Things To Do
in Auki
Auki is the capital of Malaita Province, situated on the northeast coast of Malaita Island. It serves as a busy small port town with a friendly, welcoming community and a daily market filled with fish, root crops, and crafts. The town is a gateway to traditional Malaitan culture and nearby islets ideal for day trips.
Visitors should expect limited infrastructure but warm hospitality and evocative coastal scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local market where you can see fresh produce and handmade crafts. Enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee while chatting with the friendly vendors. Take in the vibrant atmosphere and the sights and sounds of the town waking up.
Head to the nearby Auki wharf and watch the boats come in with their daily catch. Visit the Auki Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Solomon Islands. Have a leisurely lunch at a waterfront café offering traditional Solomon Island dishes.
Spend your evening at a beachfront bar, enjoying a tropical drink as the sun sets over the ocean. Listen to local music and mingle with residents and fellow travelers. End the night with a peaceful walk along the shore under the stars.
Set out early for a guided trek through the lush Auki forest, home to diverse flora and fauna. Listen to the calls of exotic birds and spot colorful butterflies along the trails. Pause at a scenic viewpoint to capture panoramic photos of the island landscape.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch among towering palms and native plants. Continue exploring the forest paths to discover hidden streams and small waterfalls. Learn about the traditional uses of local plants from your guide.
Return to Auki and relax at your accommodation after a day of adventure. Savor a dinner featuring fresh seafood caught earlier in the day. Reflect on the natural beauty you experienced while enjoying a quiet evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🥥Coconut and fruit | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local transport (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🧭Handicraft souvenir | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and authentic cultural experiences
- Access to pristine reef and island scenery
- Low-key, uncrowded travel experience
- Strong community market life
- Limited healthcare facilities and transport options
- Occasional travel delays due to weather
- Limited dining and nightlife choices
- Rural and island-based infrastructure can be basic
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Gud morin" - Good morning
- "Tenkyu" - Thank you
- "Plis" - Please
- "Mi no save" - I don’t know
Places to Visit in Auki
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light over the calm water with fishing boats and boatshed silhouettes.
Colorful stalls, baskets, and local life captured in candid portraits and close-ups.
A vantage point along the coast for wide sea views and sunset silhouettes.
Food in Auki
Auki Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional meal cooked underground in a wood-fired oven, typically with fish or pork and roasted root vegetables.
Must-Try!
Fresh fish simmered in coconut milk with local spices, a common seaside staple.
Boiled or stewed sweet potato with leafy greens in coconut milk.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling daily market selling fresh fish, taro, yam, and coconut products, plus street-side snacks.
Mobile grills and markets near the harbour offering grilled fish, cassava chips, and plantains.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and handshake. Show respect to elders and chiefs; ask permission before entering homes.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially villagers or ceremonial sites; avoid pointing feet at sacred places.
Dress modestly in public areas; cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages or churches.
Safety
Tipping in Auki
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary but appreciated for outstanding service. A small tip for guides or boat operators is welcomed.
Cash (Solomon Islands dollar) is most widely accepted. Some places may take card payments, especially in larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy rains and higher humidity. Seas can be choppier, and travel by boat may be delayed; carry rain gear and a waterproof bag.
More sunshine and calmer seas. Ideal for snorkeling and hiking; evenings can be cooler.
Weather can be unsettled with scattered showers; pack versatile clothing and a light rain jacket.
Auki at Night
Hiking in Auki
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop along the waterfront with mangroves and reef views; 1–2 hours.
Forest path to a hillside village; cultural insights; 2–3 hours.
Forest path to a hilltop lookout with sea views; 3–4 hours.
Airports
How to reach Auki by plane.
Solomon Islands' main international gateway; domestic flights connect to Auki and other provinces.
Provincial hub in Western Province, reachable by domestic flight and often used for connections to outlying islands.
Located on New Georgia; serves domestic air travel to the outer islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Malaita residents with Kwaio and Kwara'ae language groups, along with other Solomon Islanders.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with informal games played in towns and villages.
Rugby union is played locally, with community clubs and regional matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Auki.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on coconut-based curries, cassava dishes, taro greens, and fruit. Request dishes without fish or meat; meals are often vegetable-forward.