Malaita Ferries

I understand that ferries between Honiara and Auki are daily both ways - are there any days which they they do not run in either direction?

And, what are my options for ferries going to other parts of Malaita from Honiara? LP says that the Solomon Express heads south to Afio after Auki, which runs on a tuesday - is this still the case? Are there any others which continue to other parts of the island north or south?

Thanks in advance.

Pretty sure the Express still does the Afio run when it is running on Tuesdays. However, it regularly stops for maintenance. 360 Discovery runs Monday to Friday return trips to Auki, but you must book in advance. There is also (I think) one trip per weekend.
There are other slower, cheaper boats that travel to Malaita. One leaves Honiara 6pm every Friday, returning from Auki 9 am Saturday. (Which boat does this varies).
Sa'alia does generally 2 trips per week from Honiara to Auki return, often via Gela and the Langa Langa Lagoon.
There are also weekly or fortnightly boats to the north (Takwa/Sulufou) and East (Atoifi/Sinarangu) - sometimes the same boat does both, sometimes different boats. There are also weekly or fortnightly runs to the south of Malaita (probably MV South Mala, and some others). These trips are not on a timetable, so you need to look for notices in places like the Hot Bread Shop or main market, or go to the wharf and enquire where boats are going.

Thanks OG.

BTW, do you know of anywhere in Honiara where I could find a half decent selection of english language books to exchange/buy?

The biggest collection of books to buy (very old and second-hand) was in the basement of the XJ6 second-hand clothing shop near the Bilikiki office at Point Cruz. One of the second-hand clothes shops in Chinatown also has some. Other than those, Newspower sells a few (in my opinion, not worth reading) new ones on the Ground floor of the 6 story Anthony Saru Building.
You could also try the USP (University of the South Pacific) centre in Chinatown. They have some publications. Otherwise, you are limited to the various church bookshops.

So glad to hear XJ6 is still selling used books - still charging by the kilo?

For your information, 360 Discovery has not been running for the last two weeks or so due to some mechanical failure and God only knows when and if the service is going to be resumed.

@Ozziegiraffe: out of sheer curiosity: you always seem to be so well-informed about everything concerning Solomon Islands, down to a minutest detail, you're a real treasure-trove of information. How come? I wish I could know half of that...

Best regards

Wojtek (stranded in Auki for more than one reason...)

Because I lived there for a total of 5 years, and have visited an average of once a year for the last 20 years. In other words, it is my second home. I have also visited all provinces except Choiseul and Renbel, though I have friends from both of them.
Wojtek, there are other (less comfortable) boats from Auki to Honiara, if you are trying to get back. Always one about 9 am Saturday.

Can I book the 360 Discovery from Honiara in advance online or do you have to book in Honiara? We want to leave the morning after we arrive, so we don't spend too much time in Honiara..

Solomon Islands is generallyy not up to internet bookings, though Discovery has to be booked in advance. From now until Christmas, that is essential. I arrived the week before Christmas 2 years ago, and could not get transport to Auki until after Christmas.
Silent world is the company that runs the ship. They may be able to help if you phone or email their Honiara contact.