Most of Milne Bay's 200,000+ inhabitants live a traditional lifestyle and live in small village groups dotted along the islands and mainland coastline.

The people of Milne Bay are extremely resourceful and self-sufficient. Food is grown in gardens cut into the jungle; the staples being yam, sago, sweet potato, greens and tropical fruits. Fish is a major source of protein as well as chickens and less frequently pigs.

Houses are built entirely from bush materials, including the roofs, which are made from, weaved sago palm leaves. The topography of Milne Bay is thick jungle covered mountains interspersed with lowlands and etched with countless rivers and tributaries. Most locals travel by sea in canoes, dinghies or local trade boats. The traditional form of transport is the dug-out sailing canoe and this mode is still widely used, especially in the outer islands.

Traditional life is rich with stories, folklore and superstition and many traditional rites are still practiced. Traditional singing, dancing and costume are very much a part of life.