Use this travel guide to explore the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is a U.S. Naval base located in Oahu, Hawaii. It is known for the Japanese surprise attack on December 7, 1941. This attack led to the United States’ involvement in World War II. Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a unit of the National Park Service.

Pearl Harbor is now a famous National Historic Landmark that draws millions of visitors annually. Through this guide, we’ll explore the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl National Pacific Cemetery and the USS Missouri at Ford Island.

History of Pearl Harbor Attack

Knowing the historical context to understand the Pearl Harbor attack’s significance is essential. The attack occurred on a Sunday morning when most sailors were off duty. The Japanese forces launched a surprise bombing on the US naval base with the intent of crippling America’s ability to intervene in the Pacific.

Over 2,400 Americans died, and a significant portion of the US fleet was destroyed or damaged. The attack was a turning point in American history, a wake-up call to the nation, and a catalyst for the United States’ entry into World War II.

Why was it called pearl harbor?

Pearl Harbor was named after the pearl oysters that once inhabited the bay. The native Hawaiians called it Wai Momi, meaning “pearl water.” The name change occurred because pearl oysters became scarce due to overfishing in the early 1900s.

Pearl Harbor now holds a different significance in history. The name Pearl Harbor will forever be associated with the tragic event that occurred in 1941.

There are four main attractions at Pearl Harbor: the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

pearl harbor visitor center

The $65 million dollar Pearl Harbor Visitor Center should be your first stop when exploring Pearl Harbor. Here, you can learn about the history of Pearl Harbor before and after the attack.

A visitor center highlight is a 23-minute documentary titled “Attack on Pearl Harbor,” which details the day’s events. You can also take a guided tour of the visitor center, including a trip to the Road to War Museum and the Attack Museum.

uSS arizona memorial and boat ride

The USS Arizona Memorial is the most memorable sight during your visit to Pearl Harbor. This memorial pays tribute to the 1,177 service men and women who lost their lives on the battleship USS Arizona during the Japanese attack.

You will take a boat ride from the visitor center to the memorial. Once there you can pay your respects and learn more about the tragedy. Although it was a somber experience, I was grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to the brave men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day.

The process to buy tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial is quite simple. Visitors can either purchase tickets in advance online or in person on the day of their visit at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. It’s important to note that while tickets are free, they are still required to enter the memorial.

Be sure to bring a valid ID for each group member when picking up your tickets. Use your phone to download and store your ticket if reserved online.

costs to visit the USS arizona

As mentioned, tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are free. However, there is a $1 convenience fee per ticket for those who purchase tickets online. Parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center costs $7 per vehicle.

Visitors can also purchase combo tickets that include entry to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, USS Missouri Memorial, and Pacific Aviation Museum, among others.

The best time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial is during the early morning hours to avoid the crowds. The first tour begins at 7:30 a.m., with tours departing every 15 minutes until 3:00 p.m.

Be sure to arrive at least an hour before your scheduled tour time to allow enough time to pick up your tickets, go through security, and watch a brief 23-minute documentary about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Museums at pearl harbor

Aside from the Road to War Museum and Attack Museum at the visitor center, there are many other museums to explore while visiting Pearl Harbor. The Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island displays aircraft from various wars, including World War II.

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park has an exhibit dedicated to submarines and underwater warfare, including artifacts from World War II. The USS Missouri on Ford Island is a massive battleship museum with self-guided tours.

uSS bowfin Submarine museum

The US Bowfin Submarine Museum is just a short walk away from the aviation museum. This museum displays the history of submarines and their crews. The USS Bowfin (not stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack) launched torpedos in 1942 and sank 44 enemy ships during its service in WWII.

Visitors to the museum can climb aboard the Bowfin and see what life was like for the crew during the war. There are also exhibits and displays highlighting the contributions of submarines to war efforts throughout history.

If you’re interested in military technology or want to understand the role of submarines in war better, this museum is a must-visit.

pearl harbor aviation museum

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a must see at Pearl Harbor. This museum is inside two hangars that survived the 1941 attack and contains a stunning collection of aircraft that have played a role in military history.

You’ll see P-40 Warhawk, the F-14 Tomcat, and the F-15 Eagle planes up close. here are also plenty of displays and exhibits detailing military aviation history. One particularly unique feature of the museum is the opportunity to ride in a vintage WWII-era airplane.

There are also flight simulators that allow visitors to experience a more interactive and immersive exhibit.

battleship missouri and ford island

Ford Island played a significant role in the attack on Pearl Harbor, and now it’s home to the Battleship Missouri Memorial. During your visit, explore the battleship and learn about its history.

The Missouri served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. You can take a guided or self-guided walking tour of the battleship and even fire a replica of the battleship’s 5-inch gun.

punchbowl national cemetery of the pacific

The Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific is the final resting place for over 35,000 military men and women who died while serving their country. It is a beautiful and serene location with stunning views of Honolulu. The cemetery is in a dormant volcanic crater, and visitors can take a self-guided walking tour or a free daily guided tour.

Volcanic activity formed Punchbowl 75,000 to 100,000 years ago, when lava flow filled in the gaps of existing coral reefs at the base of the Koolau Mountain Range.

Pearl harbor: an unforgettable experience

Traveling to Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and other national park landmarks is a captivating and unforgettable experience. The area’s attractions hold substantial historical and cultural value, and visitors come from all over the world to explore.

There is something for everyone, from Pearl Harbor to the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific. So, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to explore all that Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu.