Kennedy Island
Western
Kennedy Island, a 1.17-hectare uninhabited island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is historically significant for its role in World War II and its connection to John F. Kennedy. The island was named after Kennedy following the dramatic sinking of his patrol torpedo boat, PT-109, in August 1943. After the boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy and his surviving crew swam to this island before moving on to the larger Olasana Island, where they were rescued with the help of local Melanesian scouts. Today, the island features a small shrine dedicated to Kennedy, built by one of the scouts who aided in the rescue, Eroni Kumana. Although uninhabited, Kennedy Island remains a popular tourist destination for those interested in WWII history and Kennedy's legacy. Visitors can explore the island's natural environment and reflect on its historical significance. The island is accessible by a short 15-minute boat ride from Gizo, the provincial capital. Annual events such as commemorative swims re-enact Kennedy’s heroic swim, drawing attention to the island's unique place in history.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kennedy Island is during the dry season when boat trips from Gizo are more reliable. Visitors are advised to arrange boat transport in advance and consider guided tours that include historical context. While the island is uninhabited and has no facilities, the small shrine to Kennedy is a key point of interest. Booking tours that combine visits to nearby islands like Olasana can enrich the experience. Discounts may be available for group tours or combined packages with local resorts.
Interesting facts
- •Kennedy Island is also known as Kasolo Island and Plum Pudding Island.
- •The island is only 1.17 hectares (2.9 acres) in size and uninhabited.
- •A small shrine to John F. Kennedy was built by Eroni Kumana, one of the Melanesian scouts who helped rescue the PT-109 crew.
- •In 2003, a race was held on the island to re-enact Kennedy's historic swim.
- •In August 2023, Caroline Kennedy, JFK's daughter, and her son Jack Schlossberg recreated part of Kennedy’s swim near the island.
History
Kennedy Island gained historical importance in August 1943 during World War II when Lieutenant John F.
Kennedy's PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer.
Kennedy and his crew swam to this small island before moving to Olasana Island, where they were rescued by Melanesian scouts.
The island was later named in Kennedy's honor.
In the early 2000s, it became a tourist attraction and was privately acquired in 2004 and again in 2009 by local business interests.
The island continues to be a site of remembrance and historical reenactments, including swims commemorating Kennedy’s journey.
Place Guide
Kennedy Shrine1943
A small shrine on Kennedy Island built by Eroni Kumana, honoring John F. Kennedy and commemorating the rescue of the PT-109 crew during World War II.