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.

Background

The lagoon runs for more than 35 kilometers along the northeast coast of Malaita and holds about 60 artificial islands raised on the reef. Several villages share it. The largest, Forau, has around 1,500 permanent residents, a figure that can grow to three times that number during major local feasts and religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. About 200 people live on Funa'afou island, near the edge of the Makwanu Passage. The only road comes from Auki by way of Malu'u and ends at Fouia wharf, facing the islands of Sulufou and Adagege; the rest of the lagoon can be reached only by sea.

Source: Wikipedia, "Lau Lagoon"

What to look for

• 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.

Things to know

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.

Key facts