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Blue Beach Marker
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The Blue Beach Marker on Tulagi Island marks the historic site where U.S. Marines first landed on August 7, 1942, at the beginning of Operation Watchtower. While the landing on nearby Guadalcanal was unopposed, the assault on Tulagi's Blue Beach met with fierce resistance from the entrenched Japanese Special Naval Landing Force. Tulagi had served as the pre-war capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate and was of immense symbolic and strategic value. The Marines of the 1st Raider Battalion had to scale steep ridges and clear elaborate cave systems where Japanese defenders fought to the last man. The monument at Blue Beach honors the fallen and commemorates this first successful Allied amphibious offensive of the Pacific War. Today, the beach is a tranquil spot, yet the presence of the marker and nearby wartime tunnels serves as a permanent reminder of the violent struggle that took place on these shores. It remains a key site for historical tours, providing context for the wider battle for the Solomon Islands.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: HMNZS Moa (T233) · Tulagi · Diocese of Central Solomons
- Nearby: Koli Point (32 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 284 | 282 | 271 | 215 | 201 | 187 | 195 | 167 | 169 | 193 | 194 | 218 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Blue Beach Marker is a simple commemorative stone on Tulagi beach and is freely accessible. It is located in a public area and can be visited at any time.
Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours. Best visited during daylight to read the inscription.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted. The marker with the sea and Tulagi coastline behind it creates a historically significant picture.
Time needed
The visit is very brief - about 5-10 minutes are plenty. One can stay longer by exploring the whole Tulagi beach.
Combine with
Combine the Blue Beach Marker with Tulagi Colonial Cemetery and Tulagi Wharf Ruins. All are within walking distance of each other.
Getting there
Tulagi is reachable by speedboat from Honiara in about 30 minutes. The marker is right on the beach, a short walk from the jetty.
Insider tip
Visit the marker early morning when there are no tourists yet and enjoy the quiet. The best time for photos is late afternoon with soft light.
Geography
Facts
- Landings at Blue Beach commenced at 8:00 AM on August 7, 1942.
- Tulagi was the administrative capital of the British Solomons before 1942.
- The 1st Marine Raider Battalion was led by the legendary Colonel Merritt Edson.
- Out of 350 Japanese defenders on Tulagi, only three were taken prisoner.
- Blue Beach was one of the first locations in the world to experience a modern amphibious assault.
- The marker is located on the western side of the island, facing the Ironbottom Sound.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Blue Beach Marker (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the monument commemorate?
The war in the Pacific.
Where is it?
At Blue Beach on Tulagi.
How long does it take?
Short, 15 minutes.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes.
When to visit?
During the day.
Blue Beach Marker: where is it located?
Blue Beach Marker is located in Solomon Islands.
Blue Beach Marker: what is there to see?
Highlights include HMNZS Moa (T233), Tulagi, Diocese of Central Solomons.
Blue Beach Marker: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Blue Beach Marker: why is it worth visiting?
The Blue Beach Marker on Tulagi Island marks the historic site where U.S.
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A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
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Auki
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Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
Tulagi
Tulagi was the former capital of the British Protectorate and is now the capital of the Central Province.
Tulagi Island
The former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.
A-Tulagi
The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.
Koli Point
Koli Point is a prominent coastal area and settlement known for its WWII history.
Red Beach
Red Beach is a settlement on the coast of Guadalcanal, named after the Allied landing zones in 1942.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
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Ironbottom Sound Memorial
This stretch of water between Guadalcanal and Savo is an underwater memorial to dozens of sunken ships.
Tetere Amphibious Wrecks
Several abandoned US LVT amphibious tractors lying half-buried in the sand at Tetere Beach.
Lungga Plain
The Lungga Plain is the most significant lowland area on Guadalcanal, formed by the deposits of the Lungga River.
Nature
More places
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Blue Beach
The primary landing beach on Tulagi for US Marines on August 7, 1942.
Tulagi Fisheries Base
Tulagi, the former capital, is now a center for the fishing industry.
Tulagi Wharf and Ruins
Tulagi served as the capital of the Solomon Islands before WWII.
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Tulagi Colonial Cemetery
The old Tulagi cemetery contains graves of British colonial officials and traders.
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Gavutu Island Monuments
Gavutu houses monuments commemorating the costly battles between US Marines and Japanese forces in 1942.
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Japanese Seaplane Base
The ruins of the Japanese seaplane base on Gavutu and Tanambogo are still visible today.
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PT Boat Base Remnants
The remnants of the US PT boat base at Sesapi on Tulagi include old foundations and rusted jungle relics from the war.
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PT Boat Base Sesapi
Sesapi on Tulagi was a major base for US PT boats during World War II.