Reef Islands
Islands Low coral islands in Solomon Islands' Temotu Province
Low‑lying atolls in Temotu Province, the Reef Islands draw visitors for coral‑fringed beaches, snorkeling and fishing, and visits to small Melanesian villages where traditional canoeing and local crafts remain part of daily life.
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.
How to Get to Reef Islands #
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.
Tips for Visiting Reef Islands #
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Reef Islands #
The dry season (May-October) is best for visiting the Reef Islands due to calmer seas and easier boat travel.
Weather & Climate near Reef Islands #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (4416 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (427 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (407 mm).
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March
March is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (445 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (323 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (380 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (356 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (295 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (360 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (360 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (372 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (330 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (361 mm).
