A hilly island, its highest point is 181 metres (594 feet) above sea level.

First recorded sighting by Europeans was by the Spanish expedition of Álvaro de Mendaña in May 1568.

More precisely the sighting and also landing in Ulawa was due to a local voyage done by a small boat, in the accounts the brigantine Santiago, commanded by Alférez Hernando Enríquez and having Hernán Gallego as pilot.

[1][2] The island is served by Ulawa Airport, with flights on Solomon Airlines.

Its major port is in the Su'u Moli Harbour, with passenger and cargo boats making trips to the island once every week.