Millions of people all around the world come every year to visit Pearl Harbor and its unprecedented accumulation of war memorials and museums. If you are confused about what to do in Pearl Harbor, then you have come to the right place. Here is our guide to top things to do in Pearl Harbor:
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USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona Memorial is a must visit for visitors as it is the most important WWII sites in the United States. The Visitor Center opens at 7:00 am daily and the programs start at 7:30 AM. The programs at the USS Arizona Memorial run every 15 minutes. Be sure not to carry any bags or even purses with you as they are not allowed in the park otherwise, you will have to keep them in a locker at the cost of a few bucks.
WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument
The National Park Service (NPS) monument is from where you can go to the two excellent museums to witness the Road to War and the Attack & Aftermath multimedia brought to life with the help of latest technology.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pacific Aviation is a military aircraft museum that displays the US conflicts in Korea and Vietnam during the WWII. You can see the planes including a Japanese Zero and a Dauntless navy dive bomber that are authentically restored on display in this museum. Just next to it is the MiG Alley Korean War exhibit which shouldn’t be missed. You can also have a guided tour to see behind the scenes at restoration work in Hangar 79’s WWII-era maintenance shop and get a chance to see the continuing work on planes including a B-17.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
In order to visit Battleship Missouri, you have to get on the Ford Island. The sunken remains of the USS Arizona are only a few hundred yards from here. You can enjoy a self-guided audio tour where you can get to see the officers’ quarters, go through the displays on the history of the ship and take a walk on the deck right at the place where on September 2, 1945, the Japanese surrender was accepted by General MacArthur.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is located within walking distance of the Arizona Memorial. Come and learn about the World War II–era sub dubbed the ‘Pearl Harbor Avenger’ inside the USS Bowfin Submarine & Park. You can also visit the museum that talks about the development of submarines. However, it is the submarine itself which is the focal point and you can visit it with the help of a self-guided audio tour. But remember that due to safety precautions, children under age 4 are prohibited to aboard the submarine.
Memorial Day
The Memorial Day which falls on the last Monday in May is a national public holiday where the people honor and remember the military people who were martyred in battle. You can be a part of the special ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial which is dedicated on Memorial Day in 1962.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is on November 11 where the US military veterans are honored. A sunset ceremony is held by the USS Missouri along with the tribute in which you can partake.
Pearl Harbor Day
Pearl Harbor Day falls on December 7 and you can be a part of it to witness a Hawaiian blessing and ardent descriptions from those who survived the Japanese attack in 1941.
USS Oklahoma Memorial
It was here that the second-largest number of lives was lost on December 7 after the USS Arizona. This memorial was inaugurated in 2000. Due to its proximity to the USS Missouri, you can visit this place using the same shuttle buses.
Restaurant 604
If you want to get away with the loud and noisy cafes in the Pearl Harbor historic sites, you can pay a visit to Restaurant 604. It is a waterfront restaurant with remarkable vistas and the best food.
Pearl Harbor is a must visit on any Hawaii tour package. You can’t miss the historic museums and memorials including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, and World War II exhibits & more. Book your exciting Pearl Harbor Tours today and save with the Hawaii’s top rated tour company!