One of the Hawaiian Islands’ most visited attractions, Pearl Harbor is a place of remembrance that continues to shape how visitors understand the events of World War II and their lasting global impact.
At the heart of the site is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and its USS Arizona Memorial program, which spans the sunken remains of the battleship destroyed during the surprise Japanese attack that drew the United States into the war on December 7, 1941. Beneath the white, open-air structure lies the final resting place of 1,177 sailors and marines who lost their lives when the ship sank.
The broader historic site encompasses several major attractions, each offering a different perspective on the war. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, moored nearby on Ford Island, tells a contrasting story. It is the place where World War II formally ended in 1945 with the signing of Japan’s surrender.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum adds another layer, focusing on the often unseen role of submariners during the war. Exhibits detail life aboard submarines and their strategic importance in the Pacific. Also on Ford Island, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum houses restored aircraft and immersive displays that highlight the role of air power in both the attack and the broader war effort. Together, these sites create a comprehensive overview of how land, sea and air forces shaped the conflict.
Visitors seeking a deeper experience can also book guided tours to Ford Island, an active military base. These tours include access to the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials, offering further insight into the scale of the attack and the lives affected by it.
More than a tourist attraction, Pearl Harbor stands as a reminder of the cost of conflict and the importance of remembering history – not just as a series of events, but as human stories that continue to resonate across generations.
Fast facts
Tickets: While general admission to Pearl Harbor is free, there is a US$1 service charge collected by recreation.gov to reserve tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program. Reservations are released daily at 3pm Hawai‘i Standard Time in two windows: 24 hours and eight weeks in advance. For example, on January 1, tickets were released for January 2 and February 26. Planning ahead is strongly advised, as tickets often sell out quickly.
Getting there: Pearl Harbor is around 30 minutes’ drive from Waikīkī on O‘ahu’s southern coast. You can also get there via bus, book a shuttle from your hotel or a private tour.
More: For more information, visit nps.gov/perl/index.htm
5 other things to do on O‘ahu
- The captivating ‘Auana Cirque du Soleil show in the theatre at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel tells the story of Hawai‘i with spectacular acrobatics, dance and music.
- The Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore showcases the people, culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia with island villages, a Hawaiian lū‘au feast and an enchanting evening show.
- The calm waters of Waikīkī Beach are ideal for water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, outrigger canoeing, sailing and snorkelling.
- For all things pineapple, head to Dole Plantation in Wahiawā, where you can ride the Pineapple Express Train and get lost in the maze before having lunch at the Plantation Grille (don’t miss the Dole Whip dairy-free soft serve!)
- Honolulu’s vibrant Chinatown neighbourhood is bursting with historic buildings housing cool cafés, shops, restaurants and bars, such as The Tchin! Tchin! Bar, Yours Truly and EP Bar.
