Malaita

a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, in the Solomon Islands (Melanesia). It is a possession of Great Britain. Area, 4,071 sq km. Population, 51,000 (1969). The inhabitants are Melanesians. Maximum elevation is 1,303 m. The island is covered with a dense tropical rain forest. There are plantations of coconut palms. The main city of the island is Auki.