If you want to get a taste of rural life and enjoy superb scenery without travelling too far from Auki, make a beeline for Gwaunaru'u. This sweet little village near the airfield, about 10km north of Auki, abuts a huge bay fringed by a 2km-long expanse of volcanic sand. It's at the mouth of a river that offers great swimming opportunities. Be warned: there are plenty of sand flies. Get here by taxi or contact Discover Malaita Tours.

Beyond the river, amid a coconut grove, you'll find the graveyards of two missionaries – very Indiana Jones.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Malaita attractions

1. Osi Lake

3.94 MILES

On the northern outskirts of Auki, this lake is a nature-lovers' paradise, home to colonies of seabirds. It can be explored in a dug-out. You might be…

2. Riba Cave

4.39 MILES

East of Auki is this haunting cave, with stalagmites, several large subterranean chambers and an underground river. Caveat: it's very slippery – wear…

3. Lilisiana

4.55 MILES

With its traditional-style houses raised on stilts over the shore, the friendly fishing village of Lilisiana, about 1.5km from Auki, is photogenic to boot…

4. Kwaibala Waterfall

5.3 MILES

If you need to refresh yourself, make a beeline for Kwaibala Waterfall, about 3km from Auki. This little waterfall drops into a few pools that beg…