Auki

Auki is the main town of Malaita, the most populous island of the Solomon Islands, reached from Honiara by a fast ferry in about two hours or a short flight. It is the base for the Langa Langa Lagoon to the south, where families live on artificial islands built up over generations from coral stones, and where shell money, strings of polished red and white shell discs, is still made by hand and used in bride price. Further north the Lau Lagoon holds more artificial islands. Malaita keeps its customs strongly, so village visits are arranged through a local guide, and a small fee is often asked.