August 10, 2026 5:38 PM

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There’s a new slogan for tourists visiting the Solomon Islands, and it’s definitely a happier one. The nation is changing its long-standing slogan “Solomons Is” to “Hapi Isles”, signifying the significant shift in the branding of their international tourism efforts. Tourism Solomons revealed the new slogan back in February of 2026 amid an overarching strategy that would aim to focus on sustainable development, connectivity, digital development, and industry standards. The rebranded image reflects the culture and hospitality of the Solomon Islands, as well as the unique experiences the destination can provide. With 990 islands, marine wonders, a history of World War II, and community-based activities, there will be no shortage of material for this new chapter.

Solomon Islands Tourism Enters the Hapi Isles Era

The change from “Solomons Is” to “Hapi Isles” represents the most visible part of the country’s new tourism direction.

The previous identity was launched in 2018 and became the foundation of Solomon Islands destination marketing for almost eight years. Tourism Solomons says the new positioning is intended to reflect the country’s culture, warmth and distinctive visitor experience while providing a more vibrant presence in international markets.

The new brand is being introduced alongside the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s wider national tourism strategy, making the change more than a simple logo or advertising exercise.

The country’s 2026 tourism direction is being described as a “Strategic Transition”, bringing branding, policy, connectivity and industry standards together.

Sustainable Tourism Takes Centre Stage

The Hapi Isles identity arrives as the Solomon Islands seeks to develop tourism without sacrificing the environmental and cultural assets that make the destination distinctive.

Tourism Solomons describes the country as an archipelago of 992 islands, offering marine activities, cultural experiences, adventure tourism and World War II heritage.

For visitors, that translates into a destination where tourism experiences can extend well beyond conventional beach holidays.

Diving and snorkelling remain major attractions, particularly around coral-rich waters and historic shipwreck sites. Surfing, fishing, kayaking and birdwatching add further reasons for adventure travellers to explore beyond Honiara.

Community interaction is equally important, with the country’s remote islands offering opportunities to experience traditional lifestyles, local customs and Melanesian culture.

Culture Becomes a Tourism Asset

The Hapi Isles campaign places cultural identity firmly within the destination proposition.

The Solomon Islands has a diverse population with Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian influences, while traditional customs remain an important part of community life. Tourism Solomons promotes cultural immersion alongside nature, adventure and historical experiences.

That makes cultural tourism particularly relevant for travellers looking for experiences that feel connected to the destination rather than simply designed around visitors.

Traditional villages, local crafts, music, food and community-led experiences can therefore form part of a broader Solomon Islands itinerary.

The Pacific’s Underwater History

There is another major tourism card in the Hapi Isles deck: World War II heritage.

Guadalcanal and Honiara were at the centre of some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific during the Second World War. Today, visitors can explore battlefields, memorials and underwater wreck sites associated with the Guadalcanal campaign. Tourism Solomons highlights the region’s historic battlefields and wrecks as significant visitor attractions.

The Iron Bottom Sound, between Guadalcanal and Florida Islands, is particularly important for wreck-diving tourism.

This gives the Solomon Islands an unusual combination of tropical scenery and military history, attracting both leisure travellers and specialist divers.

Author’s Point of View

The Hapi Isles rebrand works because it gives Solomon Islands tourism a clearer emotional identity while keeping the destination’s existing strengths at the centre. The country does not need to manufacture an attraction that does not exist. Its strongest assets are already there: extraordinary marine environments, remote islands, living culture, historic sites and communities with distinctive traditions. The bigger tourism opportunity is connecting those assets under one recognisable international message. The new branding also arrives at an important moment because improved regional connectivity can make the destination easier to reach, while stronger industry standards can help ensure that visitor growth is matched by quality. If the Hapi Isles identity successfully connects sustainability with authentic community experiences, it could help the Solomon Islands compete for travellers who increasingly want meaningful experiences rather than mass-market resort holidays.

Travel Guide to the Solomon Islands

Honiara, on Guadalcanal, is the national capital and principal gateway for international travellers.

Honiara International Airport, also known as Henderson International Airport, is approximately 10 kilometres east of central Honiara. The airport is connected to the capital by road.

The Solomon Islands has no passenger railway network, so travellers rely on aircraft, road transport and boats to reach other islands.

The country’s currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).

Regional air connectivity is being strengthened, with Tourism Solomons highlighting additional Qantas services from Brisbane and new Solomon Airlines routes into Papua New Guinea. Fiji Airways’ wider North American network also creates additional connection possibilities.

Nearby Attractions

Honiara offers access to the Guadalcanal campaign’s World War II sites, local markets and cultural attractions.

Iron Bottom Sound is a major destination for wreck diving and maritime history.

Gizo, in the Western Province, is known for beaches, diving and access to nearby islands.

Munda provides another gateway to marine and adventure tourism in Western Province.

Marovo Lagoon, one of the world’s largest saltwater lagoons, is another major nature and cultural attraction.

Key Stats

• The Solomon Islands comprises 992 islands.
• “Solomons Is” was launched in 2018.
• “Hapi Isles” was announced as the refreshed destination brand in 2026.
• Honiara is approximately 10 kilometres from Henderson International Airport.
• The Solomon Islands uses the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).
• The country has no passenger railway network.
• Guadalcanal is home to major World War II tourism sites.

FAQ

1. What is the new Solomon Islands tourism brand?
The destination is transitioning from “Solomons Is” to “Hapi Isles” as part of its 2026 tourism strategy.

2. Why did Solomon Islands change its tourism branding?
The new identity is designed to present the country’s culture, warmth and visitor experiences through a refreshed international positioning.

3. What is the Solomon Islands known for?
The destination is known for diving, coral reefs, World War II heritage, traditional culture, remote islands, surfing and nature-based tourism.

Timeline and Events

2018: Tourism Solomons launched the “Solomons Is” destination identity.

31 December 2025: Tourism Solomons’ 2023-2025 organisational strategic plan concluded.

February 2026: Tourism Solomons announced “Strategic Transition” and the evolution towards the “Hapi Isles” identity.

2026: New tourism connectivity and updated industry standards form part of the country’s broader tourism transition.

Dates

2018: “Solomons Is” branding launched.

31 December 2025: Previous Tourism Solomons strategic plan concluded.

February 2026: “Hapi Isles” rebrand announced.

Conclusion

Tourism in Solomon Islands is about to experience its Hapi Isles period with a rebranding strategy aimed at ensuring that culture, communities, nature, and sustainability are brought more prominently into the picture when the international image of the destination is being painted. In addition, the rebranding comes at a time when there have been improvements in air connectivity and digital marketing, giving the destination more scope to grow. Tourists will continue to find many things to love in Solomon Islands with historic tours in Honiara and Guadalcanal, fantastic marine tours in the Western Province, and immersive cultural tours in the remote areas. It will all come down to being able to turn the rebranded destination into sustainable tourist numbers that will help local communities thrive without harming the unique ecosystems on the islands.