Emperor Bilikiki is back from a seven-day journey through the Central, Western and Guadalcanal provinces of the Solomon Islands - a journey that offered an immersive exploration of the region’s rich World War II history. 

During this trip we combined expert-led evening lectures, snorkeling over submerged relics and coral reefs, and visits to remote historical sites. This was an expedition that traced the footsteps of the Pacific War across jungle-covered battlefields and tranquil lagoons.

After settling, we gathered for our first evening lecture, providing an overview of the Solomons' strategic significance during WWII. The scene was set for the week ahead, diving into the ferocious battles that helped shape the Pacific theatre.

Our journey began in the Florida Islands where we visited Blue Beach, the Cut, the Cricket Pitch, the Caves, the LST342 and the Kikusuki Wreck. We steamed into Seghe, a quiet airstrip town nestled on New Georgia Island, and headed to Viru Harbor where could see a Japanese gun from the boat. From there we went to Lumbaria Island where PT-109 - a patrol torpedo boat last commanded by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy - was based, and then arrived in Munda with a beautiful sunset.

In Munda we visited the airstrip - which during the war was the longest in the southern hemisphere - and the Peter Joseph WWII Museum which houses a trove of relics recovered from the jungle. Steaming through the Diamond Narrows, we visited Plum Pudding Island. This is also known as 'Kennedy Island' as it was where the future US President swam after his boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese Destroyer. For us it offered a mix of relaxation and reflection before we ended the day seeing the four Japanese guns that sit in Enoghae.

On our way back to Russell Islands we were invited for a village visit where our guests enjoyed traditional dancing and singing and we got to snorkel at White Beach, with its mangroves and WWII remains.

The trip ended with land tours in Guadalcanal where some important places were visited: Red Beach, Alligator Creek, Bloody Bridge, US memorial, Mount Austen, Hill 27, Burana Village and the LVT Boneyard.

The Solomon Islands offered us, during this journey, more than a history lesson. It was an emotional journey through landscapes forever shaped by some of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century.

Thanks to all of our guests for joining us on this trip and to our wonderful crew for their amazing and continuous hard work.

Pato & Fernando