About the Tour
With its position in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal was an ideal location for a Japanese airfield that could threaten vital US sea lanes to Australia. Embark on a nine-day journey beginning Brisbane, Australia, and fly to Guadalcanal, a WWII battlefield that few Americans have been privileged to see. When US Marines splashed ashore on Guadalcanal in August 1942, they set in motion a savage seven-month campaign. Travelers will visit the sites and contemplate the actions of this battle, paying homage to the sacrifice and heroism that took place there.
Full Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Brisbane Arrival
Transfer to The Westin Brisbane / The MacArthur Museum / Welcome Dinner
Accommodations: The Westin Brisbane (R, D)
Day 2
Eagle Farm Airfield
Visit the remains of Eagle Farm Airfield
Accommodations: The Westin Brisbane (B, L)
Day 3
Henderson Airfield
Tour Henderson Airfield / Group Dinner / Included flight to Guadalcanal
Accommodations: Heritage Park Hotel Honiara (B, L, D)
Day 4
D-Day & The Japanese
Tour Red Beach / Alligator Creek / Explore Bloody Ridge Counterattacks
Accommodations: Heritage Park Hotel Honiara (B, L)
Day 5
Tulagi
Transfer to the island of Tulagi via boat / Battlefield visits
Accommodations: Heritage Park Hotel Honiara (B, L, D)
Day 6
Vilu War Museum
Transfer and tour the Vilu War Museum / Scenic drive along Cape Esperance
Accommodations: Heritage Park Hotel Honiara (B, L)
Day 7
Anniversary of the Battle
Attend various commemoration events* / Ceremony in Honiara / Solomon Scouts & Coastwatchers Memorial Farewell Dinner
Accommodations: Heritage Park Hotel Honiara (B, L, R, D)
Day 8
Optional Exploration of Coffin
Morning tour of Coffin Corner / Afternoon transfer to Corner Honiara / Return flight to Brisbane / Evening at leisure
Accommodations: Airport Hotel Brisbane (B)
Day 9
Flights home from Brisbane
After breakfast, transfer to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Manila Airport (MNL) for your independently scheduled flight home
After breakfast, transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) for your independently scheduled flight home (B)
Program Inclusions
- Travel with Jonathan Parshall, one of the foremost experts on the War in the Pacific
- Full-time logistical Tour Manager
- Expert local battlefield guides
- Roundtrip airport transfers (when arriving & departing on scheduled group tour dates)
- 2 nights in Brisbane at The Westin Brisbane
- 5 nights in Honiara at Heritage Park Hotel
- 1 night at Pullman Brisbane Airport
- Roundtrip flights between Brisbane and Honiara
- Private, first-class, air-conditioned motor coach transportation
- VIP access to sites not offered on other tours
- Video oral history presentations from the Museum collection
- Included gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, and servers
- Personal listening devices on all included touring
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Informative map book including useful battlefield maps and archival images to be used throughout your journey
- Personalized luggage tags and customized name badge
Download the Brochure
Download the official Battle of Guadalcanal brochure for a full listing of inclusions, accommodations, and other useful information.
Credit to: Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust
Filming by: Torn Parachute
Music by: Komuhauru Panpipe Band
For tour questions or for more information, the Travel Sales Team is available
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Central.
Call: 1-877-813-3329 x 257
Email: travel@nationalww2museum.org