Enchanting Waters of Marovo Lagoon

• HelloKia ora
  [Kee-ah oh-rah]
• GoodbyeTata
  [Tah-tah]
• YesIe
  [Ee-eh]
• NoAe
  [Ah-eh]
• Please/You're welcomeTaloha
  [Tah-loh-hah]
• Thank youFakafetai
  [Fah-kah-feh-tie]
• Excuse me/SorryFakamolemole
  [Fah-kah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
• How are you?ʻE aha te mea?
  [Eh ah-hah teh meh-ah?]
• Fine. And you?Māika. ʻA e hia?
  [Mah-ee-kah. Ah eh hee-ah?]
• Do you speak English?ʻE fakapalagi foki?
  [Eh fah-kah-pah-lah-gee foh-kee?]
• I don't understandʻE fakamatalaʻi au
  [Eh fah-kah-mah-tah-lah-ee ow]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseʻE fesoasoani ona ou fia vaega, fa'amalie
  [Eh feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee oh-nah oh-oo fee-ah vah-eh-gah, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• I don't eat meatʻE leai ona ou fia mea
  [Eh leh-ah-ee oh-nah oh-oo fee-ah meh-ah]
• Cheers!Mālo
  [Mah-loh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseʻE fesoasoani ona ou totogi, fa'amalie
  [Eh feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee oh-nah oh-oo toh-toh-gee, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]

• Help!Fesoasoani!
  [Feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee]
• Go away!Alu i le taeao!
  [Ah-loo ee leh tah-eh-ah-oh]
• Call the Police!Faʻafesoasoani i leoleo!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee ee leh-oh-leh-oh]
• Call a doctor!Faʻafesoasoani i le foma'i!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee ee leh foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou taulima
  [Oo-ah oh-oo tah-oo-lee-mah]
• I'm illUa ou ola
  [Oo-ah oh-oo oh-lah]

• I'd like to buy...ʻE fesoasoani ona ou fia va
  [Eh feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee oh-nah oh-oo fee-ah vah]
• I'm just lookingUa ou vaʻai
  [Oo-ah oh-oo vah-ah-ee]
• How much is it?O lea e leai se
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh-ah-ee seh]
• That's too expensiveO lea e lelei loa
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh-leh-ee loh-ah]
• Can you lower the price?E leai ona e tatau
  [Eh leh-ah-ee oh-nah eh tah-tah-oo]

• What time is it?O lea e le taimi?
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh tah-ee-mee?]
• It's one o'clockO le tasi e le taimi
  [Oh leh tah-see eh leh tah-ee-mee]
• Half past (10)I le auala (10)
  [Ee leh ah-oo-ah-lah (10)]
• MorningAo
  [Ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningVailoa
  [Vai-loh-ah]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayA lea
  [Ah leh-ah]
• TomorrowApo
  [Ah-poh]
• 1Tasi
  [Tah-see]
• 2Lua
  [Loo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Valu
  [Vah-loo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Sefulu
  [Seh-foo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?O fea lea...
  [Oh feh-ah leh-ah]
• What's the address?O lea e le faleta?
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh fah-leh-tah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O lea e le fa'ailoa mai (i le mapa)?
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh fah-ah-ee-loh-ah mah-ee (ee leh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?O lea e le taimi mulimuli?
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh tah-ee-mee moo-lee-moo-lee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i ...)
  [Tee-keh-tee (ee)]

Marovo Lagoon has been inhabited for thousands of years by the indigenous people of the Solomon Islands, particularly the Marovo and the Roviana people. They have developed a rich culture centered around the lagoon, relying on fishing, canoe building, and sustainable use of the lagoon’s vast resources. Archaeological evidence suggests that the lagoon has been a hub of human activity for millennia, with ancient settlements and artifacts found on many of the islands within the lagoon.

The first recorded European contact with Marovo Lagoon occurred in the 16th century when Spanish explorers, led by Álvaro de Mendaña, arrived in the Solomon Islands. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that more consistent contact was established, as European traders, missionaries, and settlers began to explore the region more thoroughly. These interactions brought significant changes to the indigenous way of life, including the introduction of new religions, goods, and diseases.

During the 19th century, Marovo Lagoon became an important stopover for whalers and traders. The lagoon’s strategic location and abundant marine life made it a valuable resource for these early commercial ventures. Whalers from America and Europe would often stop at the lagoon to rest, resupply, and trade with the local inhabitants. This period also saw the beginning of the copra trade, which would become a major economic activity in the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Christian missionaries arrived in Marovo Lagoon, marking a significant period of cultural change. Missionaries from different denominations established churches and schools, spreading Christianity and Western education among the local communities. This led to a gradual decline in traditional beliefs and practices, although many aspects of indigenous culture have been preserved and continue to be celebrated today.

During World War II, Marovo Lagoon and the broader Solomon Islands played a crucial role in the Pacific theater. The lagoon’s strategic location made it a significant point of interest for both Allied and Japanese forces. The Battle of Guadalcanal, one of the pivotal battles of the war, took place nearby. While Marovo Lagoon itself did not see major combat, it served as a key logistical and support area for military operations, with several wrecks and relics from the war still present in and around the lagoon.

After World War II, the Solomon Islands, including Marovo Lagoon, saw a period of reconstruction and development. The copra industry continued to be a major economic activity, but tourism began to emerge as an important sector. The pristine waters, rich marine biodiversity, and stunning landscapes of Marovo Lagoon attracted visitors from around the world. The lagoon was declared a World Heritage site, further boosting its profile as a premier destination for eco-tourism and sustainable travel.

In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness of the need to preserve Marovo Lagoon’s unique environment and cultural heritage. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting the lagoon’s coral reefs, marine life, and traditional practices. Local communities, NGOs, and international organizations have collaborated on various projects aimed at sustainable development and environmental protection. However, the lagoon faces ongoing challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and the impacts of tourism, requiring continuous effort and vigilance to ensure its future.

Marovo Lagoon is located in the Solomon Islands, and the nearest international airport is Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal Island. From Honiara, you can take a domestic flight to Seghe Airport or Sege Airport, which are closer to Marovo Lagoon. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Honiara to Marovo Lagoon, but this can be a lengthy journey, taking up to 10 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions.

Once in Marovo Lagoon, transportation options are limited. Boats are the primary mode of transport, and many lodges and resorts offer boat transfers. Canoes and small motorboats are commonly used for getting around the lagoon and visiting various islands. It's advisable to arrange transportation with your accommodation in advance. There are no formal public transport systems in the lagoon area.

The official currency in the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but cash is preferred, especially in smaller shops and remote areas. ATMs are not available in Marovo Lagoon, so it's essential to withdraw sufficient cash in Honiara before traveling. Bring small bills for easier transactions.

Marovo Lagoon is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious when exploring unfamiliar areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur. It's recommended to stay within well-known and reputable accommodation and to travel in groups when possible.

In case of an emergency, contact your accommodation staff immediately as they will have the best knowledge of local resources. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Honiara, which may require a boat or plane transfer. It's essential to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For minor health issues, some lodges have basic first aid supplies.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for tropical climates. Avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect for local customs. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and sites. Avoid loud behavior near places of worship. Public Transport: Do use boat transport respectfully and follow the captain's instructions. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a handshake. Learn a few phrases in Pijin or the local language. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Marovo Lagoon like a local, engage with the community and participate in cultural activities such as traditional dance and music performances. Visit local markets to buy fresh seafood and handicrafts. Consider staying in eco-lodges that offer guided tours by locals who can share their knowledge of the lagoon’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.