Solomon Islands
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Ontong Java Atoll, Solomon Islands
Malaita Province
Ontong Java Atoll is the most northern islands in the Solomons. The atoll covers 1400 sq km with land comprising only 12 sq km with a diameter about 50 km. The inhabitants of the atoll are Polynesian. Two important marine resources of Ontong Java are trochus shells and beche de mer.
There are 122 small islands in the atoll, with the highest land only 13 m above sea level. Several of the islands are inhabited. There are 23 passages through the reef.
Luaniua Island
The island is located in the SE and contains the atoll's largest village. There is a trading store and the main anchorage for ships. The boat trip from honiara takes two days and one night. Luaniua Island has 5 tribes and 13 chiefs.
Pelau Island
This is the second most populated island in the group. It is located in the NE of the atoll. The island contains a trade store. The island has one chief.
The Ontong Java Plateau is one of the earth's largest lava flows. The undersea lava covers 1% of the earth's surface. Nukumanu Atoll in Papua New Guinea is 50 km to the north.
Relocation of some residents of the atoll has been considered in 2008 because of rising sea levels.
Adventure Tours
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