Langa Langa Lagoon

The Langa Langa lagoon on Malaita's western coast holds a set of artificial islands, built up over generations by carrying coral stone out into the shallows and piling it until there was land to live on, a response to malaria and to disputes on the mainland. Villages sit on them. The lagoon is also where shell money is made, ground and drilled by hand and used across the Solomons.

Background

Langa Langa Lagoon, also known as Akwalaafu, runs along the west coast of Malaita close to the provincial capital, Auki. It measures 21 km in length and a little under 1 km across. Its residents are known as the lagoon people or salt water people, and their small islands were raised over time on sand bars. Four kinds of shell go into the money made here, among them a red lipped rock oyster called romu and a black horse mussel called kurila. The islanders are also known for boat building, which turned commercial in the 1960s, around the time a boat building school opened in Auki. Laulasi, the best known island, has received visitors since the early 1970s.

Source: Wikipedia, "Langa Langa Lagoon"

What's there

• The artificial islands - land built by hand from coral carried into the shallows.
• The shell money - discs ground and drilled by hand, still used in exchange.
• The lagoon villages - communities living entirely on made ground.
• The canoe transport - the only way between the islands.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. The wet season brings squalls into the lagoon. Visits should be arranged rather than turning up.

What to expect

Visits need arranging through the communities and photography rules apply. Accommodation is basic if staying. The lagoon has water quality problems near the larger villages.

Nearby

Auki is north, and Lau Lagoon is on the other coast.

Key facts