The Solomon Islands is also called the “Hapi Isles”. It doesn’t take much of a guess to work out what the pidgin word “hapi” means in English, does it? And when you spend time in the Solomons and see the smiling faces that greet you, it’s easy to believe it’s true.

My week in this beautiful archipelago of more than 900 islands was full of smiles – my own and those of the islanders I met.  Here are a few of the people who made my visit so enjoyable.

Before you meet the others, let me tell you about the beautiful woman at the top of the page. She was making children’s toys in the village of Ugele on Rendova Island. The toys – whistles, trumpets, balls, spinning tops – were all made from palm fronds, artfully twisted.

So for those of you who haven’t yet made it to the Solomon Islands, here’s a few smiles to show you what awaits your arrival.

Swimming off the island of Gizo, kids just having fun!

A betel-nut smile from a woman selling fish at the Honiara Central Market.

Big brother, watching his little brother, Mbabanga village, Gizo.

This is Cynthia, the receptionist at Sanbis Resort on the island of Gizo.

One of the four children of Melea and Perei, who live in a one-room hut.

It may not be all smiles building a traditional canoe, but he was happy to talk!

One of the friendly villagers at Ugele village on Rendova Island.

Life for a boatman is all smiles!

“Make this world happier” – how better than with a good girly giggle!

A half-smile…but she was so beautiful even without a big grin.

A Glass Half Full travelled as a guest of the Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau and Solomon Airlines.