Point Cruz Lighthouse

The Point Cruz Lighthouse in Honiara serves as an essential navigational aid for maritime traffic entering the busiest port in the Solomon Islands. The site at Point Cruz holds a storied naval history, tracing its origins back to the first European contact by Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña in 1568. The current lighthouse, a modern steel structure, replaced earlier colonial-era installations that were vital for securing harbor entry. Historically, Point Cruz was a critical geographic feature during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II, serving as the western anchor of the American beachhead and a primary landing site for military supplies. Today, the lighthouse remains fundamental to the safety of international commercial vessels navigating the treacherous waters of the Iron Bottom Sound to reach the capital. Its position provides a commanding view of the Honiara wharf and the sweeping coastline of Guadalcanal. The surrounding harbor area is the economic lifeline of the nation, acting as the central hub for the Solomon Islands' imports and exports. Despite its utilitarian design, it stands as a prominent landmark within the Honiara city landscape.

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.

Honiara Public Library

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

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.

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.

Honiara Cenotaph

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

Mendaña Monument

A monument in Honiara commemorating the arrival of Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568.

Solomon Islands National Museum

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

Heritage Park Honiara

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

Point Cruz Plaque

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

Holy Cross Cathedral

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

Bishop Brosnahan Memorial

This memorial honors the first Catholic Bishop of Honiara.