Arona history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Arona is inextricably linked to the ancient settlement of Ulawa Island. Like many populated places in the Solomon Islands, this location did not arise from a single decree but formed naturally as a dwelling place for local communities. The exact date of its foundation is lost in the centuries; however, European navigators and missionaries began recording the presence of coastal villages in this region in their reports starting from the 19th century, noting the distinctiveness of the local way of life.

Key Factors of Development

A number of geographical and logistical reasons contributed to the transformation of Arona into a significant local centre:

• Convenient Location: Proximity to the sea provided residents with access to fishing and the ability to maintain contact with the neighbouring large island of Makira.
• Transport Hub: In a later period, a key factor in development was the creation of infrastructure, specifically the airstrip, which made the settlement the main air gateway of the island.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The traditional economy of the region was based on subsistence farming for centuries. The residents of Arona skilfully combined agriculture, growing yams and taro on fertile volcanic soils, with marine harvesting. Cultural life was shaped by Melanesian traditions, where complex social ties, the exchange of traditional values, and respect for ancestral spirits and nature played an important role.

Major Historical Milestones

• Around 1500 BC — The first settlers of the Lapita culture inhabit the islands of the archipelago, forming the foundation of the region's future population.
• 1568 — Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña discovers Ulawa Island, on the coast of which Arona is located today.
• 19th Century — Regular contacts begin between local residents and European whalers and traders, influencing the traditional way of life.
• 1893 — The territory officially becomes part of the British Protectorate of the Solomon Islands, marking the beginning of the colonial era.
• Early 20th Century — Active work by Anglican missionaries leads to the spread of Christianity and the construction of the first schools.
• 1942–1945 — During the Second World War, the region is within the strategic attention of the Allies, although it avoids major battles.
• 1978 — The country gains independence from Great Britain, and the settlement comes under the administration of a sovereign government.
• Second half of the 20th Century — The construction of the airstrip makes Arona the key transport gateway of Ulawa Island.
• 2000s — The development of regular air services with provincial centres and the capital contributes to the growth of population mobility.

Stages of Formation and Development

The development of the settlement of Arona as a vital infrastructure node of Ulawa Island passed through several key stages. From a traditional village to the main air gateway, each stage brought changes to the economic and social fabric of the region.

• Establishment of Missionary Missions. The establishment of the Anglican Church in the region became a significant cultural shift. The construction of the first temples and schools at the missions contributed to the spread of literacy and changes in the traditional way of life, uniting scattered communities.
• Inclusion in the Copra Trade. During the colonial period, the coastal zone became an important point for collecting and shipping copra. This event marked the transition from purely subsistence farming to participation in commodity-money relations, providing locals with access to imported goods.
• Construction of the Airfield. The most significant urban planning transformation was the creation of the airstrip. This event radically changed the status of Arona, turning it from an ordinary village into a transport hub connecting the island with the outside world.
• Administrative Integration after 1978. After the Solomon Islands gained independence, the settlement strengthened its position in the Makira-Ulawa Province as a key logistical point through which state administration and supply are carried out.
• Launch of Regular Air Service. The establishment of regular flights by the national airline gave a powerful boost to population mobility. This ensured stable access to markets, medical services in the capital, and facilitated the development of small businesses.
• Modernisation of Communications. The appearance of modern radio communications and mobile operator towers in recent decades has allowed the community to overcome digital isolation, integrating local residents into the modern information and economic space.

Architectural Appearance and Development Features

The architectural landscape of the settlement of Arona is far from classical European canons with their shift of styles from Gothic to Modernism. Here, urban planning developed along a unique path dictated by the tropical climate, available natural materials, and the cultural traditions of the Solomon Islands. The appearance of the settlement represents an organic intertwining of traditional huts and functional buildings of the colonial and post-colonial periods.

Main Architectural Directions

In the development of Arona, several conditional layers can be distinguished that coexist in a single space, reflecting the history of the development of Ulawa Island:

• Traditional Melanesian Style. This is the foundation of local architecture, rooted in deep antiquity. Residential houses are built from plant materials: a frame of durable wood, walls of woven mats, and roofs of sago palm leaves. Such structures are ideally adapted to the heat and humidity, ensuring natural ventilation.
• Missionary (Colonial) Style. With the arrival of Europeans and Christianity, more substantial structures appeared in the settlement's appearance. These are, primarily, church buildings and old schools. They are characterised by the use of timber, foundations raised on stilts, and pitched roofs made of corrugated iron, which became a symbol of the new era.
• Functional Modernism. The modern stage of Arona's development is associated with the use of concrete and cinder blocks. This style is represented by administrative buildings, medical points, and airport infrastructure facilities. Here, aesthetics gives way to practicality and durability in conditions of tropical storms.

Urban Structure and Landmarks

The layout of Arona does not follow a strict geometric grid of streets characteristic of Western cities. The development formed spontaneously, orienting towards key geographical and social dominants.

• Linear Coastal Layout. The main part of residential buildings stretches along the coastline and the main road, which ensures residents have access to the sea — the main source of sustenance.
• Airport Zone. The airstrip is the city-forming core of modern Arona. Around it, a technical zone and a small terminal building have formed, which, despite its modest size, serves as the main gateway to the island.
• Church Squares. The territories around temples fulfil the role of community centres. These open spaces serve as gathering places for the community and venues for celebrations, acting, in essence, as an analogue to town squares.

Prominent Figures of the Region

The settlement of Arona, being the main air gateway of Ulawa Island, is inextricably linked with the history of the entire region. This land has given the Solomon Islands and the world a number of bright figures — from educators and keepers of traditions to modern politicians, whose names are pronounced with respect by local residents.

• Clement Marau — Missionary and Educator.
  A legendary figure in the island's history. A native of Vanuatu who arrived here in the late 19th century, he not only brought Christianity but also became a true cultural mentor for the islanders. Under his leadership, a unique church made of coral blocks was erected, which today remains a reminder of his contribution to uniting local communities.
• Walter Waaro — First Teacher.
  An indigenous inhabitant of Ulawa and a faithful associate of Clement Marau. He played a key role as a "bridge" between cultures, helping to adapt new knowledge for traditional society. Waaro became the first local catechist, opening the path to education for many generations of islanders.
• Walter Ivens — Anthropologist and Linguist.
  A European researcher who lived on the island in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thanks to his meticulous works and the compiled dictionary of the Ulawa language, the world learned about the rich folklore, social structure, and unique customs of the inhabitants of this corner of Melanesia.
• Martin Marau — Spiritual Leader.
  The son of Clement Marau, who worthily continued his father's work. In the first half of the 20th century, he led the local church for more than twenty years, remaining a pillar of stability and a moral compass for the population during difficult times of change.
• Willie Bradford Marau — Statesman.
  A representative of the modern political elite, defending the interests of the Ulawa-Ugi constituency in the national parliament. His activities are aimed at developing the infrastructure of remote regions, including the modernisation of transport connections, which is so important for Arona.
• James Tora — Politician.
  A well-known public figure of the Makira-Ulawa Province. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in issues of improving the quality of life for islanders and promoting regional initiatives at the state level.