This solemn white structure is built directly above the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place of over 1,100 sailors and Marines who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Accessible only by Navy boat, the memorial offers visitors a chance to peer into the water and see parts of the ship below, along with the oil “tears of the Arizona” that still rise to the surface. Inside, a marble wall lists the names of those lost, creating a deeply moving space for quiet reflection.
Nicknamed the “Mighty Mo,” this massive battleship is most famous as the site where Japan signed the surrender that ended World War II. Today, you can walk its expansive decks, step onto the historic Surrender Deck, and explore exhibits showcasing life at sea, from officers’ quarters to mess halls and weaponry. The towering 16-inch guns remind visitors of the ship’s power, while guided tours bring its wartime stories to life.
Called the “Pearl Harbor Avenger” for its service in the Pacific following the 1941 attack, the USS Bowfin gives a rare look into the tight, functional world of submarine warfare. Visitors can climb through hatches, peer through periscopes, and see how 80 men lived and worked in such confined quarters. The museum and park also feature torpedoes, artifacts, and interactive displays that detail the role of submarines in winning the war.
Set inside two hangars that withstood the attack on Pearl Harbor, this museum tells the story of aviation during WWII and beyond. Visitors can see bullet holes still embedded in the windows from 1941, then walk among restored fighter planes, bombers, and helicopters. Hands-on exhibits and interactive flight simulators let guests experience the thrill of aviation. Special galleries also highlight the Pacific theater and the evolution of military aircraft.
The starting point for most Pearl Harbor experiences, the Visitor Center includes museum galleries, outdoor exhibits, and a stirring 23-minute film recounting the events of December 7, 1941. It provides valuable context before you visit the memorials and warships. The grounds also include the Remembrance Circle and interpretive displays along the shoreline, giving visitors a broader understanding of the attack and its impact.
On December 7, 1941, just before 8am, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The strike involved over 350 Japanese aircraft targeting battleships, airfields, and naval facilities in a devastating assault that lasted less than two hours.
The attack sank or heavily damaged eight battleships, including the USS Arizona, and destroyed nearly 200 U.S. aircraft on the ground. More than 2,400 Americans were killed, with over 1,000 wounded. The USS Arizona suffered the heaviest loss when a bomb ignited its ammunition magazine, causing a massive explosion that sank the ship with 1,177 crew members aboard.
Japan aimed to cripple America’s Pacific Fleet, giving it free rein to expand across Asia and the Pacific. Instead, the attack united the American people, and on December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II.
Today, Pearl Harbor is remembered as a turning point in history, with memorials like the USS Arizona serving as solemn reminders of the lives lost and the resilience that followed.
Pearl Harbor is both a modern military hub and a place of remembrance. It remains the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, supporting submarines, destroyers, and aircraft carriers that safeguard the Pacific. At the same time, it’s a national memorial site, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. The harbor still holds the sunken USS Arizona, where more than 900 crew members rest, and the “black tears” of oil continue to rise to the surface as a silent reminder. Surrounding museums and memorials, like the Battleship Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, ensure that history stays connected to the present.
Pearl Harbor was the site of the December 7, 1941 attack that led the United States into World War II. It stands as both a military landmark and a place of remembrance for the lives lost and the pivotal shift it caused in world history.
You’ll explore exhibits, memorials, and museums that cover the events of the attack, personal stories of servicemen, and the broader context of WWII in the Pacific. Authentic artifacts, restored aircraft, and real ships bring history to life.
Yes. The USS Arizona Memorial is the centerpiece of Pearl Harbor. Visitors take a Navy boat to the site and can view the sunken battleship beneath the water, honoring the 1,177 sailors and Marines who perished.
Don’t miss the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri (“Mighty Mo”), USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Each site tells a unique chapter of the story, from the start of the war to its conclusion.
It’s possible, but it can feel rushed. Most visitors recommend dedicating a full day to exploring all four major sites thoroughly, especially if you want to see exhibits, films, and museums without skipping details.
Pearl Harbor welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited historic sites in Hawaii and a powerful reminder of America’s WWII history.
The ship remains a war grave, holding the entombed crew. Leaving it in place preserves its integrity as a solemn resting place and symbol of sacrifice.
Yes. Small amounts of oil, often called the “Black Tears of the Arizona,” still seep from the wreckage, serving as a haunting reminder of the past
Yes. Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam remains a major U.S. naval and air force installation while also serving as a historic site open to the public.
Outside food and drinks (except bottled water) are not allowed at memorial sites. However, there are cafés and snack bars on-site.
Yes, but parents should prepare children for the solemn nature of certain memorials. Interactive exhibits like the Aviation Museum are especially engaging for families.