Pearl Harbor remains one of the most historically significant sites in the United States, the place where the December 7, 1941 attack drew America into World War II. Today the harbor is home to a cluster of memorials and museums operated together as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial complex, giving visitors a chance to understand that morning’s events from multiple angles, from the sunken hull of the USS Arizona to a retired battleship where the war officially ended.
Related: Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial Tours: Standard Tour or Battleship Missouri Combo Tour?
Top-Rated Pearl Harbor Tours & Tickets
Best Things to Do at Pearl Harbor
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial
The white memorial structure floats directly above the sunken battleship USS Arizona, final resting place for more than 1,000 crew members. A short boat ride out to the memorial and time spent looking down into the clear water, where the ship’s outline is still visible, makes for one of the most solemn stops most visitors will experience anywhere.
Tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Docked at Ford Island, the “Mighty Mo” is where Japan’s formal surrender was signed in September 1945, closing the loop on the war that began at Pearl Harbor. Walking its decks and gun turrets gives a hands-on contrast to the more reflective Arizona memorial.
Explore the Pacific Aviation Museum
Set in original hangars that were strafed during the attack, this museum houses restored World War II aircraft and exhibits on the Pacific air war, including some hangars that still bear bullet holes from that morning.
Step Aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine
Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” this restored World War II submarine lets visitors walk through its cramped, mechanical interior, offering a sense of what submarine service was actually like for its crew.
Visit the Visitor Center Museums
Before boarding the boat to the Arizona Memorial, two museum galleries at the visitor center walk through the lead-up to the attack and the events of the day itself, using artifacts, photographs, and firsthand accounts.
Best Time to Visit
Mornings tend to be less crowded and cooler for the amount of walking involved between sites. The complex is popular year-round, and given its significance, visiting on or around December 7 brings additional commemorative programming, though it’s also the busiest day of the year.
How to Get There
Pearl Harbor is located a short drive or bus ride from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, and many visitors book a package tour that includes round-trip transportation from their hotel. Public buses also serve the area for those driving or navigating independently.
Good to Know
- Free timed-entry tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are limited and often booked out well in advance, so reserve early.
- Security screening is strict, with restrictions on bags and personal items, similar to airport security.
- Plan for at least three to four hours to cover the Arizona Memorial along with one or two of the other sites; a full day lets you see everything.
- Dress respectfully and expect a quiet, reflective atmosphere, particularly at the Arizona Memorial itself.
A visit to Pearl Harbor moves between grief and resolve in a way few historic sites manage, from the quiet memorial over a sunken battleship to the deck of the ship where the war finally ended. It’s an essential stop for understanding a pivotal chapter of American and world history, not just another item on a Hawaii itinerary.
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