Trobriand Islands, Coral archipelago in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.
The Trobriand Islands are a formation of twenty-eight coral limestone structures in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, scattered across the Solomon Sea. Kiriwina is the largest island and hosts Losuia, the settlement where government offices and community facilities are located.
French sailors aboard the Espérance reached these islands in 1793 and named them after Lieutenant Denis de Trobriand, an officer on their expedition. The inhabitants lived in small villages for centuries and maintained trade between islands through a system of ceremonial gift exchange.
The indigenous population of 12,000 residents follows matrilineal inheritance patterns and maintains the kula trading system between islands.
Access is by small boat or plane to Losuia on Kiriwina, as there is no regular ferry link with the mainland. Visitors should bring cash because ATMs and card payments are rare on the islands.
Inhabitants developed a version of cricket with extra players and local rules that serves to settle disputes. Matches can last multiple days and end with feasting and dancing rather than scorekeeping.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
