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Kennedy Island (Kasolo)
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Kennedy Island, locally known as Kasolo, is a tiny, uninhabited islet in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands that gained worldwide fame in 1943. On the night of August 2, 1943, the US torpedo boat PT-109, commanded by future President John F. Kennedy, was rammed and sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Kennedy and his surviving crew members swam several kilometers to reach this island to avoid Japanese patrols. On Kasolo, they found temporary refuge and survived on coconuts before being discovered by two indigenous coastwatchers, Eroni Kumana and Biuku Gasa. Kennedy famously carved a distress message into a coconut shell, which the locals transported through enemy lines to secure their rescue. Today, the island is a national landmark and a popular destination for tourists who wish to snorkel in its bustling coral reefs or reflect on this legendary story of survival and heroism.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: Kennedy Island · Japanese destroyer Kuroshio · Japanese destroyer Kagerō (1938)
- Nearby: Kukudu (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 315 | 353 | 313 | 262 | 308 | 295 | 326 | 273 | 272 | 278 | 224 | 229 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Kennedy Island (also known as Kasolo) is a small island near Gizo that can be visited. It is where JFK and his crew were stranded in 1943 after the sinking of PT-109.
Typical hours
The island is accessible during the day as it is uninhabited. There are no fixed opening hours; access is by boat and should be done in daylight.
Photography
Photography is allowed all over the island. The best shot is the view of the coastline and the clear water around the island.
Time needed
A visit to the island takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Including the boat ride from Gizo, allow 1.5 to 2 hours total.
Combine with
Combine the island visit with a tour of Gizo town or a snorkeling trip to nearby reefs. The other Kennedy memorial plaque on Kasolo can also be included.
Getting there
The island is reachable by boat from Gizo. Local fishermen or tour operators offer trips to Kennedy Island - ask at the harbor or your hotel.
Insider tip
Bring snorkeling gear - the water is clear and full of colorful fish. Respect nature and take your rubbish back with you.
Geography
Facts
- The island is small enough to be circumnavigated on foot in under 10 minutes.
- Kennedy and his crew spent two days on the island surviving only on coconuts.
- The original coconut shell with Kennedy's message is preserved at the JFK Library.
- The native rescuers, Kumana and Gasa, were later invited to JFK's inauguration.
- Kennedy Island is located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Gizo Town.
- The island was a key filming location for documentaries about the PT-109 incident.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kennedy Island (Kasolo) (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Kennedy Island?
John F. Kennedy sought refuge here after his shipwreck.
How long is the boat transfer?
From Gizo, the trip takes about 20 minutes.
Is there a place to eat there?
No, bring your own food and supplies.
Is the island family-friendly?
Yes, the shallow beach is handy for children.
Is there any risk of injury?
The reef can be sharp; wear water shoes.
Kennedy Island (Kasolo): where is it located?
Kennedy Island (Kasolo) is located in Solomon Islands.
Kennedy Island (Kasolo): what is there to see?
Highlights include Kennedy Island, Japanese destroyer Kuroshio, Japanese destroyer Kagerō (1938).
Kennedy Island (Kasolo): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
Kennedy Island (Kasolo): why is it worth visiting?
Kennedy Island, locally known as Kasolo, is a tiny, uninhabited islet in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands that gained worldwide fame in 1943.
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