Of Malaita Province's 96,000 people, all but 2,000 are Melanesians. The remainder are Polynesians who live on the two atolls of Ontong Java and Sikaiana.

In the early 19th century foreigners were confronted by the ferocity of the Malaitan tribesmen in retaliation for black birding activities.

The small township of Auki has been the province's capital since 1920, and nowadays has a population of about 4,000 people and boasts a variety of shops, hotels and restaurants.

A very distinctive feature of Malaita Island is the large number of artificial islands, particularly in the Langa Langa and Lau Lagoons. These heavily populated islands were built on sandbars or exposed reefs by heaping boulders up until permanent landmass remained. These islands are now home to some 12,000 Malaitans in the Langa Langa and Lau Lagoons. Historically, sharks were often worshipped and a few Malaita Islanders still believe spirits reside in them. There are 15 tribal languages and dialect groups including 11,000 strong ancestor worshipping Kwaio tribe who live in the mountains along the east coast.

Malaita also is famous for its Shell money production (Tafuluae), a local curreny still in circulation in the island for Bride price, purchase of houses, canoes, and taro as well as compensation between families and tribes. It is mainly practiced in the Lau, Tobaita, Kwarae and LanLanaga regions.

The Are Are region is the home of the famous Panpipe music. Other provinces in the country have now also adopted the Panpipe Culture in their entertainments. Visit http://www.narasirato.comfor photos and where to see one of the PanPiper Cultural Groups while on tour.