Port information & tips for Kasolo (Kennedy Island)
Kasolo, known worldwide as Kennedy Island, is a historic paradise in the heart of the Solomon Islands and fascinates visitors with its untouched South Sea beauty. The small coral island impresses with snow-white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, offering an atmosphere of complete seclusion thanks to its dense vegetation. Outstanding highlights include the PT-109 memorial, commemorating the dramatic rescue of John F. Kennedy during the Second World War, and the colorful coral reefs, which are ideal for snorkeling. As the island does not have a large terminal, shore leave is by tender boat directly to the island's wooden jetty. The lively provincial capital Gizo is also reachable in about fifteen minutes thanks to short boat connections, combining colonial history with authentic island markets.
Kasolo (Kennedy Island) in the Solomon Islands is not a classic embarkation port, but is primarily visited by cruise ships as a historical and scenically attractive port of call on expedition and luxury voyages. Since there are no traditional port facilities, arrival to the small island usually takes place via tender boat directly from the cruise ship.
Airplane
For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to Kasolo (Kennedy Island) is a longer trip by plane. The most important international arrival point in the Solomon Islands is Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal. Alternatively, Munda Airport (MUA) in the Western Province offers weekly direct flights from Brisbane, Australia. International connections generally lead through larger hubs such as Brisbane (Australia) or Nadi (Fiji), which requires comprehensive travel planning.
Onward journey locally
From Honiara (HIR) you can reach the nearest airport Gizo (GZO), also known as Nusatupe Airport, with a domestic flight that takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. From Gizo, Kasolo (Kennedy Island) is then easily accessible in just 10 to 15 minutes by a small boat. Since the island is uninhabited and has no infrastructure of its own, this is the common way to arrive for excursions.
Pre-cruise stay
Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, a pre-cruise stay of at least one night in Honiara or Gizo is recommended. In Honiara, the international airport is located about 11 kilometers east of the city center, and transfer options include taxis or pre-booked hotel shuttles. In Gizo as well, hotels and dive resorts often offer transfers to the local airport and assist in organizing the boat trip to Kennedy Island. A relaxed start to your Solomon Islands adventure is thus optimally guaranteed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Kasolo (Kennedy Island) in the Solomon Islands is not a classic embarkation port, but is primarily visited by cruise ships as a historical and scenically attractive port of call on expedition and luxury voyages. Since there are no traditional port facilities, arrival to the small island usually takes place via tender boat directly from the cruise ship.
Airplane
For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to Kasolo (Kennedy Island) is a longer trip by plane. The most important international arrival point in the Solomon Islands is Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal. Alternatively, Munda Airport (MUA) in the Western Province offers weekly direct flights from Brisbane, Australia. International connections generally lead through larger hubs such as Brisbane (Australia) or Nadi (Fiji), which requires comprehensive travel planning.
Onward journey locally
From Honiara (HIR) you can reach the nearest airport Gizo (GZO), also known as Nusatupe Airport, with a domestic flight that takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. From Gizo, Kasolo (Kennedy Island) is then easily accessible in just 10 to 15 minutes by a small boat. Since the island is uninhabited and has no infrastructure of its own, this is the common way to arrive for excursions.
Pre-cruise stay
Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, a pre-cruise stay of at least one night in Honiara or Gizo is recommended. In Honiara, the international airport is located about 11 kilometers east of the city center, and transfer options include taxis or pre-booked hotel shuttles. In Gizo as well, hotels and dive resorts often offer transfers to the local airport and assist in organizing the boat trip to Kennedy Island. A relaxed start to your Solomon Islands adventure is thus optimally guaranteed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Kennedy Island is an idyllic anchorage that, thanks to its small size, allows for a particularly nature-oriented arrival. From the landing point, you can reach all the island's highlights as well as the surrounding waters directly.
On Foot
Since Kasolo is a very small island, it can be wonderfully explored on a short walk. A tour takes about ten to fifteen minutes and leads you comfortably along the coastline to all historical memorials and beaches.
Banana Boats
The local motorized boats, known as banana boats, act as water taxis and offer a fast connection to the neighboring island of Ghizo. These boats often wait on the shore and also enable individual excursions to the surrounding reefs and sandbars.
Tender Transfer
Arrival from the cruise ship is safe and comfortable using the ship's own tender boats, which dock directly at the pier or the beach. This transfer is perfectly synchronized with the shore times and ensures a smooth transition to the land program.
To make the most of your stay on Kasolo, we recommend exploring the historic island in combination with a trip to the lively markets and coral reefs in the immediate vicinity.
Kennedy Island (Kasolo)
The small, palm-fringed island is world-famous as the setting for the rescue of John F. Kennedy and offers an authentic experience far from civilization thanks to its untouched coral sand beaches. The historic memorial and the crystal-clear water also invite you to take a fascinating journey through time in the midst of a paradisiacal setting.
Gizo Municipal Market
The colorful market directly on the shore of Gizo is the pulsing heart of the region and, thanks to the artistic wood carvings and exotic fruits, the perfect place to immerse yourself in local craftsmanship. The relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the locals make the short boat trip from Kasolo an unforgettable cultural experience.
Olasana Island
This uninhabited natural jewel is located in the immediate neighborhood and, thanks to its shallow lagoons and breathtaking underwater biodiversity, is an ideal destination for extensive snorkeling trips. The shady palm groves and the fine sandy beach also offer the perfect setting for relaxing hours in complete seclusion and are perfect for nature lovers.
Kennedy Island (Kasolo)
Kennedy Island, known locally as Kasolo, can be easily reached in about fifteen minutes by boat from Gizo and is a true natural paradise with a significant history. The site where John F. Kennedy sought refuge during World War II impresses today with its powder-white coral beaches and a colorful reef that is perfect for snorkeling right off the coast. Thanks to the pristine environment and gentle sea breeze, the island provides a perfect backdrop for both peace-seekers and history-loving explorers alike. Ideally, visit in the early morning hours to fully enjoy the absolute tranquility of the island and the crystal-clear water, and plan your return to the ship for the early afternoon.
The return journey from your excursions around Kasolo and the main town of Gizo is straightforward by water and offers you wonderful views of the lagoon.
Water Taxis and Banana Boats
At the Gizo Waterfront Market and at the jetties of the surrounding resorts, you will find typical motorized boats that will flexibly take you back to the ship. These local water taxis are very reliable and, thanks to short travel times, will get you to the tender pier on time.
On Foot on Kennedy Island
As Kasolo Island is very small, you can reach the boat departure point from any point on the island in just a few minutes via the flat sandy paths. Orientation is easy and leads you directly back to the beach, where the tender boats are ready for the return journey.
Organized Boat Transfers
For booked snorkeling trips or island visits, you can use the boats provided by local operators for a relaxed return journey. The captains coordinate the departure times precisely with your ship's schedule, so you can end the day at the beach without a care.
