Kokota in Solomon Islands

Introduction / History

The Kokota are an indigenous people group living in the Solomon Islands, specifically on Santa Isabel Island in Isabel Province. Their communities are centered in a few villages along both the north and south coasts of the island. Their history has been passed down through village memory, family ties, and oral tradition rather than written records. The Kokota language is a distinct Austronesian language of the Oceanic branch, showing long?standing connections with other Pacific Islanders while maintaining its own local identity.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kokota live in small, rural village settings where daily life revolves around subsistence activities, family cooperation, and the natural environment. Gardening provides staple foods such as root crops and bananas, while fishing and gathering from the sea and forests help support daily needs. Homes are built using local materials, and extended families often live close together, providing social cohesion and mutual support.

Their language is used in everyday communication within the community, while broader languages such as English and regional trade languages may be used in education or interactions with people from other areas. Kokota is spoken primarily in the villages of Goveo, Sisig?, and Hurepelo on Santa Isabel Island.

Access to formal infrastructure, such as advanced healthcare and higher education, often requires travel beyond their home villages, and transportation can be limited by both land and sea routes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Kokota people identify with Christianity, and church life is a significant aspect of community rhythm and gathering. Christian worship and religious practice play a central role in social life for many.

At the same time, some traditional spiritual beliefs and practices connected to the natural world and ancestral influences continue to shape how individuals understand spiritual realities. These traditional elements may coexist with Christian expressions rather than being wholly replaced by them, resulting in a blend of spiritual perspectives.

Scripture translation in the Kokota language has been started, but a full complete Bible is not yet available. This limits comprehensive engagement with the full message of Scripture in the language the community speaks daily.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kokota need clear, faithful teaching of the gospel that fosters genuine spiritual transformation and a deep understanding of biblical truth beyond cultural or nominal identity. Continued discipleship rooted in Scripture is essential for spiritual maturity within their communities.

A major need is Bible translation and Scripture access in the Kokota language. With translation begun but no complete Bible, access to the full counsel of God's Word remains limited in the language most familiar to the people.

There is also a need for biblically grounded local leaders who can clearly teach Scripture, disciple others in their context, and help guide communities toward a faith grounded in the gospel rather than a blend of beliefs.

Practical challenges also affect daily life. Limited access to healthcare, education, and reliable transportation can hinder physical well?being and opportunities for sustained church growth and community development.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Kokota would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ, grounded firmly in Scripture rather than cultural or mixed belief systems.
Pray for continued Bible translation and Scripture availability in the Kokota language so that God's Word becomes comprehensible and accessible in the language they use daily.
Pray for the raising up of faithful, Scripture?centered local leaders who can teach, disciple, and shepherd others effectively.
Pray that traditional spiritual influences would yield to a deep trust in the truth of God's Word.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation that supports everyday life and community growth.

Pray that the gospel would spread throughout homes and villages, bringing lasting transformation among the Kokota.

Text Source:   Joshua Project