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Auki

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City
—°1
Auki (Solomon Islands)
ℹ️

Practical info — Auki

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Take a boat trip to Langa Langa Lagoon to see the man-made islands and the traditional shell money making.
  • Visit the main Auki market on a Saturday, when vendors from all over Malaita Province gather.
  • Be prepared for frequent tropical showers; a light raincoat and waterproof shoes are essential.
  • Always ask for permission ('Kastom') before visiting rural areas or beaches, as they are often privately owned.
  • Local transport is mainly by minibus or boat; always agree on the fare beforehand.

🍽 Food

🍽
Motu

A traditional meal cooked in an earth oven, usually consisting of fish or meat with root vegetables.

🍽
Fresh Reef Fish

Try the daily catch grilled over an open fire at the small stalls near the Auki market.

🍽
Local Pineapple

Malaita is famous for its exceptionally sweet pineapples; buy them fresh from the market or roadside vendors.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Auki Central Market

The go-to spot for shell money jewelry, woven bags, and fresh tropical produce.

🛍
Lagoon Craft Stalls

Visit the man-made islands to purchase authentic shell money necklaces directly from the artisans.

🛍
Island Textiles

Look for brightly colored fabrics and sarongs with traditional patterns in the town's small shops.

🧘
Langa Langa Lagoon

Cruising on the calm lagoon waters is a very relaxing experience with beautiful scenery.

🧘
Auki Riverside

A walk along the riverbanks is particularly peaceful in the early morning hours.

🧘
Nearby Hillsides

Short treks into the surrounding hills offer silence and great views over the town and bay.

Auki is the provincial capital of Malaita and the third-largest town in the Solomon Islands, situated on the northwestern coast of Malaita Island. As the primary commercial and transport hub for the nation's most populous province, it plays a vital role in regional trade and administration. The town is famous for its bustling central market and its proximity to the Langa Langa Lagoon, renowned for its unique artificial islands and the traditional manufacture of shell money. Auki is connected to the rest of the archipelago via the Gwaunaru'u Airport and regular passenger shipping services to Honiara. Recent years have seen significant infrastructure improvements, including a new market complex and upgraded wharf facilities to support the local economy. The surrounding region is known for its strong adherence to Melanesian customs and traditional governance systems. Auki provides essential services for the province, including the main hospital, secondary schools, and government offices. It serves as a starting point for exploring the rugged interior and coastal beauty of one of the Pacific's most culturally animated islands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282828272727272828
Rain mm281311285217189193203171170209199232

Geography

Population
7,785
Coordinates
-8.76670, 160.70000

Facts

  • Auki is the capital city of the Malaita Province.
  • It is ranked as the third-largest urban center in the Solomon Islands.
  • The town is located on the northwest coast of Malaita Island.
  • The Langa Langa Lagoon nearby is a center for traditional shell money.
  • Gwaunaru'u Airport is the main aviation link for Auki.
  • Regular fast ferry services connect Auki to Honiara in about 3 hours.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Auki (1)

Reba Cabe📍 landmark

Reba Cabe, a cultural landmark in central Auki.

Frequently asked questions

Why visit Auki?
It is the center of Malaita culture and very authentic.
How many days are enough?
1 to 2 days are enough to gain insight into life.
What is the travel like?
By small plane or ferry from Honiara.
What should one consider?
Respect local customs and traditions.
Are there markets?
Yes, the local market is very lively.
Auki: where is it located?
Auki is located in Solomon Islands.
Auki: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Auki: why is it worth visiting?
Auki is the provincial capital of Malaita and the third-largest town in the Solomon Islands, situated on the northwestern coast of Malaita Island.
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