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Pearl Harbor

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Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, is a place of profound historical significance. Known for the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor played a pivotal role in World War II and remains a site of remembrance and education today.
Pearl Harbor Travel Guide

Understanding Pearl Harbor's Historical Significance

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, a surprise air attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy devastated Pearl Harbor, leading to the United States' entry into World War II. The attack resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This event marked a turning point in global history and is remembered as a day of infamy.

Pearl Harbor Today

Today, Pearl Harbor is preserved as a historic site where visitors can learn about the events of the past and honor those who were affected. Various memorials and museums provide insights into the war and its impact, ensuring that the legacy of Pearl Harbor continues to educate and inspire future generations.

Key Attractions at Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial

Overview

The USS Arizona Memorial is a somber tribute to the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack. It is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, creating a poignant site of reflection.

Visitor Information

  • General Admission: Free
  • Reservations: Strongly encouraged and must be booked through the National Park Service
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours
  • Operating Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Overview

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers a tour of the WWII submarine USS Bowfin, known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” Visitors can explore the submarine and learn about the life of its 80-man crew during the war.

Visitor Information

  • Admission Fees: Adults $21.99, Children (ages 4-12) $12.99
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours
  • Operating Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Battleship Missouri Memorial

Overview

The Battleship Missouri Memorial honors the USS Missouri, where Japan’s formal surrender took place, ending World War II. The ship’s historical significance spans five decades, including service in WWII, Korea, and Operation Desert Storm.

Visitor Information

  • Admission Fees: Adults $34.99, Children (ages 4-12) $17.49
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours
  • Operating Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Overview

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on the site of the December 7 attack. It features exhibits on WWII aviation history, including bullet-riddled hangars and artifacts from the era.

Visitor Information

  • Admission Fees: Adults $25.99, Children (ages 4-12) $14.99
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Operating Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Additional Sites of Interest

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Overview

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial includes several key sites: the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial. The visitor center offers two world-class museums, a film about the attack, and plaques honoring those who lost their lives.

Key Memorials

  • USS Oklahoma Memorial: Honors the 429 crew members who perished.
  • USS Utah Memorial: Commemorates the 58 men who lost their lives on the USS Utah.

Pacific Historic Parks

Overview

Pacific Historic Parks is a non-profit organization that supports Pearl Harbor. They operate the museum store and offer self-guided audio tours and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that provide deeper insights into the events of December 7, 1941.

Visitor Services

  • Self-Guided Audio Tours: Narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, covering 29 stops.
  • Virtual Reality Experiences: “Air Raid Pearl Harbor” and “Skies Over Pearl.”

Planning Your Visit to Pearl Harbor

Reservations and Tickets

USS Arizona Memorial Tickets: Must be reserved in advance via the Recreation.gov website.

Additional Tours: Various combinations of site visits are available.

Visitor Tips

  • Best Times to Visit: Early mornings to avoid crowds.
  • Prohibited Items: Purses, backpacks, and other bags are not allowed; storage is available for a fee.
  • Accessibility Information: Most sites are accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Pearl Harbor?

Early mornings are recommended to avoid crowds and heat.

How do I reserve tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial?

Tickets can be reserved in advance on the Recreation.gov website.

Are there any guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are available for most attractions and can enhance your experience.

What items are prohibited at Pearl Harbor?

Bags, including purses and backpacks, are prohibited. Bag storage is available for a fee.

How long should I plan to spend at Pearl Harbor?

Plan to spend at least half a day, or more if you wish to visit all the attractions.

Remembering Pearl Harbor: A Journey Through History

Pearl Harbor is not only a place of historical significance but also a site of deep reflection and learning. Visiting Pearl Harbor allows you to honor the past, understand the profound impact of the events that occurred, and appreciate the resilience and bravery of those who lived through them. Make your visit to Pearl Harbor an unforgettable experience by exploring its memorials and museums, and taking the time to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace and freedom.

