South Malaita came under effective control of the colonial administration after the Solomon Islands was declared a British Protectorate in 1893.

South Malaita people follow 3 main dialects: Mwalamwaimwei culture is based on the chiefly system.

The division of each kingdom was done by the council of chiefs (Alahaouou) during the pre-colonial era and later during Ma'asina Ruru Movement.

Dolphin hunting is practised by coastal communities around the world; the animals are herded with boats into a bay or onto a beach.

The hunt on South Malaita Island is smaller in scale, and is almost exclusively practiced by the Walande and Fanelei peoples.