Malaita is one of the largest islands of which Oceanian country?

Malaita is one of the largest islands of the Solomon Islands. It is the main island of Malaita Province and the country’s second-largest island by area, after Guadalcanal.

Malaita covers roughly 4,307 square kilometres and is also the Solomon Islands’ second-most-populous island. Auki, the provincial capital, lies on the northwest coast beside Langa Langa Lagoon. The island’s long, mountainous shape includes a central ridge, wet tropical forests, limestone areas and numerous streams.

The name Malaita was recorded by Spanish explorers in the sixteenth century, although local names include Mala, Mara and Mwala. European records describe a first sighting on 11 April 1568 during Álvaro de Mendaña’s expedition. Malaita should not be confused with the separate South Malaita, also called Small Malaita or Maramasike, near the larger island’s southern tip.