Mendaña Monument

The Mendaña Monument at Point Cruz in Honiara commemorates the first documented arrival of Europeans in the Solomon Islands. In 1568, Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira landed at this very location and erected a wooden cross on the ridge, which gave the headland its enduring name, 'Point Cruz'. Mendaña was searching for the legendary islands of King Solomon, motivated by the hope of discovering vast gold reserves and riches in the South Seas. The initial encounter with the local Melanesian people was characterized by early curiosity, though it quickly devolved into mutual suspicion and violent skirmishes. The contemporary monument marks the symbolic commencement of Spain's colonial interest in the Western Pacific, even though a permanent settlement was not established until centuries later. The site provides a sweeping view over Honiara’s harbor and the Iron Bottom Sound, emphasizing its long-standing strategic value. Nearby, other memorials link the city's history from the era of Spanish exploration to the pivotal events of World War II. The monument today stands as a historical landmark and a site for reflecting on the multifaceted history of discovery and cultural interaction.

Nearby cities

Point Cruz Business District

This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.

Honiara

The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.

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Kokumbona

A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Lungga

Lungga is an industrial and residential settlement on the eastern edge of Honiara, located by the river of the same name.

Auki Market Center

Auki is the economic center of Malaita Province.

Auki

Auki is the capital of Malaita Province and one of the largest towns in the country.

Buala

Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.

A-Tulagi

The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.

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.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council

The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.

Point Cruz

A small peninsula in central Honiara.

Honiara Central Market

Honiara's bustling marketplace located at the historic Point Cruz area, serving as the economic heart of the city.

Point Cruz Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is a social landmark of Honiara located at the harbor.

All Saints School, Honiara

This historic school is closely linked to the Anglican Church.

Honiara Public Library

The public library in the heart of Honiara is a vital cultural and educational landmark.

National Parliament Library

The library is part of the parliament complex and houses key national documents.

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Solomon Islands Parliament Building

The distinctive cone-shaped building in Honiara was completed in 1993 with US assistance.

More places

Honiara Port

This is the primary international maritime port of the Solomon Islands at Point Cruz.

Point Cruz Plaque

This commemorative plaque at the Yacht Club marks the historical significance of Point Cruz during the naval battles of 1942.

Honiara Cenotaph

The central war memorial in Honiara, honoring the fallen of all wars, with a focus on Solomon Islander soldiers and scouts.

Heritage Park Honiara

Heritage Park is a central landmark in Honiara, blending modern hotel architecture with a site of historical importance.

Yacht Club Pier

The Yacht Club pier is a well-known landmark in Point Cruz harbor.

Bishop Brosnahan Memorial

This memorial honors the first Catholic Bishop of Honiara.

Holy Cross Cathedral

The Catholic cathedral towers on a hill over Honiara and is a prominent landmark.

Solomon Islands National Museum

The country's primary museum in Honiara, showcasing cultural, archaeological, and WWII-related artifacts.