- 1887: The U.S. obtained exclusive rights to use Pearl Harbor as a naval base through a treaty with the Hawaiian Kingdom.
- 1908: Construction of Pearl Harbor’s naval facilities began, turning it into a major U.S. Pacific Fleet base.
- 7 Dec 1941: Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, sinking or damaging battleships and killing over 2,400 Americans.
- 8 Dec 1941: The United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II.
- 1945: The Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed aboard the USS Missouri, marking the end of WWII.
- 1962: The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated, honoring the lives lost during the 1941 attack.
- 1999: The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park opened to the public.
- 2006: The Pacific Aviation Museum (now Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) opened, preserving WWII aircraft and history.
- 2010: Pearl Harbor Historic Sites officially united, offering visitors a comprehensive experience across memorials and museums.
Pearl Harbor history: From attack to remembrance
Pearl Harbor became a turning point in history after the December 7, 1941, attack that drew America into WWII. Today, memorials like the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum honor those lost and preserve the legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Timeline
History of Pearl Harbor
Origins in the 1800s
Pearl Harbor, known to native Hawaiians as Wai Momi (“Waters of Pearl”), was once a shallow lagoon rich with fish and shellfish, central to local fishing traditions.
- In 1887, the United States secured exclusive rights to develop the harbor into a coaling and repair station for its naval fleet.
This move was strategic, recognizing Pearl Harbor’s location as a critical stronghold in the Pacific for American military presence.
Though shallow and not naturally suitable for large vessels, dredging and modifications made it viable for naval development.
Early 1900s & rising tensions (1900–1940)
Pearl Harbor’s transformation into a major U.S. base accelerated in the early 20th century.
- In 1908, construction began to modernize the harbor for large naval operations.
- By the 1930s, Pearl Harbor had become the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, symbolizing American strength in the Pacific.
- Rising tensions with Japan made Pearl Harbor not just a base but a target of international attention and military strategy.
December 7, 1941: The attack on Pearl Harbor
The turning point that etched Pearl Harbor into global history.
- On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise aerial attack on the base.
- The strike destroyed or damaged battleships, cruisers, and aircraft, leaving devastation across the harbor.
- Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the attack.
Mid-1900s (1940 - 1960): War, memory & remembrance
Pearl Harbor became both a site of military activity and a sacred memory.
- In 1945, the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed aboard the USS Missouri, linking Pearl Harbor to both the beginning and end of WWII.
- In 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated, built directly over the sunken battleship to honor the sailors and marines who perished.
- Pearl Harbor’s legacy expanded from an active base to a symbol of sacrifice and resilience.
Late 1900s (1970–2000): Preserving history
The later decades cemented Pearl Harbor as a national site of learning and commemoration.
- In 1981, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park opened, showcasing the submarine that survived nine war patrols.
- In 1989, the USS Missouri was decommissioned and, a decade later in 1999, opened to the public as a museum ship at Pearl Harbor.
- Pearl Harbor grew to be one of the most visited historic sites in the United States.
2000s: Expansion & unified experience
Pearl Harbor evolved into a comprehensive historic complex.
- In 2006, the Pacific Aviation Museum (now the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) was established, highlighting aviation’s role in WWII.
- By 2010, Pearl Harbor Historic Sites joined forces to provide a unified visitor experience, making it easier to explore multiple perspectives of WWII in one place.
Pearl Harbor today
Today, Pearl Harbor remains an active naval base while serving as one of the most significant historic sites in America. Millions of visitors arrive each year to honor the fallen, reflect on history, and experience the stories preserved here.
Highlights include: the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Frequently asked questions about the history of Pearl Harbor
The battleship exploded and sank, with over 1,100 crew members lost. It remains submerged today as a memorial and final resting place.
Pearl Harbor is the only site where the U.S. both entered and ended WWII, the attack in 1941 and the Japanese surrender in 1945 aboard the USS Missouri.
Nearly 20 U.S. ships were damaged or sunk, and more than 300 aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
Pearl Harbor became a U.S. naval base in 1887, over 130 years ago.
The USS Arizona Memorial was designed by architect Alfred Preis and dedicated in 1962.
Pearl Harbor was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Yes, it remains the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet while also serving as a historic site and memorial.
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 make history tangible.
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 attack directly led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day, marking America’s official entry into World War II.
