• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Relationships, Marriage, & Family Life in the Solomon Islands

Dating in Solomon Islands is closely watched as girls are expected to be virgins on their wedding nights. Today this is still true, but restrictions have been lifted on most accounts (for example girls engaged to wed are no longer kept in cages or huts to maintain their purity). Despite the lift on many restrictions dating is still often overseen by a chaperone and couples typically do not marry without permission of their families; in some rare instances arranged marriage is still practiced.

Wedding ceremonies come in many forms in Solomon Islands, including church weddings, court weddings, and weddings in other settings. With the marriage the groom's family often pays the bride's family to compensate for the loss of a family member.

Once married, the couple becomes adult members of the community and as such are expected to work with the community in numerous ways. This often means food and money is shared and exchanges hands somewhat freely as people need it.

The family dynamic is also heavily influenced by community as community affairs can strongly affect individual households. Generally men are required to support the family financially and also make most of the major decisions. However wives tend to have a great deal of influence as they are generally in charge of the house and are the primary caregivers. Most couples have three or four children.

This page was last updated: November, 2013