From Henderson airport, a track leads south to this area that's also called Edson's Ridge, after Edson's Raiders. Commanded by Colonel Merritt Edson, they defended the ridge against the Japanese in 1942 in their determined but unsuccessful attempts to seize the airfield. There’s a humble pyramid-shaped US war memorial on the ridge. About 1km beyond Bloody Ridge, you’ll come across a Japanese war memorial that honours the 2000 or more Japanese killed during these actions.

There are great views of Mt Austen, the surrounding valleys and villages dotted around the hills.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Betikama SDA Mission

1.15 MILES

In Betikama village, this sprawling property comprises a small WWII museum with an outdoor collection of salvaged material (mostly US aircraft) as well as…

2. Henderson Airport Memorial Gardens

2.21 MILES

A small memorial outside the airport entrance honours US forces and their Pacific islander allies. In front is a Japanese anti-aircraft gun. About 100m to…

3. Mount Austen

4.04 MILES

The clearing at the summit of Mt Austen (410m) offers a marvellous view northeas over Henderson. Americans in WWII dubbed this spot Grassy Knoll. There’s…

4. Tenaru Waterfalls

4.16 MILES

At 63m, these waterfalls are spectacular. They are a fairly easy four-hour walk (return) from a tiny settlement about 2km south of Tenaru Village. It's…

5. Solomon Peace Memorial Park

4.42 MILES

The road to Mt Austen begins in Kukum and climbs up to the historical sites where Japanese troops doggedly resisted the US advance. About 3.5km from the…

6. Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral

6.33 MILES

Honiara's most prominent religious building is this cathedral perched on a hill to the east of the centre. Visitors are welcome to attend, but make sure…

7. Mataniko Falls

6.35 MILES

One of the star attractions in Honiara’s hinterlands is Mataniko Falls, which feature a spectacular thundering of water down a cliff straight into a…

8. Central Market

6.45 MILES

While Honiara won't be mistaken for Lagos, the country’s bubbling principal food market covers a whole block between Mendana Ave and the seafront. It has…