Malaita and Makira
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Positives
- Clean tropical perfection
- NE & SE swells
- Hundreds of secret spots
- Diving paradise
Negatives
- Some swell inconsistency
- Lack of tourism infrastructure
- Extremely remote access
- High rainfall, malaria & disease
Malaita and Makira surf travel guide
The topography varies from low-lying coral atolls to lofty volcanic peaks and the bulk of the population live within a subsistence economy, in one of the world's least developed countries. Very few have ventured along the northern sides of Malaita and Makira, but those that do are likely to ride some pristine set-ups catering for most abilities.
Surf spots in Malaita and Makira
Research the 11 surf breaks in Malaita and Makira and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 11 breaks in Malaita and Makira.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Malaita and Makira
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 27,900
- Population
- 686,884
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- SBD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 7.12 SBD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +677
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- English (official), Pijin and 60+ other languages/dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- gi
Visas
EU and UK can visit visa free for 90 days. USA. Canada, OZ, NZ ,Brazil, Japan and many others get a free visitor's permit on arrival.
Getting There
Solomon Airlines operates daily scheduled flights from Honiara to Kirakira (Makira, $135 r/t, 11/wk) and Auki (Malaita, $80/r/t, 3/wk). Flights are cheap, but not reliable and boardbags may cause luggage problems on Twin Otters (6ft10” max) and Islander planes.
Getting Around
Road system is light, take motorized canoes and boats (cheap).
Accommodation
In Makira and Malaita, dirt cheap rest houses will be the norm with no A/C, maybe a fan & nets. Solwata Surf Camp will boat and drive you around the NE breaks; book through Surf the Earth. Basic fish & chips, sweet potatoes ($3-4 a meal). Auki, the province's capital, has a population of 4,000 and a variety of shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Activities
Islanders (Melanesians, Polynesians, Gilbertese) are unique and staunchly Christian. Towns are quiet, King Solomon Hotel operates Honiara's only nightclub. Makira: copra mill in Kira Kira, turtle beach and Natagera houses on Santa Ana Island. Malaita: Auki, relaxing provincial centre, shark calling, manufacture of shell money.
Hazards & hassles
Medical facilities are limited; the nearest reliable hospitals are in Australia. High-risk area for chloroquine resistant malaria and dengue fever. Fresh and salt water crocodiles and sharks are common. Earthquake and tsunami prone area.
Handy Hints
Solomon's takes a lot of dedication and patience to score the best surf. Take everything you need, but not too much because of transport restrictions. One strong all-round board, leash, wax and good snorkelling stuff.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.