โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Nana Airport (NAZ), also known as Star Harbour Airport, is a small regional airstrip serving the community of Star Harbour on the eastern tip of San Cristobal (Makira) island in the Solomon Islands. The terminal is a basic, open-air structure that perfectly reflects the remote and tropical nature of the region. It primarily handles domestic flights from the capital, Honiara, operated by Solomon Airlines, providing an essential link for both the local community and visitors to this isolated part of the archipelago.
Facilities at the airport are minimal, with a simple sheltered area for passengers to wait for their flights. There are no commercial shops or dining options on-site, so travelers should be fully self-sufficient with food, water, and other essentials. The airstrip is surrounded by the lush tropical forests and coastal landscapes of Makira, making it a scenic and unique point of arrival for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path island experience.
Ground transportation from the airport to nearby villages and community centers is almost exclusively by local transport or by boat, which is a primary mode of travel in this island-dotted region. The airport is a vital link for the local community, offering a convenient and scenic alternative to longer sea voyages from the capital. Arriving at Nana offers an immediate immersion into the pristine and tranquil beauty of the eastern Solomon Islands, ensuring that this remote part of the country remains connected to essential services.
๐ Connection Tips
Nana Airport (NAZ) at Star Harbour represents one of the most remote aviation connections in the Solomon Islands, serving the eastern tip of Makira (San Cristobal) island with highly weather-dependent services. Ground and water transportation must be carefully coordinated before arrival, as Star Harbour offers no taxi services or vehicle rentals at the basic airstrip facility. The airstrip's grass surface becomes unusable when saturated by heavy tropical rains, leading to immediate cancellations that can extend for days during the wet season (November through April).
Solomon Airlines operates Twin Otter DHC-6 aircraft to this grass airstrip, but flights are cancelled very frequently - scheduled departures actually operating on time are the exception rather than the rule, making this destination unsuitable for travelers with tight international connections through Honiara. Most onward travel involves outboard motor boats, which take 45-60 minutes to reach various coastal villages and the famous surf breaks like Bola's near Tawarogha village to the northwest. Travelers must maintain complete flexibility with their schedules and should never plan same-day connections back to international flights from Honiara.
The 45-minute flight from Henderson International Airport (HIR) in Honiara is spectacular when weather permits, offering aerial views of countless pristine islands and coral reefs. These boat transfers are entirely weather-dependent and should be pre-arranged through local guesthouses or community contacts, as spontaneous transportation is virtually non-existent in this remote region where mobile phone coverage is extremely limited or absent. Essential supplies including water, non-perishable food, basic medications, and cash in Solomon Islands dollars must be carried, as Star Harbour has minimal commercial facilities and no banking services whatsoever.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Gwaunaru'u Airport (AKS) is the primary aviation gateway to Malaita Island, the most populous island in the Solomon Islands. Located approximately one nautical mile southwest of the provincial capital of Auki, the airport serves as a critical link connecting the central and northern districts of Malaita with the national capital, Honiara. The airfield features a short, well-maintained runway that is exclusively served by Solomon Airlines, which operates regular domestic flights using DHC-6 Twin Otter and De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft, providing essential transport for local residents, government officials, and a growing number of adventure travelers.
The terminal at Gwaunaru'u is a minimalist and practical structure that reflects the relaxed and authentic spirit of the Solomon Islands. It consists of a simple, open-air building that provides essential shade and a basic waiting area for passengers. While the facility lacks the commercial luxuries of international hubsโsuch as retail malls, restaurants, or ATMsโit offers a professional environment where travelers are often greeted by the friendly local community. The layout is exceptionally user-friendly, with the runway located just a few dozen meters from the terminal entrance, ensuring a rapid transition for passengers and cargo between the aircraft and the local transport network.
Operational activity at AKS is closely integrated with the unique cultural and geographic profile of Malaita. The airport acts as the starting point for exploring the stunning Langa Langa Lagoon, famous for its man-made islands and traditional shell money production. The terminal area offers arriving passengers an immediate introduction to the rugged beauty of the island, where the lack of traditional airport bustle highlights the region's geographic isolation and cultural preservation. For visitors, the airport represents more than just a transit point; it is the essential threshold to a region defined by its vibrant markets, traditional panpipe music, and the longest remote road network in the archipelago.
๐ Connection Tips
Auki Gwaunaru'u Airport (AKS) is a classic Solomon Islands domestic connection point where the real hub is Honiara, not the provincial airport itself. Solomon Airlines' current guidance says domestic check-in opens 90 minutes before departure and closes 30 minutes before departure, which is worth following closely because there are fewer recovery options on island routes if you miss the flight. If your trip begins or ends on an international ticket, build the protective margin in Honiara rather than assuming the domestic segment will line up tightly on the same day.
That is especially important in the Solomon Islands, where weather, aircraft rotation, and network disruptions can all affect inter-island schedules. Auki is an important Malaita gateway, but it is not an airport where you should assume multiple same-day alternatives will be available if service moves late. If you are safeguarding an international departure from Honiara, many travelers will be better served by an overnight buffer in the capital.
Ground transport at AKS is simple but local. The airport is close to Auki, and onward travel is usually by pre-arranged pickup, taxi, or local vehicle rather than by formal airport shuttle. If you are going beyond Auki town to villages, mission stations, or coastal communities, make sure the person meeting you understands your flight details and any baggage constraints.
AKS works well when you treat the domestic flight as one part of a larger island logistics chain: check in early, keep the Honiara connection generous, and confirm the final road transfer before boarding. In the Solomons, the smoothest trips are the ones planned around limited capacity and weather reality, not optimistic timing.
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