When most people visit Gizo, they’re here for the diving, but if you’ve got a free morning or afternoon, Kennedy Island is an easy and worthwhile side trip on any Solomons travel itinerary. It’s a tiny, palm-fringed speck just off the coast, best known for its connection to John F. Kennedy’s WWII survival story. These days, it’s a peaceful place to swim, snorkel, and soak in a bit of history.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit Kennedy Island, whether you’re staying in Gizo or one of the many great island resorts and lodges in the Western Provinces. I’ll fill you in on what to expect once you get there, how much it costs, and whether it’s actually worth your time, especially if you’re already diving or island-hopping nearby!
Overview: What I Learned About Kennedy Island
- Location: Just 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Gizo, Western Province which is reachable in under 10 minutes by small boat from Gizo jetty
- Entrance Fee: SBD $50 per person (approx. AUD $9) paid to the local caretaker on arrival
- Transport: Arrange a return boat trip from Gizo market jetty and expect to pay around SBD $300–$400 total for the boat (solo or shared), or from one of the resorts (options below).
- Activities: Snorkeling off the beach, learning about its history from the caretaker Joel, walking around the small island, basic BBQ setup and shaded huts available.
- Famous For: Site where John F. Kennedy swam ashore after PT-109 was struck during WWII
Tip: I found there are no shops or facilities so bring your own water, snorkel gear, and any snacks.
How to Get to Kennedy Island
Kennedy Island is privately owned by Gizo Hotel, bought in 2009 by Shane Kennedy, the late owner of both King Solomon and Gizo Hotel.
I visited during my stay at Fatboys Resort, perched on Mbabanga Island, which quickly became one of my absolute favorite places to stay in the Solomons. They seamlessly arranged everything for the day: boat transport, the SBD 50 (≈ AUD 9) entry fee to the island, and even a traditional beach BBQ setup that felt personal and laid-back.
If you’re based in Gizo town, most resorts and independent boat operators can also organize a trip for you. Just mention “Kennedy Island” and expect to pay roughly SBD 300–400 for a round-trip boat charter (not per person), plus the SBD 50 entry fee, which goes to the island’s owner.
Tip: Bottom line, you don’t need to stay at Gizo Hotel or Fatboys to go. But if you book through Fatboys, you’ll get that relaxed, well-paced experience I had: a short cruise there and back, time to snorkel off the sandy beach, and a casual island-cooked meal all in a half- to full-day outing.
My Experience at Kennedy Island & What to Expect
As soon as we arrived at Kennedy Island, we had some time to explore. It only takes about ten minutes to walk the full loop around the island, but it’s a beautiful stroll with views back toward Gizo and over the reef flats. The island is quiet, palm-fringed, and feels untouched apart from a few basic facilities like shaded huts, some benches, and a small historical marker.
While we waited for lunch, Joel, the friendly caretaker who’s been looking after the place since 2018, came over and shared the full PT-109 story. He showed us exactly where John F. Kennedy and his surviving crew swam ashore after their boat was sunk in 1943, a pretty wild thing to picture while standing on the same beach. (More on that below.)
Fatboys put on an amazing lunch for us: grilled fish, crayfish, chicken, rice, fresh veggies, and fruit, all laid out right by the water. After we ate, we grabbed snorkels and jumped in. The best snorkeling we found was around the northern side of the island, where the coral is shallower and more colorful, with loads of reef fish and calm water. Visibility was great, and while it’s not a huge reef, it’s definitely worth a look.
The Wild WWII Story Behind Kennedy Island
This little island got its name from one of the most famous survival stories of World War II tied directly to John F. Kennedy, long before he became president of the United States.
In August 1943, Kennedy was a 26-year-old Navy lieutenant commanding PT-109, a small torpedo boat on a night mission through the Solomon Islands. While patrolling the Blackett Strait (just offshore), a Japanese destroyer rammed their boat, splitting it in two.
Two of his crew were killed instantly. The survivors, including Kennedy, had to swim through the open sea, dragging injured crew members before reaching the safety of this uninhabited island.
At the time, it was known as Plum Pudding Island, but locals later renamed it Kennedy Island in his honor. Joel, the caretaker, showed us exactly where they came ashore, a quiet beach that looks almost unchanged. From there, Kennedy swam multiple times between nearby islands, including Olasana and Naru, in search of help, eventually carving a message into a coconut that was delivered to Allied forces by local Solomon Islanders working with the coastwatchers.
The original name of Kennedy Island before it was renamed was Plum Pudding Island. This is the name that appears in historical U.S. Navy records and WWII accounts, including the official PT-109 incident reports. It was renamed Kennedy Island by the Solomon Islands government after WWII in honor of John F. Kennedy’s survival and leadership during the PT-109 incident in 1943.
Scuba Diving at Kennedy Island
We also did a shallow dive here with Fatboys. The max depth was around 10–12 meters (33–39 ft) just off the reef drop-off on the east side.
It’s a relaxed site, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for an easy dive with good visibility. The corals are really healthy and colorful, but nothing too dramatic. I mean, I'm spoiled now after diving in the Solomons, if this were Asia or the Caribbean I'd be jumping up and down about it.
That said, there are so many great diving sites nearby. I suggest that if you have the option to instead dive the Tau Maru wreck, which was absolutely incredible!
My Favorite Places to Stay Near Kennedy Island
If you’re planning to visit Kennedy Island, it’s best to base yourself in Gizo or on one of the nearby islands with boat access. I've written a complete guide to where to stay in the Solomon Islands but here are my favorites nearby:
1. Fatboys Mbabanga Island
My favorite dive resort in the Solomon Islands. Fatboys has a laid-back island vibe with overwater bungalows at decent prices, an epic restaurant that sits on stilts over the reef, and a team that feels like family. It’s a great base for diving, snorkeling, or boat trips to wine-downs on nearby islands.
2. Zipolo Habu Lola Island
A long-time favourite in the Western Province with newly opened stunning overwater villas that are some of the nicest stays you’ll find in this region—ideal for couples, families, or anyone looking for that remote island feel without giving up comfort. It’s especially popular with fishers, but it’s also a perfect base for exploring the lagoon.
3. Titiru Eco Lodge Rendova Island
Staying at Titiru was more than just a place to sleep—it felt like a full cultural experience. The eco-friendly bungalows are surrounded by forest and coastal gardens, and the lodge regularly hosts local performances that were some of the most authentic I’ve seen anywhere. The food is all locally prepared, and it’s easy to arrange day trips.
Review: Is Kennedy Island Worth Visiting?
Honestly, there’s not a lot to do on Kennedy Island — it’s small, quiet, and you’ll see it all in under an hour. But the WWII history alone makes it worth it if you’re even slightly a war history tragic. The snorkeling is decent (especially on the north side), and the trip with Fatboys made it totally worthwhile. The BBQ was excellent, the diving relaxed, and Joel the caretaker was a top bloke with some great stories. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth visiting, especially between dives.
