One of Honiara’s most iconic landmarks, the King Solomon Hotel, is entering an exciting new chapter as it undergoes a major $50 million redevelopment, blending modern hospitality with a rich legacy that dates back more than six decades.
The story of the hotel began in the 1960s, when the Saunders family built a modest nine-room property known as The Hibiscus. Over time, it became a favourite stop for travellers seeking island charm and warm Solomon Islands hospitality.
In the 1990s, Islands Hotels expanded the property, adding hillside garden rooms and popular attractions such as the Bamboo Café, the legendary Pipeline Bar, Honiara’s first nightclub and the cable car. With its growth and enhanced facilities, the hotel was renamed after the great King Solomon, cementing its place in the nation’s tourism history.
Then in 2025, the SINPF acquired the King Solomon Hotel assets for SBD50 million, securing a 55% ownership stake, while they sold 45% to O’Neil Ramington Group, a company owned by former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
Today, the hotel’s famous leaf hut, long a symbol of its tropical identity is gradually making way for upgraded facilities designed to enhance guest comfort while maintaining the spirit of Solomon Islands culture. Hotel management has confirmed that hotel operations and guest services are continuing as normal throughout the redevelopment period.
The redevelopment signals a renewed commitment to tourism, promising world-class amenities, improved infrastructure, and a refreshed experience for both local and international visitors. As the King Solomon Hotel evolves, it continues to stand as a proud gateway to Honiara and the Solomon Islands, where history, culture, and modern hospitality meet.
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