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Guadalcanal in World War II:

The first major offensive launched by the Allies against Japan in World War II took place on Guadalcanal from August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943. Since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Japanese had advanced toward the South Pacific, threatening the Allies' South Pacific ferry route connecting Australia and the United States.

In May and June, 1942, the U.S. Navy made headway against the Japanese advance in the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. These successes led the U.S. military to pursue a two-pronged assault in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea.

Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, invaded by the Japanese in July, 1942, was one of the most important Japanese strongholds due to its proximity to Australia. The Japanese built an airfield at Lunga Point and artillery positions in the hills nearby and had about 8,400 men on the island by August.

On August 7, 1942, U.S. Marines landed on the northern beaches of Guadalcanal after Navy ships fired onto the island ahead of them. Over the next three months, the Marines secured the airfield and a 6 mile wide section of the beach.

On October 13, an Army unit arrived to reinforce the Marines. The Marines and Army soldiers repelled a Japanese attack on the 23rd, inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese and pushing the Japanese out further during the rest of the month.

On November 4th, the U.S. Infantry fought 1,500 Japanese troops that landed on the beach at Koli Point. They killed half the Japanese force. The rest escaped into the jungle.

In mid-November, the U.S. Navy fought the Japanese at the Battle of Guadalcanal, when the Japanese attempted a major reinforcement of troops via the "Tokyo Express" run of supply-laden destroyers.

In this four-day battle, the U.S. Navy foiled the reinforcement effort, and only 4,000 of 10,000 Japanese troops reached land.


After this battle, the American troops pushed on in an effort to take Mount Austen. Thrashing through the jungle, they faced heavy fire from Japanese troops.

Finally, during the first two days of 1943, in a two-pronged attack on the Mount Austen stronghold at Gifu, American troops succeeded in securing most of the Gifu area and the west slopes of the mountain.

Overall, between 400 and 500 Japanese troops died, and over 100 American troops died in the effort to take Mount Austen.

During January, 1943, the American troops battled Japanese strongholds on Mount Austen to take areas known as Galloping Horse and Sea Horse and secure the Gifu area.

In the third week of January, the American troops took the Japanese headquarters at Kokumbona.

American troops mounted attacks by land and sea to annihilate the Japanese, but in the end, about 13,000 Japanese troops escaped.

Nevertheless, by February 9, 1943, the U.S. troops took control of the island, helping to turn back the Japanese drive toward Australia and secure a base from which to launch attacks at the Japanese in the South Pacific.

All told, 1,592 American troops were killed in action and 4,183 were wounded.

Thousands more were disabled by tropical diseases like malaria.

The Japanese lost 14,800 in battle and 9,000 from disease. About 1,000 Japanese men were taken prisoner.

Organized Tours of Guadalcanal Military Sites

With all the fascinating battle history, ruins, and military significance of this island, there are a few companies that offer organized fantastic tours of the important battle sites on Guadalcanal.

And while it is also possible to hire local guides, we recommend contacting our friends at Valor Tours, for a variety of reasons...

Valor Tours offers an annual 10-day tour every August to commemorate the anniversary of the landings, as well as a 10-day cruise/tour through the Solomon Islands.

These organized tours are unique vacation alternatives as they not only include detailed analysis and information regarding the fascinating military history and various battles fought on the island and their famous role in World War 2, but also take you to many of the non-military sights, sounds, and culture of this fascinating Pacific island.

They can also arrange private tours for individuals with specific travel needs. 

Applications for commemorative plaques and trees can be purchased through Valor Tours to honor a loved one, as part of the Honiara Beautification Project.


Book a Guadalcanal Tour, or Read more about Valor Tours here

Guadalcanal Campaign & Battle Related Links:

A Guadalcanal Chronology & Order of Battle- 7 August 1942- 6 March 1943 - 

This fascinating sketch of the events of the Guadalcanal campaign is based on several sources- the original one being Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI), a wargames simulation company during the 1970's.

Guadalcanal Campaign, August 1942- February 1943 - 

This is an overview and special image selection from the Naval History & Heritage website of the US Navy. Read the details of the harrowing six month campaign between the US and its Pacific Allies and the Japanese for possession of the previously obscrure island of Guadalcanal.