Thousands pack Honiara's National Stadium for colourful Pacific ...

The Pacific Games has kicked off with a riot of colour and sound as Pacific nations unite for one of the most significant events of Oceania's sporting calendar.

Around 10,000 people packed the National Stadium to capacity in Honiara on Sunday night to formally open the Games, with the theme of water.

Crowds started arriving well in advance of the sold-out ceremony to guarantee good seats, and hundreds also gathered on the hills surrounding the stadium to get a glimpse of the action. 

One group of young men climbed the roof of a nearby apartment building to wave a huge Papua New Guinea flag as the sun set.

Team PNG received a warm welcome as they arrived.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

Samoa, the previous hosts of the Pacific Games in 2019, led the parade of athletes after dancers in blue and orange traced patterns around the field.

Spectators held up pictures of the flags of the 24 countries as their teams entered, and cheers and chants echoed through the stadium as the athletes took their turn on the stage.

Its the first time Solomon Islands has hosted the event.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

The large Papua New Guinean team received rapturous applause, only beaten by the host nation as they arrived at the end, a great stream of blue, green and yellow that was welcomed by almost 10 straight minutes of cheering.

Pacific Games organising committee board chairman Martin Rara said the opening ceremony was a "momentous occasion that marks the culmination of countless hours of planning, dedication, and teamwork".

"The Games are not merely a sporting event, they are a celebration of human achievement, camaraderie and the indomitable spirit of competition," he said.

The opening ceremony was full of song, performance and dance.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

"We have strived to create an unforgettable experience for all participants and spectators ... our aim has been to host the Games and not only showcase the remarkable athletic prowess of our competitors but also highlight the unique cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of our region.

"This ceremony is a celebration of the spirit of unity and friendship that the Games embody. As athletes from different nations gather on the field today, remember that despite diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are all united by the common language of sport."

Fourteen-year-old Niue athlete Ramsi Edwards carried their flag.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked donor countries for their aid in making the Games possible, highlighting China's assistance.

"Tonight, we take the first step in telling our Games story to the world," he said.

"Preparing for these Games has been the experience of a lifetime ... it is now our honour to hand the Games over to the athletes of the Pacific. Challenge yourselves, celebrate our Pacific diversity and unite our region."

A number of the Tongan athletes flexed in front of the crowd.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

Finally, the paddle-shaped baton that made its way around the Pacific was placed into a waterfall that connected the Solomon Islands to the rest of the region, where it will stay for the duration of the Games.

Kata Ziru is cheering on the Fijian athletes.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

Kata Ziru is a Fijian who has lived in Solomon Islands for 17 years and arrived hours ahead of the ceremony to get a good seat.

"Some of us are watching live on TV right now, some of us are here," she said before the ceremony started.

"The Fijian community in Honiara have decided to come out in numbers to support the Fiji team that is currently here.

"The support has been great from the community to the Fiji team in the Solomon Islands."

The stadium was full for the sold-out ceremony.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

Local Eddie Musuota was happy to see Pacific Islanders from the entire region in his city.

"People are coming to see most of the wantoks from around the Pacific and enjoying it," he told ABC Pacific earlier in the day.

"Not only from around the Pacific but from around the world, they are here to see the games.

"I'm proud that we host the Pacific Games here.

"All the people are happy, they are really happy and enjoying watching the games."

Samoa hosted the last Pacific Games.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)

Another Honiara local, Hudson Kamabule, said it was "very overwhelming" to have the Pacific Games in Honiara.

"There are a lot of benefits, the real benefits of the Pacific Games is the economy of the country, nationally and domestically," he said.

"I see lots of people get benefits by selling products, local people as well as business people and also the government."

Team Tuvalu enters the Pacific Games stadium.(ABC Pacific: Hugo Hodge)