Drinking Beer At Solomon's Island: Is It Allowed?

If you're planning a trip to Solomons Island, you might be wondering about the local drinking scene. Well, wonder no more! Whether you're looking for a refreshing beer to unwind or a unique cocktail to spice up your night, Solomons Island has something for everyone. The island boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with seafood twists on classic dishes and drinks to match. For beer lovers, the Solomon Breweries' Canoe Lager is a must-try, and for those seeking a stronger kick, SolBrew (SB) offers gold and silver tins with a higher ABV. So, whether you're watching the sunset on the boardwalk or enjoying a seafood feast, you can sip on a variety of beverages that cater to your tastes.

Beer drinking on Solomons Island, Maryland

Solomons Island, Maryland, is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway by the water. With a rich maritime history, the island offers a variety of attractions, including seafood cuisine, live music, drinks, and outdoor activities.

When it comes to beer drinking on Solomons Island, there are plenty of options to choose from. The island is known for its vibrant culinary scene, with a focus on seafood, and many restaurants and bars offer a wide selection of beverages, including beer. You can stroll along Solomon Island Road and explore the various eateries, or visit popular spots like the Island Hideaway, a family-owned bistro and bar, or Charles Street Brasserie for a nice dinner.

For a more unique experience, head to The Tiki Bar to sample the official drink of Maryland, the Orange Crush. The Tiki Bar often features live music, creating a lively atmosphere for enjoying a cold beer.

In addition to restaurants and bars, Solomons Island also has several marinas and waterfront establishments where you can unwind with a drink. The Lighthouse Restaurant Dock and Bar is a notable spot, offering the opportunity to dock your boat and enjoy a meal. With their permission, you can even stay tied off for the night, providing a unique overnight experience.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that Solomons Island's peak season runs from April to October. During this period, you'll find most businesses open and fully operational, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable experience.

Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk, soaking in the sunset, or exploring the island's maritime history, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a beer or two at the various establishments Solomons Island has to offer. Remember to drink responsibly and follow local regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Local beers of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands may not have a huge variety of local beers, but what they do have is certainly worth a try. Here are some of the top local beers to try when visiting the Solomon Islands:

SolBrew (SB)

Based in the capital city of Honiara, SolBrew is the most well-known brewery in the Solomon Islands. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013, SolBrew has become a popular export throughout the South Pacific. You'll typically find two types of SolBrew: gold tins (5.7%) and silver tins (4.7%), both of which are strong, refreshing pale lagers. According to reviews, the gold tin has a bit more bite to it, but both are great for enjoying in the tropical climate of the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Breweries Canoe Lager

If you're looking for a local lager, Solomon Breweries' Canoe Lager is the one to try. It's an American-style pale lager that's widely available in the Solomon Islands. While it may not be as strong as SolBrew, it's still a great choice for a refreshing drink.

Solomon Breweries Canoe Lager Blue

Another offering from Solomon Breweries, the Canoe Lager Blue is an International/Premium-style pale lager. It's a step up from the regular Canoe Lager, offering a more robust flavour and a slightly higher alcohol content.

While the Solomon Islands may not be known as a craft beer destination, the local beers are definitely worth sampling. Whether you're enjoying a cold SolBrew on the beach or trying the local Canoe Lager with a meal, you're sure to have a unique and refreshing experience. So, when in the Solomon Islands, be sure to drink as the locals do and cheers to a great time!

Drinking and dining on Solomons Island

Solomons Island, Maryland, is a great getaway destination, with a rich history of maritime culture, a thriving seafood scene, and plenty of drinking and dining options to explore. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your culinary experience on the island:

Dining Options:

• Island Hideaway: Island Hideaway is a family-owned and operated bistro and bar on Solomons Island offering water views. The Donaldson family creates all their dishes from scratch, ensuring a quality local dining experience. Their Seafood Cannelloni, made with local seafood, is a must-try.
• Hidden Harbor: Located off the island, this low-key restaurant attracts visitors from all over. While the menu may not be exceptional, the owner and staff are known for their dedication to serving the best food possible, accompanied by good views of the harbor. Their crab fries are highly recommended.
• Charles Street Brasserie: For a nice dinner out, Charles Street Brasserie is the place to go. They offer a more upscale dining experience without compromising the casual charm of the island.

Drinking Options:

• The Tiki Bar: For a taste of the local spirit, head to The Tiki Bar and order the official drink of Maryland, the Orange Crush. They often feature live music, so check their schedule online before you go.
• Local Brews: While there may not be a wide variety of breweries on Solomons Island itself, you can still enjoy some local beers. Look out for beers from SolBrew (SB), based in Honiara. Their gold tins (5.7%) and silver tins (4.7%) offer refreshing pale lagers that are perfect for the warm climate.
• Waterfront Restaurants: As you stroll along the boardwalk, you'll find numerous waterfront restaurants and bars serving up cold drinks and stunning views. Pull up a chair, order a refreshing cocktail or a local beer, and soak in the vibrant maritime atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

If you're looking for accommodations close to the dining and drinking hotspots, consider staying on the island itself. Solomons Victorian Inn and Back Creek Inn are excellent choices, offering historic charm and convenient access to the town's culinary destinations.

