Reef Islands Islands

Address: Reef Islands, Solomon Islands (Temotu Province)

The Reef Islands are a group of low-lying coral and sand islands in the eastern part of the Solomon Islands. They are inhabited and are notable as one of the Polynesian-outlier island groups within the country.

The Reef Islands have been inhabited for centuries by Polynesian-descended communities who maintain distinct language and cultural practices within the Solomon Islands. European contact and later administrative control by the British occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries as with other parts of the Solomons.

The islands lie in the eastern Solomons, administratively part of Temotu Province, well east of the main Solomon Island chain. Access is by local inter-island boats or infrequent regional air services to nearby larger islands.

• Cultural identity: The island group is comprised of low-lying coral and sand islands inhabited by local communities with strong Polynesian cultural links despite being politically part of the Solomon Islands.
• Access and vulnerability: Settlements are remote and rely on inter-island boat services; the islands are vulnerable to storm surge and long-term sea-level change.

Access usually requires inter-island flights to provincial centres and then boat transfers; regional air services connect the Solomons’ main hubs, but local arrangements are essential.

• Island-hopping is best with local captains familiar with narrow passages and reefs.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and snorkeling gear; the lagoons and coral gardens are fragile.
• Respect local Melanesian communities and obtain permission before landing on inhabited islands.