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Malaita, Solomon Islands - Things to Do in Malaita

Things to Do in Malaita

Malaita, Solomon Islands - Complete Travel Guide

Malaita is the most populous island in the Solomon Islands, offering visitors an authentic Melanesian cultural experience away from typical tourist crowds. This mountainous island is renowned for its rich traditional customs, including ancient shell money systems still used in some villages, and its diverse linguistic heritage with over 30 local languages spoken across different communities. The island features dramatic landscapes ranging from coral atolls and pristine beaches to dense tropical rainforests and traditional villages where age-old customs remain largely unchanged. As the cultural heartland of the Solomon Islands, Malaita provides unique opportunities to witness traditional ceremonies, learn about indigenous crafts like shell money making, and experience village life that has remained relatively untouched by modern tourism. The island's isolation has preserved its authentic character, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking genuine cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures in one of the Pacific's most traditional societies.

Top Things to Do in Malaita

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

Visit authentic Malaitan villages to witness traditional customs, ceremonies, and daily life that has remained unchanged for generations. Experience shell money demonstrations, traditional dancing, and learn about the complex clan systems that govern local society.

Booking Tip: Arrange tours through local cultural centers or village chiefs, typically costing $20-40 per person. Best visited during dry season (April-October) when village access is easier via jungle paths.

Shell Money Workshop Experience

Learn about the traditional shell money system still used in Malaita, participating in workshops where you can observe the intricate process of creating these ancient currency pieces. This unique cultural practice offers insight into one of the world's oldest surviving monetary systems.

Booking Tip: Contact local cultural groups or village elders directly, with workshop fees around $15-25 per person. Best arranged 2-3 days in advance through your accommodation or local guides.

Rainforest Trekking and Bird Watching

Explore Malaita's dense tropical rainforests on guided treks that reveal diverse endemic bird species and unique flora. The island's mountainous interior offers excellent hiking opportunities through pristine jungle environments rarely visited by outsiders.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides through village contacts for $30-50 per day including meals. Dry season (May-September) offers best conditions, though expect muddy trails year-round.

Traditional Fishing and Reef Exploration

Join local fishermen using traditional methods to catch fish around Malaita's coral reefs and lagoons. Experience ancient fishing techniques while exploring some of the Solomon Islands' most pristine marine environments.

Booking Tip: Arrange through coastal villages for $25-40 per person including basic equipment. Early morning departures (5-6 AM) offer best fishing conditions and calmer seas.

Sacred Site and Ancestral Ground Visits

Explore Malaita's sacred sites and ancestral grounds with respectful guided visits to places of spiritual significance. Learn about traditional beliefs, ancestor worship, and the spiritual connection between the Malaitan people and their land.

Booking Tip: Must be arranged through proper cultural protocols via village chiefs, typically $20-35 per person. Requires advance permission and appropriate cultural dress and behavior.

Getting There

Malaita is accessible primarily through Solomon Airlines flights from Honiara (Guadalcanal) to Auki Airport, the island's main airstrip, with flights taking approximately 45 minutes and costing $150-200 one way. Alternatively, passenger ferries and cargo boats operate between Honiara and various ports on Malaita, including Auki and Malu'u, taking 6-8 hours and costing $30-50 per person. The sea journey can be rough during wet season, so flights are recommended for those prone to seasickness.

Getting Around

Transportation on Malaita is limited and challenging, with most travel accomplished by walking, local trucks, or small boats along the coast. The island has few proper roads, mostly concentrated around Auki town, with most villages accessible only by foot paths through the jungle or by small boats. Local trucks and buses run irregular schedules between major settlements for $5-15 per journey, while hiring private transport or boats for specific destinations typically costs $50-100 per day depending on distance and difficulty of access.

Where to Stay

Auki Town Center
Malu'u Coastal Area
Fauabu Village
Kwai Island
Langa Langa Lagoon
Su'u Harbor Area

Food & Dining

Dining options on Malaita are extremely limited and basic, centered around local markets in Auki town and village-based meals prepared by families. Traditional Malaitan cuisine features root vegetables like taro and sweet potato, fresh fish, tropical fruits, and coconut-based dishes cooked in earth ovens or over open fires. Most visitors arrange meals through their accommodation or village hosts, with simple local restaurants in Auki serving basic rice and fish dishes for $5-10 per meal. Bringing some packaged foods from Honiara is recommended for longer stays.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Solomon Islands

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Le Bernardin

4.6 /5
(4023 reviews) 4

La Tartaruga

4.6 /5
(608 reviews) 2
liquor_store store

La Villa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(498 reviews)

Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande

4.9 /5
(349 reviews)

La Vela Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(360 reviews)

HOTTO

4.5 /5
(244 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Malaita is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is lower, humidity is more manageable, and access to remote villages via jungle paths is easier. This period also offers calmer seas for boat travel between islands and better conditions for outdoor activities like trekking and cultural visits. The wet season (November-March) brings heavy rainfall, flooding, and difficult travel conditions, though it's also when many traditional ceremonies take place, offering unique cultural experiences for those willing to brave the challenging weather conditions.

Insider Tips

Always seek permission from village chiefs before visiting communities and bring small gifts like betel nut or tobacco as cultural courtesy
Learn basic Pijin phrases as English is limited outside Auki town, and showing effort to communicate in local language is highly appreciated
Pack insect repellent, water purification tablets, and basic medical supplies as facilities are extremely limited outside the main town

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