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history · Honiara

Vilu War Museum: Private Guided Tour of Open-Air WWII Relics

Visit the Solomon Islands' most remarkable open-air WWII relic collection — a jungle clearing where Japanese Zero fighters, American artillery and armoured vehicles sit exactly as they were abandoned in 1943, guided privately by a passionate expert.

What to expect

Your vehicle heads west from Honiara along the Guadalcanal coast to this extraordinary open-air museum, set in a lush jungle clearing about 22 km from port. Over a dozen aircraft — including a remarkably complete Mitsubishi Zero — sit alongside howitzers, tanks, and landing craft, slowly being reclaimed by tropical vegetation. Your guide walks you through each piece chronologically, weaving the broader Pacific campaign into each exhibit. The stillness of the clearing, broken only by birdsong, gives the experience a profound, almost sacred quality.

Book it with
DestSolo Tours (Solomon Islands)
SBD 200 museum entry per person (approx. USD 26); private guide and vehicle approx. USD 120–150 for the half-day
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Good to know

The museum is approximately 30 minutes from the cruise pier — best combined with Bonegi Beach (immediately nearby) for an efficient and deeply rewarding half-day. The site is partially shaded but bring a hat and water. Opening hours are approximately 8am–5pm daily. Book your private guide in advance to avoid port-day conflicts.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Honiara — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Regent · Seven Seas Navigator
10 nights · calls at Honiara
from $5,749
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Seabourn · Seabourn Pursuit
22 nights · calls at Honiara
from $24,224
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Holland America · Westerdam
40 nights · calls at Honiara
from $7,099
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Holland America · Zaandam
90 nights · calls at Honiara
from $20,599
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