HONIARA, Solomon Islands — 9 July 2025 — One of Honiara’s most recognisable landmarks is preparing for a bold new chapter, as King Hotel and Resorts Limited (KHRL) embarks on a $45 million redevelopment of the King Solomon Hotel.
A joint venture between the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Board and the O’Neill Remington Group (ORG), KHRL is combining local insight with regional investment to revitalise the iconic property — a move that signals strong confidence in the long-term potential of the Solomon Islands’ tourism and hospitality industry.
The redevelopment follows KHRL’s acquisition of the King Solomon Hotel property in late February 2025. The SINPF Board purchased a 55% shareholding in the hotel for $50 million, while ORG will contribute $45 million to fund the modernisation as part of its 45% stake.
All necessary building permits have been approved by the Honiara City Council, and construction is scheduled to begin in September, following the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Hotel operations will continue throughout the project, with all current staff retained during the transition.
At the heart of the redevelopment is a bold architectural concept — three towering, modern “leaf hauses” along Hibiscus Avenue. Each will rise 18 metres high, merging traditional Solomon Islands design with contemporary building methods and hospitality standards.
The first leaf haus will feature a welcoming new hotel reception, café, public amenities and administrative offices. The second will house an open-plan commercial kitchen with cold and dry storage, an in-house bakery, butchery and an 80-seat restaurant. The third structure is set to become the home of Honiara’s first microbrewery and entertainment venue, complete with a bar and front-row views of the brewing process.
All three air-conditioned structures will be constructed using steel, expansive glasswork and composite roofing styled after traditional leaf houses. They will be connected by an elevated glass walkway running parallel to Hibiscus Avenue — a visual tribute to Honiara’s welcoming and safe urban environment.
“I am delighted that we are kicking off stage one of a multi-stage redevelopment of the hotel,” said SINPF Chairman Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers. “The first stage, which will include construction and fit-out, is expected to cost an estimated 50 million dollars and take around 12 months to complete. Employment for around 80 local construction workers will be created during the stage one development.”
ORG Chairman Peter O’Neill reaffirmed his group’s commitment to the project and to the Solomon Islands.
“After seeing the strong performance of the King Solomon Hotel and the absolute support from locals and visitors alike to the changes since our involvement in late February this year, and the continued support of the government, I am very confident this further investment in the redevelopment of the hotel will yield strong financial results; excellent standards in hospitality in the nation’s capital; and provide new, long-term employment for Solomon Islanders,” O’Neill said.
“It will be an iconic building not just for Honiara, but for the entire Pacific — and a hospitality experience for locals and visitors alike that will set a new standard of excellence and fun in Honiara,” he added.
The King Solomon Hotel has long stood as a cultural landmark in the capital. With this redevelopment, it is set to become a symbol of growth, resilience and the future of Solomon Islands tourism — a destination where tradition and modernity meet under one roof.
