Makira, Ulawa and their seven small neighbors are sometimes called the Eastern Solomons, although Temotu Province is further east. The main island of Makira is 3,188 sq km with other islands within 32 km of its shores except for Ulawa, 75 km distant. The province with a population of 28,000 people is well known for it's preservation of ancient traditions with dancers in Star Harbour, Santa Ana, Santa Catalina, an Ulawa, being particularly skilled. The province's first inhabitants, the Lapita, settled on Makira Island from about 1400 BC where pottery has been found and although much of their past was violent there were also long periods of peace.

During such times ceramics were made and trade flourished between Makira and Ulawa and large canoes came annually from Temotu Province.  Two thirds of the Makira island's 22,500 pure Melanesian people live on the northern coast leaving much of the steep southern shore sparsely populated. Makira has more swamps than any other islands in the country.

Main Town: Kirakira
Highest Point: 1,250 metres
Population: 31,000 aproximately
Banking: one National Bank of Solomon Islands Branch in Kirakira. No credit card facilities. ANZ have a branch at the Post Office. Most places will not have credit card facility. It is best to bring cash with you.

Food: In Kirakira there is a small local food and vegetables market open daily except Sundays. It is best to get there early in the morning. Fresh fish is also sold at the market, usually in the late afternoon. At lunch time local time local women often sell fish and chips or fresh bread at the local market. The butcher is open daily there are also small stores selling very basic supplies.
Opening Hours: Usually shops are open 8am - 5pm. Most shops are shut during the lunch period 12pm - 1pm and on Sundays. Some shops are open evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Communications: Telephones and teelephone cards are available at the the Telekom Office in Kirakira. Telekom also has a computer fro internet. Note: Internet is very slow at 16 kb per minute. People's first network Station are located at Pirupiru School Ulawa Island and santa Ana
Medical: A hospital is located in Kirakira.
Local Public Holidays: Makira Ulawa Province Second Appointed Day, 3rd August.
Appropriate Dress: Women should keep their thighs covered, even when swimming. In remote villages it is better to wear a sarong or skirt.

ATTRACTIONS
Makira Ulawa has many attractions for the intrepid traveller. Makira Ulawa province is an untouched world found only 1 hour from Honiara. You can experience traditional village life staying in authentic leafhouse in remote villages, explore rugged coastline, take a boat out to white sand beach island, visit local gardens, trek into the bush and see numerous birds and other wildlife surf the breaks of a coral ree, or Just sit and relax with the locals and hear the custom stories of the people their ancestors and their land.

Makira Ulawa province is located around 200 km South east from Honiara. The Largest islands in the province is Makira , and also known as San Cristobal. Smaller Islands include Ugi, Pio, Three Sisters Santa Ana Santa Catalina and Ulawa.

Did you know that Makira has over one hundred Varieties of Banana's? Come and Visit and see how many types of banana's you try!

Makira Ecotours
trekking in the Bauro High lands, sleep in leafhouse with local villagers and taste local foods. the communities involved inthe trek have taken an active role in conservation. Your participation is helping them to preserve their land for generations to come. The trek is popular with birdwatchers and adventures a like. A range of trekking trekking optionss are available from 3 to 9 days treks. All with trained guides to accompany you along the way. Makira Ecotour is run by Makira Community Conservation facility and the Bauro Highlands Ecotour project.
Contact MCCF for more details on phone 50067 and e-mail victork@solomon.com.sb.

Day trips can be arranged to islands from Kirakira, Santa Ana and star harbour. Each Island offers isolated white sand beaches for swimming and picnics. Small custom fees apply.

Carvings
Santa Ana and Santa Catalina sale good quality Carvings. They are well known for their traditional bowls with Carved spirit figures and detailed shell in lay.

Spear fighting festival, Santa Catalina
The 2 days Culture Festival is held annually in late may or early June. It is time with the arrival of the new moon. The festival has many interesting activities. and there is limited capacity so booking early is recommended. contact SIVB for more details

HOW TO GET THERE
One hour flight from Honiara to Kirakira.Options are also available to fly to Ulawa, Nanna or Santa Ana Island. Contact Solomon Airlines for more details. QDC also run a ship regularly to the province and is approximately eighteen hours on the Ship.