Has tremendous historical significance as the first American amphibious operation of the Pacific war. The goal of the operation was to prevent the Japanese from completing an airfield on the island. Controlling the skies around Guadalcanal meant control of the shipping lanes from American to Australia, and the flank of Port Moresby, making it an important objective for both sides.

The ensuing Naval, air and land battle was costly for both the Japanese and Americans in terms of casualties and disease. Nightly, Japanese destroyers and transports dashed down "the slot" between the Solomon Islands to resupply their troops on the island.

The diving in the Solomans is with out doubt some of the best in the world in terms of water clarity, temperature, sea life and beauty.   Most of the diving there is on a couple of Japanese wrecks near Honiara. Their bows are on the surface and their sterns are at 200+ feet due to the steep sea walls.