Whether you're craving fresh seafood, a cold drink, or simply a relaxing meal with a view, Solomons Island has something to offer. So, indulge in the local flavors, raise a glass to the stunning sunsets, and create lasting memories on this charming island getaway.

Getting to Solomons Island

There are a few ways to get to Solomons Island, depending on where you're travelling from.

If you're coming from further afield, such as Europe or North America, the most common route is via Australia. From Brisbane, Australia, it's just a three-hour flight to the Solomon Islands. Honiara International Airport on the island of Guadalcanal is the main port of arrival, located about 12-13km east of Honiara. You can also fly into Munda in the Western Province, which has a weekly international flight from Brisbane.

Five airlines currently provide regular scheduled services into Honiara: Solomon Airlines, Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, Air Niugini, and Air Vanuatu. Solomon Airlines is the national carrier and flies to Honiara from Brisbane four times a week, as well as providing weekly flights from Nadi, Port Vila, and Port Moresby. From North America, most travellers fly through Los Angeles and either Brisbane or Nadi.

Once you're at the airport, you can take a minibus or taxi to your accommodation, or rent a car from one of the car hire desks inside the terminal. The airport has typical facilities, including duty-free shops, ATMs, and currency exchange.

If you're arriving by boat, you must request clearance at an official Port of Entry before going ashore at any island. The current official ports of entry are Honiara, Korovou (Shortland Islands), Gizo, Ringgi, Yandina, Tulagi, and Graciosa Bay. Yachts cruising the islands after checking in should still check in with Customs at any port where they have an office.

If you're already in the region, you can drive to Solomons Island. The island is about 65 miles from Washington, DC, and 80 miles from Baltimore, along state highways, mostly four-lane highways.

History of Solomons Island

The human history of the Solomon Islands dates back to the first Papuan settlement at least 30,000 years ago, with archaeological evidence found at Kilu Cave on Buka Island in Papua New Guinea. These early settlers migrated from the Bismarck Islands and New Guinea during the Pleistocene era, and over time, the rising sea levels transformed the landmass into the numerous islands that exist today. The ethnic identity of these early inhabitants is unclear, but they are believed to be the ancestors of the speakers of Central Solomon languages.

Around 1200-800 BC, Austronesian Lapita people began arriving from the Bismarck Islands, bringing with them their distinctive ceramics. This period also saw the development of extensive inter-island trade networks. The languages spoken in the Solomon Islands today are largely derived from the Austronesian era, with about 60-70 languages belonging to the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian language family.

In February 1568, the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña became the first European to visit the Solomon Islands when he landed on Santa Isabel. Mendaña believed he had found the source of King Solomon's wealth and consequently named the islands "The Islands of Solomon". Although Mendaña did not name the islands himself, later maps and reports of his voyage referred to them as such.

In the centuries that followed, the Solomons were visited by several European expeditions, including Spanish, Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch navigators. These encounters were often hostile, and the arrival of Europeans brought disease and disruptions to the power dynamics among the indigenous groups. Christian missionaries also began visiting the islands in the 1840s, with French Catholics making the first attempt to establish a mission on Santa Isabel. However, this effort was abandoned after the missionaries were killed by islanders in 1845. Anglican missionaries arrived in the 1850s, followed by other denominations, and over time, they gained a large number of converts.

In June 1893, Captain Herbert Gibson of HMS Curacoa declared the southern Solomon Islands a British protectorate, marking the beginning of colonial rule. During this period, there were attempts to establish plantations and encourage economic development, but results were mixed. The colony struggled with law and order, and there were frequent instances of European merchants and colonists being killed by islanders. In response, the British deployed Royal Navy warships to launch punitive expeditions.

During World War II, the Solomon Islands became a battleground between the Allied forces (primarily the United States and British Imperial forces) and the Empire of Japan. The campaign lasted from 1942 to 1945 and included fierce fighting, with significant losses on all sides. The Battle of Guadalcanal was a particularly notable engagement. The war had a profound impact on the islands and their people, with the introduction of modern materials, machinery, and Western cultural artefacts transforming traditional isolated island ways of life.

Following the war, Honiara was made the capital, utilising the infrastructure left over from the conflict. The Solomon Islands gained self-government in 1976 and achieved independence in 1978, becoming a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of Solomon Islands. However, the country continued to face challenges, including ethnic violence, economic instability, and political unrest. In recent years, there have been efforts to promote sustainable development and address issues such as deforestation and malaria control.

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