Plizio Visual Lab
Tetere Beach War Museum
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Tetere Beach War Museum on Guadalcanal is an extraordinary open-air museum best known for its collection of over 60 abandoned US amphibious tractors, or Amtracs. These World War II relics were left on the shore following the end of hostilities and now form a surreal 'graveyard' of rusting metal amidst the lush tropical landscape. The vehicles, primarily LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) models, played a vital role in the amphibious assaults during the Battle of Guadalcanal. In addition to the armored tractors, the site features aircraft remains and various pieces of military hardware salvaged and preserved by local landowners. The museum provides a raw, unvarnished look at the massive material legacy of the Pacific war. Its historical significance lies in its illustration of the sheer scale of Allied logistics and operations. Visitors can walk among these deteriorating giants, making Tetere a unique and evocative destination for military historians and curious travelers alike.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Tetere (7 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 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 271 | 312 | 284 | 222 | 244 | 155 | 155 | 131 | 130 | 182 | 182 | 239 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Tetere Beach War Museum is located right on the shoreline and is freely accessible. The abandoned US landing craft can be viewed from the outside at any time, as there is no enclosed museum building.
Typical hours
As an open-air exhibition, there are no fixed opening hours. Visits are recommended during daytime, as the wrecks are visible at all times.
Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. The rusting vehicles against the ocean backdrop provide dramatic shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Time needed
A visit typically takes about 30-45 minutes to examine the vehicles at a leisurely pace. Those with extra time can explore the entire beach stretch.
Combine with
Combine this with the nearby Tetere Amphibious Wrecks and Tetere Convoy Memorial, all located on the same beach. A trip to the war memorials in Honiara is also recommended.
Getting there
The beach is about 25 kilometers east of Honiara along the coastal road. A 4WD is not strictly required, but after rainfall the access roads can be rough.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the sand can get hot and the rusty wreck parts may be sharp. Take plenty of water, as there are no food or drink facilities onsite.
Geography
Facts
- There are approximately 60 to 70 Amtracs located at the museum site.
- The vehicles were simply abandoned on the beach after 1945.
- Tetere Beach served as a major logistics base for the US military.
- Wrecks of Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers are also found here.
- The site is privately owned and maintained by local inhabitants.
- Amtracs were used to cross coral reefs during amphibious landings.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What artifacts are in the Tetere Beach Museum?
The museum displays numerous World War II relics, such as ammunition scraps and wreck parts.
What are the opening hours?
Opening hours are often flexible; it is best to inquire with locals beforehand.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a small fee is usually charged to support the private collection.
Is the beach suitable for swimming?
The beach is beautiful, but be careful of potential old ammunition in the sand.
How do I get from Honiara to Tetere Beach?
It is located about an hour east of Honiara and is easily accessible by car or minibus.
Tetere Beach War Museum: where is it located?
Tetere Beach War Museum is located in Solomon Islands.
Tetere Beach War Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Tetere Beach War Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Tetere Beach War Museum on Guadalcanal is an extraordinary open-air museum best known for its collection of over 60 abandoned US amphibious tractors, or Amtracs.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Solomon Islands →
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.
🗺️
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.
Tetere
Tetere is an agricultural settlement east of Honiara, known for its large plantations.
Koli
Koli is a significant agricultural area east of Honiara, known for its oil palm and rice production.
Red Beach
Red Beach is a settlement on the coast of Guadalcanal, named after the Allied landing zones in 1942.
Koli Point
Koli Point is a prominent coastal area and settlement known for its WWII history.
Tenaru
Tenaru is a location east of Honiara, historically known for the Battle of the Tenaru during World War II.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Tetere Agriculture Station
Tetere in the Guadalcanal Plains is a key location for commercial agriculture.
Tetere Convoy Memorial
A memorial site at Tetere Beach commemorating the Allied landings and supply convoys in eastern Guadalcanal.
Tetere Beach
A coastal area east of Honiara known for the abandoned US amphibious vehicles (LVTs) rusting on the beach since World War II.
Binu Palm Oil Plantation
Binu is a central component of the oil palm industry on Guadalcanal.
🗺️
Guadalcanal Rice Project
This large-scale project aims for the country's self-sufficiency in rice.
Red Beach Memorial
Red Beach was the site of the first Allied landings on Guadalcanal in 1942.
🗺️
Alligator Creek Memorial
A small memorial site at the mouth of the Ilu River, commemorating the Battle of the Tenaru and the destruction of the Ichiki Detachment.
Alligator Creek
Site of the Battle of the Tenaru in August 1942, where US Marines repelled the first major Japanese land counterattack.