Lau Lagoon

The Lau lagoon runs along Malaita's northeastern coast behind a barrier reef and holds the largest concentration of artificial islands in the Solomons, dozens of them built up from coral stone over centuries with villages, churches and gardens on the larger ones. The people here have kept a strong distinction between saltwater and bush communities, and canoe is the only way between the islands. The islands are still being extended today, with families adding stone as households grow.

What you actually see

• The island chain - dozens of hand-built islands along the lagoon.
• The barrier reef - the outer reef that shelters the whole system.
• The saltwater communities - villages living entirely on and from the water.
• The canoe traffic - the only transport between the islands.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. The wet season makes the road and the lagoon rough. Visits should be arranged well ahead.

Honest expectations

Getting there means a long rough road from Auki and then arranging canoes. Accommodation is with families and very basic. Custom rules on behaviour and photography apply and matter.

Nearby

Auki is southwest, and Langa Langa is on the western coast.