On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise attack on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor. As it transpired at the time of the attack the Aircraft carriers were not at Pearl Harbor and thus escaped destruction. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan was supposed to be a preventive attack used to scare the United States from interfering with Japans’ plan to wage war against Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. It was the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into World War II.
USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most remarkable sites in Pearl Harbor. It marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are in high demand. The tragic irony of the Arizona is how, after decades without a fight, it was transferred to Pearl Harbor to counter Japan’s Pacific ambitions.
Other attractions include harbor tours along Battleship Row, where eight battleships were docked during the attack. The Four U.S. Navy battleships that were destroyed were the USS Arizona, the USS Nevada, the USS Oklahoma, and the USS West Virginia.
It goes without saying, if this is your first Oahu Hawaii vacation experience; you should visit Pearl Harbor.
Note:
- Strollers are not allowed in Movie Theater, on Navy shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, or on the USS Arizona Memorial.
- Pearl Harbor Audio Tour is available in Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, German, French, and Spanish.