Things To Do
in Kirakira
Kirakira is a remote coastal town on Makira Island in the Solomon Islands. It sits between lush jungle and a clear, turquoise sea, delivering raw natural beauty and a slow, welcoming pace. The town serves as a gateway to Makira’s reefs, villages, and forests, with friendly locals and a simple, community-driven vibe.
Visitors should be prepared for basic infrastructure, but will be rewarded with authentic island hospitality and striking scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Kirakira airport and feel the warm tropical breeze as you step onto the runway. A local guide greets you with fresh coconut water before leading you to your beachfront bungalow. Spend the morning unpacking and soaking in the panoramic views of the white sand beach and lush palm trees.
After lunch, join a guided walk along the shoreline to discover tide pools filled with colorful marine life. Learn about the island’s unique coral ecosystems and pick up tips for responsible wildlife watching. Return to your bungalow for a short rest as the sun begins to dip.
Gather around a beach bonfire as local musicians play traditional rhythms on wooden drums. Savor a freshly grilled fish dinner prepared with tropical spices and root vegetables. End the evening stargazing and listening to gentle waves lapping on the shore.
Visit a nearby coastal village where elders perform a traditional welcome ceremony with song and dance. Receive handmade leaf crowns and learn the cultural significance behind each movement in the dance. Explore thatched houses and meet families who have lived on this island for generations.
Join a communal cooking session to prepare cassava and taro dishes using age-old techniques over an open flame. Chat with village women as they weave baskets and mats from palm fronds, picking up a few weaving skills yourself. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a hearty village-style lunch under a canopy of tropical trees.
Return to your lodge and freshen up for an evening presentation on island history by a local storyteller. Sample kava in a traditional ceremony while exchanging tales with fellow travelers. Drift to sleep lulled by distant village drums and the night chorus of tropical frogs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥪Local street food or snack | $2-5 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-10 |
| 🧭Guided day trip or activity | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, uncrowded island experience and warm hospitality
- Beautiful reefs, beaches, and easy access to nature
- Limited infrastructure and amenities
- Healthcare and transport can be logistically challenging
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Tenkiu" - Thank you
- "Plis" - Please
- "Hao much dis?" - How much is this?
- "Mi laik help" - I need help
Places to Visit in Kirakira
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft golden light over a palm-fringed shoreline with turquoise water, ideal for long-exposure and horizon shots.
Colorful boats, fishing nets, and market stalls that capture daily island life.
Dense mangroves along the coast with reflections and birdlife, great for atmospheric compositions.
A ridge overlooking the surrounding islands and sea, perfect for sweeping landscape shots.
Food in Kirakira
Kirakira Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught reef fish simmered in coconut milk with lime and local spices, a common seaside dish.
Must-Try!
Hearty stew of taro root cooked in coconut milk with greens and herbs.
Rice cooked in coconut milk served with char-grilled fish and lime.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market where villagers sell fresh fish, coconuts, fruits, and vegetables; try grilled fish skewers and tropical fruit snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet locals politely, often with a handshake; show respect to elders and hosts; ask permission before taking photos of people or private spaces.
Dress modestly in village settings; remove shoes when entering homes or certain communal spaces; avoid loud displays of affection in rural areas.
Safety
Tipping in Kirakira
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; small gratuities for guides, boat crews, and drivers are common.
Cash (Solomon Islands dollar, SBD) is usually preferred; some places may accept AUD or USD. Cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs are limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, mostly sunny days with calmer seas; ideal for beach time and outdoor exploring. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain layer just in case.
Frequent tropical showers and higher humidity; expect occasional storms and rougher seas. Bring a compact rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, and plan for flexible outdoor plans.
Kirakira at Night
Hiking in Kirakira
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate hikes offering sea vistas, forest scenery, and opportunities to observe local flora and birds.
Airports
How to reach Kirakira by plane.
Small regional airstrip serving Makira Island; limited domestic flights connect to Honiara and other Solomon Islands destinations.
Nearby airport on nearby Malaita Island; used for regional connections and transfers to coastal towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents belong to Makira’s diverse communities, including linguistic groups such as Arosi, with Pijin and English widely understood in town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in communities and schools around Makira.
Traditional and recreational fishing is common along the coast.
Occasionally played at beaches and community gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kirakira.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are seafood-heavy; look for coconut-based curries, rice and root vegetables; ask for vegetarian options and clearly indicate no fish or meat; consider asking hosts for vegetable dishes cooked with oil.