Willie Besi War Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away on the Lungga road, the Willie Besi War Museum is a truly grassroots endeavor, born from a local family's passion for preserving history right where it happened. You won't find polished marble halls here; instead, it feels like stepping into a community-curated treasure trove dedicated to the Solomon Islands' role in WWII. The collection is intensely personal, focusing on the artifacts that soldiers left behind and that locals have carefully safeguarded for decades. It’s a raw and authentic space that tells a story often overlooked by larger institutions, making it a must for anyone seeking to understand the war's human impact in the Pacific.
Collection Highlights
Rusting American helmets still caked with island soil, carefully displayed fragments of aircraft fuselage, and surprisingly intact personal items like canteens and mess kits recovered from jungle clearings. The real gems are the stories attached to each piece, often shared by the family themselves.
Visitor Information
It's best to set aside an hour or two for a slow, thoughtful look around—this isn't a place you rush. Since it's a private museum, reaching out in advance or checking with local guides in Honiara is a good idea to confirm they're open.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a modest, unassuming building that feels more like a large local home or community hall, its simple structure lets the artifacts within take center stage.
Contact & Location
Address: Lungga River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Phone: +677 74 69422
