Kennedy Island, Historical island near Gizo, Solomon Islands
Kennedy Island is a small landmass in the Western Province covering roughly 1.2 hectares, rising from the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by clear waters and coral formations. The island now holds a memorial shrine and offers visitors views of open water and the surrounding island landscape.
In August 1943, the island became refuge for a patrol boat crew after a collision with a warship in the Pacific during World War II. The subsequent rescue operation carried out by local helpers became a significant event linking local and international history.
Two local scouts, Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, were instrumental in the rescue effort here, and their actions shaped how islanders and visitors understand this place today. Their story remains woven into the daily conversations and memory of the community.
The island is reachable by boat from Gizo in about 15 minutes, with local tour operators offering both transportation and guided visits. Visitors should prepare for basic conditions and plan trips during the drier months for the most comfortable experience.
A remarkable connection developed through a local helper who, after the 1943 events, maintained a lifelong relationship with the surviving crew members and built a memorial on the island. This personal bond endured until 2014, showing how deeply that day affected those involved.
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