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37 Activities Availability varies by date for all activities.
Includes admission to Battleship Missouri, Bowfin Submarine, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
USS Arizona Memorial self-guided narrated tour, and Virtual Reality Center tickets included
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
7 - 9 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Recently booked 5 times!
Take a 8-hour guided tour and visit two WWII landmarks, the Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
Includes reserved tickets to the museums and a a 23-minute documentary about December 7, 1941
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
7.5 - 8.5 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Immerse yourself in World War II history, and embark on full-day guided Pearl Harbor tour
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Bowfin Submarine & Aviation Museum
Pick-up Provided
Meal Provided
Morning
9 - 10 hour(s)
Daily, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Join Magnum Helicopters on a 50-minute scenic flight over Oahu. See the island's top attractions!
Thrilling doors-OFF flight! No doors in the way for optimal photo and video taking opportunities
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon
2 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Visit Pearl Harbor's most famous attractions and learn about the history surround WWII
Reserved admission tickets to both the Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri are included
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
7 - 7.5 hour(s)
Daily, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Experience the best helicopter tours on Oahu and See the island's most iconic landmarks
Choose your route! 50 and 65 minute flights available daily
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon
2 hour(s)
Daily, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Have the thrill of a lifetime as you soar over Oahu on an exciting doors-off Hawaii helicopter tour
Take your pick of flights ranging from 20-60 minutes, and a sunset option too
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon / Evening
1.5 - 2 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Experience the best of Pearl Harbor with the ultimate combo including three activities
Complete with reserved tickets to the Arizona Memorial and film about the attack on Pearl Harbor
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
8.5 - 9.5 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Visit Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and drive by Honolulu's most iconic landmarks (7:00AM departure)
Includes reserved tickets to the Arizona Memorial & a 23-minute documentary about December 7, 1941
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
4.5 - 5.5 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
A great half-day tour for Pride of America cruise ship passengers
Board a navy boat shuttle for a tour of the harbor and visit USS Arizona Memorial
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
4.5 - 5 hour(s)
Sat Only, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Take a self-guided tour through the USS Arizona Memorial & learn how the United States entered WWII
Convenient pick-up and drop-off at select Waikiki, Honolulu Cruise Ship Pier & Ko Olina hotels
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
4 - 5.5 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
An affordable and unforgettable way to experience the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center & Arizona Memorial
Includes pre-booked tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial aboard a Navy shuttle boat
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon
5.5 - 6 hour(s)
Daily, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Fly from Kauai to Oahu on a one-day tour to Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center
Learn about Polynesian cultures and history through immersive exhibits and stunning performances
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
15.5 hour(s)
Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri / Sat Only
Area: Kauai
Experience a captivating 60-minute scenic airplane tour for up to 3 passengers!
Soar above Oahu to catch a glimpse of its iconic landmarks and must-see attractions!
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon / Evening
2.5 - 3 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Pre-purchase admission to the USS Battleship Missouri, and explore this historic site
Docents are located throughout the vessel to answer any questions you may have while on-board
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon
1.5 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
The ultimate private tour to Pearl Harbor where you go at your pace
Perfect choice for friends, families, and smaller groups, and great for groups with kids
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
4.5 - 8 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Oahu
Uncover Pearl Harbor’s WWII history on a full-day tour with round-trip airfare from Kauai to Oahu
Experience a budget-friendly Pearl Harbor visit with reserved USS Arizona Memorial tickets included
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
13.5 hour(s)
Daily
Area: Kauai
Soar high into the skies over Oahu & choose from a wide selection of Hawaii's best helicopter tours
Choose from flights ranging from 20-60 minutes, with sunset options available
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning / Afternoon / Evening
1.5 - 2 hour(s)
Daily, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Experience a premium Pearl Harbor tour in a luxury vehicle with an intimate small-group setting
Includes tickets to Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri & the iconic Aviation Museum Control Tower
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
10 - 10.5 hour(s)
Mon / Tue / Wed / Fri Only, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
Get Roberts Hawaii shuttle to Pearl Harbor! Available daily at 7:45AM and 10:00AM
Board a Navy boat shuttle for a tour of the harbor and visit USS Arizona Memoria
Pick-up Provided
Meal Not Provided
Morning
4.5 - 5.5 hour(s)
Daily, Wheelchair accessible
Area: Oahu
12

Top-Rated Activities for Hawaii

Latest reviews of Pearl Harbor

Passport to Pearl Harbor Ticket - Official One-Day Admission & Self-Guided Tour

An incredible experience

2025/05/17 Families Fam Mabon

This was an incredible experience and a highlight of the trip for our family. We particularly enjoyed the submarine and the tour of the ship.

Passport to Pearl Harbor Ticket - Official One-Day Admission & Self-Guided Tour

Pearl Harbor

2025/05/13 Couples Bob

Every thing you said it would be and more Thank you

Premium Pearl Harbor Tour - USS Arizona, USS Missouri, Top of the Tower & Lunch

AMAZING!

2025/05/07 Families Kara

Our guide was the best person we met throughout all the islands. He made this tour so personal and special, and was great overall.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours from Honolulu - Oahu Circle Island Flights

Worth every penny!

2025/05/07 Families Kara

This flight was most certainly an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip.

Pearl Harbor Express Shuttle + Arizona Memorial Ticket from Waikiki & Ko Olina

Must do

2025/05/07 Families Kara

The tour was well-organized, with enough time at each site to explore and reflect.

Royal Star Pearl Harbor Guided Tour with Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri

Pearl Harbor

2025/05/03 Families with Young Children RPD

Enjoyed the tour a little better guidance on which line to stand in, or which order events should be taken would have enhanced visit

Pearl Harbor (Top Hawaii Attractions), Hawaii tours & activities, fun things to do in Hawaii | HawaiiActivities.com
Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, is a place of profound historical significance. Known for the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor played a pivotal role in World War II and remains a site of remembrance and education today.