USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most remarkable sites in Pearl Harbor. When you are driving from downtown Honolulu, take the H-1 freeway west and take the exit 15A, marked Arizona Memorial Stadium. There are more than two dozen more aircraft on display at the museum, from helicopters like the Bell UH-1 Iroquois and Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King to jet-era aircraft such as the F-4C Phantom II and Soviet-made MiG-15. It’s a not-yet restored Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, which was America’s primary bomber in the beginning the war in the Pacific.
Actual relics from that downed Zero, which had been piloted by Japanese Naval Airman 1st Class Shigenori Nishikaichi, are also displayed in Hangar 37.
Nishikaichi’s plane had been hit during the attack’s second wave on Bellows Field and Kaneohe Naval Air Station. The Zero on display has been restored with paint and markings identical to those on one that crashed on the Hawaiian island of Niihau. A highlight is a fully restored 1940 Japanese Zero — or Mitsubishi A6M2, for flying buffs — which at the outset of the war was considered the best carrier-based fighter on Earth.
Crowds watch and take photos as John Maloney flies the Japanese Zero, the only operating original model of the plane in existence. The nose of the Japanese Zero, the only operating original model of the plane in existence, sits on the tarmac before a Saturday, Dec. Pilot John Maloney does a ground check after flying the Japanese Zero, the only operating original model of the plane in existence, during a Saturday, Dec. Hundreds of cameras are aimed at the flying Japanese Zero during a Saturday, Dec.
You can also tour the submarine and visit the adjacent museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts within its 10,000 square feet of galleries. Step into the life of a sailor at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. Every day, memories of World War II—its sights and sounds, its terrors and triumphs—disappear.
Two of the hangars that survived the attack now house the museum collection. The Navy took over the Ford airfield, flying numerous patrol and scout planes from the hangars there. Swim suits and tank tops are not permitted at the Arizona Memorial.
Security measures prohibit items such as backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, and purses in the Arizona Memorial. Return to the pier after this incredible day of history, patriotism and pride. Narration will enhance the experience, and you’ll want to keep your camera ready for high points such as the statue of King Kamehameha the Great, Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha’ Church, and Punchbowl Cemetery, the final resting place of over 35,000 Americans (including 776 who perished at Pearl Harbor) who gave their lives in service of their country.