Langa Langa Lagoon

Langa Langa Lagoon, situated on the western coast of Malaita Island, is world-renowned for its unique artificial islands and the production of traditional shell money. For centuries, the lagoon's inhabitants have constructed small islands from coral stones in the shallow waters to seek protection from inland warfare and gain direct access to marine resources. These islands, often accommodating only a handful of dwellings, represent an extraordinary example of human adaptation to a maritime environment. Langa Langa is the primary center for the manufacture of shell money (Akila) in the Solomon Islands, where polished shell discs are meticulously strung together to be used even today in bride price payments and customary compensation ceremonies. The lagoon's residents are also celebrated for their seafaring expertise and shipbuilding skills, producing both traditional canoes and larger wooden vessels. Historically, the lagoon served as a vital commercial hub connecting Malaita with other parts of the archipelago. While the arrival of Christianity and colonial rule altered many social structures, the artisanal traditions of the lagoon have remained remarkably resilient. Currently, the area faces ecological threats from rising sea levels and overfishing, prompting a shift toward sustainable resource management.

Nearby cities

Point Cruz Business District

This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.

Honiara

The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.

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Kokumbona

A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Lungga

Lungga is an industrial and residential settlement on the eastern edge of Honiara, located by the river of the same name.

Auki Market Center

Auki is the economic center of Malaita Province.

Auki

Auki is the capital of Malaita Province and one of the largest towns in the country.

Buala

Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.

Tulagi Island

The former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

Tulagi

Tulagi was the former capital of the British Protectorate and is now the capital of the Central Province.

A-Tulagi

The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.

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Fauabu

Fauabu is a mission station on the west coast of Malaita, known for its significant hospital.

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Atori

Atori is an important trade center on the east coast of Malaita and the terminus of the road from Auki.

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Afutara

Afutara is a mission station and settlement on the west coast of Malaita, known for its agricultural center.

Malu'u

Malu'u is a significant settlement in the north of Malaita Island, serving as a regional education and trade center.

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Rua Sura

Rua Sura is a small island settlement off the coast of Guadalcanal, known for its coral reefs.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council

The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.

Langa Langa Artificial Islands

These islands were built by hand from coral stones in the Malaita lagoon.

Auki Central Market

Auki Central Market is a vibrant hub where agricultural products from the Malaita highlands are traded and sold.

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Kwaio District

A region on Malaita known for its historic resistance to colonial rule and its strictly maintained traditional culture.

Nature

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Indispensable Strait

This wide strait runs between the islands of Malaita, Guadalcanal, and San Cristobal.

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Mount Galau

Mount Galau is the highest elevation on Malaita Island, located in its south-central region.

Florida Islands

Also known as the Nggela Islands, these islands north of Guadalcanal feature deep natural harbors like Tulagi.

Lau Lagoon

This lagoon in northeast Malaita is famous for its artificial islands built by locals using coral rock.

More places

St. Peter's Cathedral, Auki

The primary Catholic church in Auki, Malaita, is a monumental religious building in the region.

Auki Mangroves

The mangrove forests near Auki on Malaita are a vital ecosystem for marine species and coastal protection.

Central Range Malaita

The Central Range runs the length of Malaita Island from northwest to southeast.

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Mount Nasuha

Mount Nasuha is one of the significant peaks in southern Malaita.

Florida Ridge

The Florida Ridge is the central mountain spine of the Nggela Islands (Florida Islands).

Tanambogo Island

Twin island to Gavutu, famous for the desperate Japanese defense in August 1942.

Gavutu Island

A small island near Tulagi connected by a causeway to Tanambogo.

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PT Boat Base Sesapi

Sesapi on Tulagi was a major base for US PT boats during World War II.