Santa Ana Island

Santa Ana, known locally as Owaraha, is a small island off the eastern tip of Makira in Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands. It is one of the most remote and unspoilt destinations in the country — a low, reef-fringed island of a few traditional villages where customary culture remains strong and visitors are rare. Together with the neighbouring islands of Santa Catalina (Owariki) and the Three Sisters, it forms a cluster celebrated across the Solomons for its arts and crafts, dance, and the dignity of its village life.

For the traveller who reaches it, Santa Ana offers white-sand beaches, clear lagoon and reef waters, and an immersive encounter with eastern Solomon Islands tradition. The island is renowned for fine carving and craftwork, and for its custom dances, sometimes performed to welcome visitors. There is essentially no tourist infrastructure; a stay here is village-based and arranged through local hosts, rewarding those who come respectfully and self-sufficiently. The reefs offer good snorkelling, and the surrounding waters are rich in marine life.

The climate is hot, humid, and tropical year-round. The drier months from roughly May to October are the most settled for sea travel and reef activities, while the November-to-April wet season is rainier and cyclone-prone. Infrastructure is minimal and malaria precautions are advisable.

By Plane

There is no airport on Santa Ana. The regional gateway is Kirakira (the provincial capital, with its airstrip) on Makira, reached by air from Honiara International Airport (IATA: HIR) on Guadalcanal. From Kirakira or the eastern end of Makira you continue to Santa Ana by boat.

By Train

Not relevant — there are no railways in the Solomon Islands.

By Car / Road

Not relevant — Santa Ana is a small offshore island reached only by boat.

Santa Ana is reached by boat from eastern Makira (for example from the Star Harbour area) or via inter-island vessels, with local outboard canoes making the final crossing. Sea services are slow and infrequent, and the open crossing can be rough; arrange transport locally and allow for the weather.

The island is small and easily walked between its villages and beaches. Around the coast and to neighbouring islands, travel is by canoe or small boat. There is no road network or public transport. Local guides and hosts arrange any boat transport; agree terms in advance.

• Traditional villages — Santa Ana's villages are the heart of the experience, with their carving traditions, custom houses, and strong community life.

• White-sand beaches and lagoon — Beautiful beaches and clear reef-protected water ring the island.

• Reefs and marine life — Coral reefs around Santa Ana support diverse fish and make for rewarding snorkelling.

• Neighbouring islands — Santa Catalina (Owariki) and the Three Sisters nearby, also noted for arts and crafts.

• Cultural visits and custom dance — Experience Santa Ana's renowned carving, crafts, and traditional dances, sometimes performed to welcome guests.

• Snorkelling and swimming — Explore the reefs and clear water off the beaches; bring your own gear.

• Island and reef boat trips — Visit neighbouring islands and reefs by canoe.

• Beach time and village life — Simply spend time on the beaches and among the welcoming village communities.

Food is simple village fare — fresh fish and seafood, root crops, rice, coconut, and tropical fruit, arranged through hosts rather than restaurants, of which there are none. Self-caterers should bring supplies from Kirakira or Honiara. Vegetarian eating relies on the local staples.

specific named eateries and price tiers not verified — confirm locally.

Treat or boil local water, or carry bottled water. Fresh coconut is plentiful. Alcohol is scarce; respect conservative local attitudes. Nightlife is absent.

Accommodation is limited to basic village guesthouses or homestays arranged through local hosts, with simple rooms, shared facilities, and modest rates. There are no resorts or hotels. Arrange your stay in advance, as options are few and informal.

specific property names and nightly rates not verified — confirm current options ahead of travel.

Santa Ana and its neighbours are famed for arts and crafts — carvings, dance ornaments, and woven items — which can be bought directly from makers; this is one of the best places in the country for authentic craftwork. Otherwise expect only small trade stores. Carry cash in Solomon Islands dollars, as there are no banking facilities.

• Star Harbour (eastern Makira, nearest mainland) — a noted surf area and harbour, a common staging point for Santa Ana.
• Santa Catalina (Owariki) (nearby island) — another remote island renowned for crafts and dance.
• Kirakira (west, on Makira) — the provincial capital and main service centre, with air links.
• Ulawa Island (north) — the "Rocky Island," with hidden beaches and seasonal surf.
• Honiara (by air, on Guadalcanal) — the national capital and main transport hub.