How to Visit Pearl Harbor: Explained
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise military strike on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack killed over 2,400 Americans and led the U.S. to enter World War II. The event remains a pivotal moment in history, shaping the course of the conflict and global geopolitics.
There are a several ways to visit Pearl Harbor depending on which of the historic sites you want to visit.
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Adventure At A Glance
Duration:
Varies
Starting Point:
Pearl Harbor | OAHU
Group size:
–
What's Provided:
–
What to Bring:
Government-issued Photo ID
For most people, visiting Pearl Harbor is something that is planned long in advance and is part of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You may know you want to visit Pearl Harbor but you might not know where to start. If so, this video series is for you. We show you each of the historic sites at Pearl Harbor so you can decide which sites you would like to spend time to visit.
What is Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor is a military base. Within the military base, there are four (4) main historic sites at Pearl Harbor which are open to the public:
1. USS Arizona Memorial
2. USS Missouri Battleship
3. Aviation Museum
4. USS Bowfin Submarine
Pearl Harbor: 1/2 Day Tour
The shortest tour is about 4-hours. This tour includes:
-Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki
-USS Arizona Memorial (weather dependent)
-Honolulu City Tour
Pearl Harbor: FULL DAY Tour
Visiting Pearl Harbor on an organized tour makes it easy & worry-free. If you're staying in Waikiki, these tours are a great option as they include roundtrip transportation plus a narrated tour.
VIRTUAL TOURS: Not sure which historic sites to visit?
Below are virtual tours of each of the historic sites to help you decide which ones you want to visit. For those where accessibility may be a factor, I've made notes on where there is seating available as well as ramps (wheelchair access).
Pearl Harbor
There are four (4) main historic sites at Pearl Harbor:
- USS Arizona Memorial
- USS Missouri Battleship
- Aviation Museum
- USS Bowfin Submarine
USS Arizona Memorial
USS Missouri Battleship
USS MISSOURI BATTLESHIP | The location where World War II came to an end & the surrender treaty was signed. In this video, we take you on a virtual mini tour of the USS MISSOURI Battleship at Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
PEARL HARBOR AVIATION MUSEUM | In this video, we take you on a virtual mini tour of the PEARL HARBOR AVIATION MUSEUM (formerly the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor). This video is part of a 5-part “How to Visit Pearl Harbor” series to show you virtually what it would be like right now. For most people, visiting Pearl Harbor is something that is planned long in advance and is part of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You may know you want to visit Pearl Harbor but you might not know where to start. If so, this video series is for you. We show you each of the historic sites at Pearl Harbor so you can decide which sites you would like to spend time to visit.
USS Bowfin Submarine
USS BOWFIN SUBMARINE | In this video, we take you on a virtual mini tour of the USS BOWFIN SUBMARINE at Pearl Harbor. This video is part of a “How to Visit Pearl Harbor” series to show you virtually what it would be like right now. For most people, visiting Pearl Harbor is something that is planned long in advance and is part of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You may know you want to visit Pearl Harbor but you might not know where to start. If so, this video series is for you. We show you each of the historic sites at Pearl Harbor so you can decide which sites you would like to spend time to visit.
What I Packed
While bags that offer concealment are not allowed at Pearl Harbor, clear bags (similar to the ones allowed at stadiums) are allowed.
Clear Bag
Bag Strap
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WHERE SHOULD WE SEND YOUR HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE?
Island:
- Oahu
Type:
- Land
Activity:
- Pearl Harbor