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Kennedy Memorial
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The Kennedy Memorial on Kasolo Island, now widely known as 'Kennedy Island', commemorates one of the most famous survival stories of World War II. On the night of August 2, 1943, the motor torpedo boat PT-109, commanded by future U.S. President John F. Kennedy, was rammed and sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Kennedy and his surviving crew members swam for hours to reach this tiny, uninhabited island, evading Japanese patrols in the surrounding Blackett Strait. Their eventual rescue was facilitated by two Solomon Islander scouts, Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, who carried a message carved into a coconut shell to Allied forces. The monument on the island honors both Kennedy's leadership and the crucial role played by the local scouts. Today, the island is a popular spot for snorkeling and historical tours, offering visitors a chance to see the pristine environment where these events unfolded. The coconut used to deliver the SOS message is preserved today at the JFK Library in Boston, but the spirit of the event remains a cornerstone of local history and Pacific-American relations.
- 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
The Kennedy Memorial plaque on Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island) is an outdoor monument that can be visited. It marks the spot where JFK and his crew took refuge after the sinking of PT-109.
Typical hours
As an outdoor monument on an uninhabited island, there are no opening hours. Access is only possible during daytime; plan your visit in daylight.
Photography
Photography is allowed at any time around the plaque and on the island. Respect the historical significance and leave no trace.
Time needed
Visiting the island and the plaque takes about 30 minutes to an hour. For the boat trip from Gizo, allow an additional 20-30 minutes each way.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a tour of Gizo town or other nearby islands like Kennedy Island itself. Snorkeling is also popular on the surrounding reefs.
Getting there
Kasolo Island is reachable by boat from Gizo. Hire a local excursion boat or ask at your hotel in Gizo about organized tours.
Insider tip
Combine the visit with snorkeling gear - the water around the island is clear and rich in marine life. Don't forget sun protection and drinking water.
Geography
Facts
- The island is officially named Kasolo but was renamed locally in honor of JFK.
- Kennedy used a life jacket strap held in his teeth to tow an injured crewman to safety.
- The rescue message was delivered to a base on nearby Rendova Island.
- The island is surrounded by some of the best coral reefs in the Western Province.
- Two members of the PT-109 crew were killed instantly during the collision.
- Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana were invited to JFK's inauguration in 1961 but could not attend.
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.
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Sights in the town Kennedy Memorial (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of the Kennedy memorial?
It commemorates the rescue of the later US President John F. Kennedy during WWII.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes to see the site properly.
Is entry free?
Yes, visiting the memorial is free of charge.
Is there a museum there?
No, it is an open-air memorial without an attached museum.
What is the best season to visit?
The dry season from May to November features the most stable weather.
Kennedy Memorial: where is it located?
Kennedy Memorial is located in Solomon Islands.
Kennedy Memorial: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kennedy Island, Japanese destroyer Kuroshio, Japanese destroyer Kagerō (1938).
Kennedy Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
Kennedy Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
The Kennedy Memorial on Kasolo Island, now widely known as 'Kennedy Island', commemorates one of the most famous survival stories of World War II.
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