There are only two ways to fly back from Malaita Province to the capital Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The most popular is via the airport in Auki and the other is from Atoifi Hospital on the east side of the island. Atoifi is quite remote and the airstrip is not paved. If rain is in the forecast, the flight can be cancelled. I was lucky, although it was overcast, the plane came to get me. The ride out to the airstrip is in a tractor pulled cart and you are warned of potential hazards along the way - “Diesel and Dust”.
If you are lucky when you stay In the hospital guesthouse, you might be visited by one of these friendly fellows. This gecko was practically one foot long and hung out on the wall waiting for bugs to come his way.
As you wait for the plane to come to Atoifi, take a stroll around the area and enjoy the interesting views. Walk down to the pier and watch fishermen go by in their dugout canoes.
On the top of the hill is the Atoifi Hospital where you can find a small shop to get basic supplies and canned goods.
A view of the Solomon Islands on the way back to Fiji
