Guadalcanal & Honiara

Guadalcanal, the largest island in the Solomon Islands and home to the capital, Honiara, is a mountainous and tropical destination rich in history, particularly from the fierce battles of the Pacific War. However, accessing many parts of the island can be challenging. Outside of Honiara, there are few roads, and public transportation is almost non-existent. Travelers wishing to explore beyond the capital will generally need to self-hire a 4WD vehicle and be confident in off-road driving, or arrange a private transfer directly with accommodation owners. Highlights of the island include the stunning Marau Sound at the eastern tip, with its turquoise waters and lush islands, as well as the rugged, remote Weather Coast, where villages cling to the dramatic shoreline. Iron Bottom Sound, the body of water between Guadalcanal, Nggela Islands, and Savo, is famous for being the final resting place of numerous warships and fighter planes from both Allied and Japanese forces.

If you're looking to organise a trip somewhere outside of Honiara, go onto our Accommodation - Solomon Islands page, and reach out directly to the accommodation providers. Most accommodations offer hiking treks, caves, waterfalls, and all sorts of visits around their area. You just have to ask them directly!

Hotomai Cultural Village

Do you want to visit a traditiional village, but are on a short trip / don't have the time to travel far outside of Honiara?

Located only 15 minutes from the airport is Hotomai Cultural Village. You can get here either with your own hire car (4 wheel drive strongly recommended) or via taxi. It's around a 2 hour walk from the airport and is very hot and dry. Even as someone who'll happily walk most everywhere, I don't recommend this.

Hotomai Cultural Visit is also located on the way to Parangiju Lodge, following the same turn off from the main road. Consider pairing a village to Hotomai on either on your way to or from Parangiju.

Explore World War II History in the Solomon Islands

Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts seeking to uncover the powerful legacy of World War II. Some of the fiercest battles of the Pacific campaign took place here, shaping the course of the war. From battlefields and relics to memorials and museums, the remnants of this pivotal chapter in history can still be explored today.

If you want to arrange a private tour, you can contact the Tourism Solomons office in Honiara. Alternatively, you can negotiate a price with a local taxi driver for a full-day excursion or, if you're comfortable navigating and communicating in Pijin, take local buses to key sites. However, for solo female travelers unfamiliar with the language, it may be better to explore with a guide or as part of a group.

Key WWII Sites in and Around Honiara

Point Cruz

Just a five-minute walk from Honiara’s major hotels, Point Cruz was at the center of intense battles. In December 1942, US artillery lined up almost wheel-to-wheel here, firing westward towards enemy positions. From this vantage point, visitors can take in panoramic views and gain insight into the strategic significance of the terrain.

Betikama School Relics

Located near the Lunga River, this area was once a US military camp during the Guadalcanal campaign. Today, visitors can see wartime relics on display, including a P-400 aircraft, a Bren gun carrier, and artillery pieces used by both US and Japanese forces. To get here, travel from downtown Honiara towards the airport and turn right on the road just before Lunga Bridge. This will take you to the Betikama Seventh Day Adventist School, which is on the west of the Lunga River, opposite the airport.

Bonegi Wrecks & Military Dump

West of Kakabona wreck lies the wreck of the Kinugawa Maru, a Japanese transport ship now resting on the beach. Across the road, you'll find a trail that foes to an old US firing range with the gull of a Sherman Jezebal on it. Just past this you'll find a hidden 1943-35 military dump filled with discarded WWII equipment—jeep parts, jerry cans, fuel drums, and even old whiskey and Coca-Cola bottles from the 1940s.

Henderson Airfield

A pivotal location in the Pacific War, Henderson Field still bears reminders of its history. Inside the airport lounge, a Japanese Zero propeller is mounted on the wall, while a Japanese 75mm anti-aircraft gun stands outside. Nearby, a memorial garden honours the sacrifices of various military units, and remnants of the 1943 control tower can still be seen.

Thin Red Line Ridge

Cross the Matanikau Bridge and drive two miles south down the east bank. A hike across the river and up the valley leads to foxholes on Sims Ridge, part of the battlefield depicted in the film The Thin Red Line. Be cautious, as the terrain can be slippery and treacherous after rainfall.

Chinatown & the Matanikau Battlefield

The east bank of the Matanikau River saw months of fierce combat. By crossing the Matanikau Bridge and following the road to the right along the riverbank, visitors can reach the original bridge site, where US Marines fought in November 1942. Looking upstream from the middle of the bridge, you can imagine the historic wooden footbridges once used by American forces.

American War Memorial

Perched on a ridge behind Honiara, this memorial offers not only an insightful tribute to the battle of Guadalcanal but also breathtaking views across Iron Bottom Sound. Informative plaques detail key events of the campaign, making this a must-visit site for those wanting to understand the scale of the conflict.

Vilu War Museum

Hidden deep in the lush landscapes west of Honiara, the Vilu War Museum stands as a haunting yet fascinating reminder of World War II’s fierce battles in the Pacific. This open-air museum is home to a striking collection of decaying US and Japanese aircraft, artillery, and other wartime relics (including a Wildcat, Corsair, P-400, P-38 Lightning, Japanese artillery, and numerous aircraft wings) The museum offering visitors an up-close encounter with history in an eerily beautiful setting, and is an absolute MUST VISIT during your trip to Honiara.

Getting to Vilu War Museum

Reaching the museum may seem like an adventure in itself, but with the right directions, the journey becomes part of the experience. The drive west from Honiara follows the well-traveled road to Visale. Using ROVE Police Station as a starting point, travelers can measure their trip in kilometers to stay on track.

At approximately 21 kilometers, the route crosses a bridge. Just 500 meters beyond, another bridge serves as the key marker. From here, another 500 meters ahead, a seemingly inconspicuous left turn leads onto an unmarked road. At first glance, this narrow track may feel like venturing into the unknown, but after another 500 meters, the path opens up. To the left, a smaller road emerges—this is the final stretch to the museum.

Driving into the museum grounds, visitors are greeted by rusting war machines standing in silent testimony to the fierce battles that once raged here. To the right, the skeletal remains of wrecked aircraft lay scattered, while a well-constructed grey building marks the museum itself.

Opening Hours & Entry Fees

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Cost:
- Adults: SBD$100
- Children: SBD$20

Google Earth Coordinates: Lat: 9°19’7.80″S Long: 159°47’37.36″E

Discover More

For those seeking a deeper dive into the World War II history of the Solomon Islands, countless other sites and wrecks can be explored throughout the archipelago. If you need assistance planning your visit, feel free to reach out through the contact form on Secrets of Travel website.

Accommodation in Honiara

That's right, we have a page with the contact details of all accommodation providers in Honiara!

Accommodation in Guadalcanal (Excluding Honiara)

Yes, and we even have a page with the contact details of all accommodation providers in the rest of Guadalcanal!

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