Return to Guadalcanal Tour 2020

Tour Includes


  • Services of an expert Historian
  • 7 nights’ 4-star accommodation
  • Travel by comfortable air-conditioned touring vehicle
  • 1 Lunch

8 Days – $4400 per person, twin share

Return to Guadalcanal Tour 2020

On August 7, 1942, Allied forces landed on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, the first step in a battle that was to become the turning point in the Pacific War. Now Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is giving you the chance to walk in the footsteps of the marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought in this iconic Second World War campaign, and to commemorate the anniversary of the battle. Around these islands in 1942/43, the contest was hard, the cost was high, the valour was exemplary. This tour is being run in conjunction with our US partner and will be led by US veteran, John Shively, who has escorted 6 Guadalcanal tours previously.

8-Day Tour – Return to Guadalcanal Tour 2020

Day 1 > Saturday 1 August 2020 | Arrive Honiara

On arrival in Honiara you will be met by a representative at the famous WWII Henderson Airfield and then be transferred to our central hotel. After check-in, we will meet at the lobby of the hotel then begin our tour with a visit to the US Memorial on Hill 73, which offers panoramic views over the battlefield.

HIGHIGHTS  ★ US Memorial on Hill 73

Day 2 to Day 6 > Sunday 2 August – Thursday 6 August 2020 | Guadalcanal Battlefields & visit to Tulagi island by boat

On these days of touring, we will visit the Japanese Memorial on Mt. Austen; Galloping Horse Ridge; the Matanikau River; the National Parliament Building (a gift from the American Government on the 50th Anniversary); the Gifu; Fighter 1 and Fighter 3 and the Crash Strip; wartime front lines and position where John Basilone won his Medal of Honor; Henderson Field and its Heroes Wall; Alligator Creek; Red Beach; Edson’s Ridge; Carney Field; Koli Point area, scene of the November actions of the 7th Marines and 164th Infantry; Amtrack dump; visit California village, home of Sgt. Major Sir Jacob Vouza, the Solomon Islander who gave such valued service to his American friends; evacuation beaches used by Puller’s 7th Marines and retrace Puller’s move from Hill 66 to the coast where he destroyed the majority of the Japanese 3rd Battalion, 4th Infantry. On one of these days we will make the 32km crossing over Iron Bottom Sound by boat to the Florida Islands. On 7th August , B Co. of the 2nd Marines made the first landing on the Florida Islands. First stop visit to the rusting remains of LST 342. Then onto a Japanese destroyer in Tokyo Bay. The 1st Raiders and the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines pressed on with the Tulagi landings at Blue Beach. Later that day the 1st Parachute Battalion and the 2nd Marines attacked the smaller nearby islands of Gavutu and Tanambogo. (1 x boxed lunch)

HIGHLIGHTS ★ Japanese Memorial  ★ Alligator Creek  ★ Red Beach ★ Edson’s Ridge ★ Tulagi and Florida Islands by boat

Day 7 > Friday 7 August 2020 | Guadalcanal 78th Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of the Allied landings and a significant day of ceremonies. We will first attend a commemorative service at the US Memorial, built to honour the more than 7000 men who were killed capturing the island. Following the service, we will continue to the Coastwatchers’ Memorial, Sir Jacob Vouza’s Monument and Memorial Park to take pictures of newly dedicated trees/plaques

HIGHLIGHTS ★ Commemorative service at the US Memorial  ★ Coastwatchers’ Memorial ★ Memorial Park

Day 8 > Saturday 8 August 2020 | Depart

Today our journey comes to an end. You will be transferred to Henderson Field Airport for your onwards flight.

Your Return to Guadalcanal Tour Includes

  • Services of an expert historian

  • Extensive touring of the battlefield sites at Guadalcanal

  • 7 nights’ 4-star accommodation at Mendana hotel

  • Airport transfers

  • All excursions, scenic drives, and sightseeing as described in the itinerary

  • Anniversary commemorations at the US Memorial Skyline Drive

  • Travel by comfortable air-conditioned touring vehicle

  • Boat ride to Tulagi Island

  • 1 lunch

  • Souvenir cap and document wallet

Group Tour of the Guadalcanal - Guadalcanal and HMAS Canberra Anniversary Tour
The Beautiful Solomon Islands - Guadalcanal and HMAS Canberra Anniversary Tour

Guadalcanal Anniversary Tour 2019

5 Days – $2,180 per person, twin share
Enquire online or call our friendly travel advisers on 1300 880 340

How To Book

Return to Guadalcanal Tour

Contact our reservations team on 844-400-BatteTours, email info@battletours.com or click on the enquiry button below.

  • Total Cost: $4400 per person, twin share, land only
  • Single supplement: $600
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Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.

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