Buala
Isabel
Buala is a small town located on Santa Isabel Island, the longest island in the Solomon Islands. It is situated on the side of a hill, limiting the town's expansion but surrounded by several nearby villages such as Kubolota, Tithiro, and Maglau. The town comprises Jejevo station and Buala Village, serving as a local hub for residents and visitors. Buala features basic amenities including a hospital and a branch of the Bank of South Pacific, though serious medical cases are typically referred to Honiara. The town has no grocery shops but hosts a daily fresh market (except Sundays) offering vegetables, fruits, and fresh fish from local fisheries like Kolofaga. Buala is also close to Fera Island, home to a grass airfield with a small terminal, connecting the town by air to other parts of the country. Notably, Mt Kubonitu, the highest point nearby, can be reached with the assistance of local guides from Tirotogna and Bara villages. The climate is tropical rainforest with heavy rainfall throughout the year, adding to the lush natural surroundings.
Plan your trip to Solomon Islands with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors should consider the tropical rainforest climate and plan for frequent rainfall when visiting Buala. The best time to visit is during drier periods, though rainfall is common year-round. It is advisable to exchange foreign currency in Honiara before traveling, as banking services in Buala are limited to small transactions. Booking tours or guides locally for excursions such as climbing Mt Kubonitu is recommended. Since there are no grocery shops, visitors should plan accordingly and rely on the local fresh markets for food supplies. Advance arrangements for flights via the grass airfield on nearby Fera Island may be necessary due to limited capacity.
Interesting facts
- •Buala is located on the longest island in the Solomon Islands, Santa Isabel Island.
- •The town is situated on a hillside, limiting its expansion and leading to development of feeder roads to nearby villages.
- •Mt Kubonitu, the highest point near Buala, is accessible with local guides from nearby villages.
- •The airfield serving Buala is located on Fera Island, a short boat ride away, featuring a grass runway and a new terminal built in 2012.
- •Buala has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year.
History
Buala developed as a small township on the side of a hill on Santa Isabel Island, constrained by the island’s topography.
Over time, feeder roads have been developed to connect the town with surrounding villages such as Hovokiolo, Kubolota, and Maglau.
The airfield on nearby Fera Island was upgraded with a new terminal block completed in 2012, enhancing connectivity.
The town has remained small, serving as a local center for nearby villages and maintaining traditional lifestyles alongside limited modern infrastructure.