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Hell's Point
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Hell's Point is a significant historical site located east of Honiara on Guadalcanal, which functioned as a massive ammunition and ordnance depot for Allied forces during World War II. Geographically situated along the coastline between the Lunga River and Henderson Field, the area became a central logistics hub for the regional counter-offensive in 1942 and 1943. Following the conclusion of the campaign, vast quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and surplus munitions were abandoned or buried on-site, leading to its formidable name. 'Hell's Point' is recognized today as one of the most hazardous UXO-contaminated areas in the South Pacific, posing a continuous challenge to public safety and land development. The site features the remains of wartime bunkers and specialized bomb disposal facilities operated by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and international partners. Historically, it serves as a stark reminder of the long-term environmental and humanitarian legacy of modern conflict. Ongoing clearance operations at Hell's Point are essential for the safe expansion of Honiara's industrial and residential infrastructure as the city grows eastward.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Tenaru (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 263 | 305 | 277 | 220 | 214 | 143 | 135 | 114 | 107 | 160 | 167 | 221 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The area is a protected historical site and can often only be visited as part of organized tours, as dangerous unexploded ordnance may still be present on the grounds.
Typical hours
Guided tours generally operate according to the office hours of the local operators, mostly taking place between mid-morning and late afternoon on regular weekdays.
Photography
Photography is permitted on the secured paths; however, strictly avoid leaving the marked trails just to get a better shot, so as not to jeopardize your personal safety.
Time needed
A typical guided tour through the ammunition dump area and the explanations of the historical relics generally take an estimated one to two hours, depending on group size.
Combine with
A visit can be aptly combined with the Vilu War Museum, where additional recovered aircraft, artillery pieces, and equipment from the conflict are extensively displayed.
Getting there
The site is located not far from Honiara Airport and is easily accessible via the main road by taxi or rental car; parking spaces are usually available for visitors.
Insider tip
Strictly follow the instructions of your guide and under no circumstances touch any rusty metal objects on the ground, as they could still be highly explosive ordnances.
Geography
Facts
- Hell's Point is the primary headquarters for the nation's bomb disposal unit.
- The site contains ordnance from both U.S. and Japanese manufacturing.
- It is located strategically near the Henderson Field international airport.
- Clearance teams have recovered thousands of shells from the site annually.
- The area was once part of a vast logistics network supporting the Pacific theater.
- It is officially designated as a prohibited area for unauthorized civilians.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Hell's Point (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I plan for a visit?
About 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the historical sites and monuments.
Are there any entrance fees?
The site is a public historical area, usually without a direct entrance fee.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Only partially; the terrain is uneven and mostly natural, which makes access difficult.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Mornings are usually cooler and more pleasant for walking outside.
Should I be aware of unexploded ordnance?
Yes, never leave marked paths as unexploded ordnance may still be present in the Solomon Islands.
Hell's Point: where is it located?
Hell's Point is located in Solomon Islands.
Hell's Point: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Hell's Point: why is it worth visiting?
Hell's Point is a significant historical site located east of Honiara on Guadalcanal, which functioned as a massive ammunition and ordnance depot for Allied forces during World War II.
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