Education

Children engaging in educational activities at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

NPS

The Importance of Pearl Harbor Education for Kids

Visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a great way for kids to connect with history. Learning about the events of December 7, 1941, helps them understand a crucial moment in American history and why it matters today. One key benefit of this education is that it promotes empathy and respect; by hearing the stories of those who served and the lives affected by the attack, kids can appreciate the courage and resilience displayed during World War II. It also encourages critical thinking as they explore themes like bravery and loss, helping them grasp the complexities of history and its relevance to our lives now. Understanding the lessons of Pearl Harbor can inspire a sense of responsibility, motivating young visitors to think about their roles as citizens and how they can contribute to a culture of peace. The memorial offers engaging activities and interactive exhibits that make learning fun, providing hands-on experiences that instill a lifelong appreciation for history.

Field Trip Facilitation at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, in partnership with Pacific Historic Parks, offers field trip facilitation for eligible groups. If your field trip meets the criteria outlined below, please submit the Field Trip Request Form by clicking the "The Legacy of Pearl Harbor" square at this link.

Coordination for School Groups

The teacher requesting the field trip, who will be responsible for awarding academic credit and supervising students on site, must coordinate directly with Pearl Harbor National Memorial Park Rangers. We cannot coordinate with Travel Agents, Destination Management Companies, Tour Operators, or third-party booking agencies. Please note that tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold. Ticket reservations cannot be made by commercial operators or agencies unless they hold a valid Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) with the park.

Academic Waiver Qualifications

To request an academic waiver, please review the following criteria:

1. Eligibility
   Applicants must demonstrate that they are an academic or scientific institution.

   International Applicants must provide one of the following:

   • A statement confirming educational or scientific tax exemption from the IRS or equivalent national, state, or local tax authority.
   • A statement from an academic institution that meets eligibility standards, confirming the group is visiting to provide transferable academic credit based on a curriculum.
   • A statement confirming accreditation or recognition as an educational institution from a qualified authority.
     
     

   Home School Groups may be eligible for fee waivers if they meet their state’s requirements for home schools. A copy of the state's Department of Education requirements may be requested.

2. Educational Purpose
   Applicants must submit a written statement confirming that the park visit supports a specific curriculum for which academic credit is offered.

3. Relevance
   Applicants must provide a written explanation identifying the park resources and facilities to be used and how these resources support the educational purpose.

Important Notes:

• Waivers are considered only if all three criteria are met.
• Requests for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, or general sightseeing that are not part of an academic curriculum do not qualify for waivers.
• Waivers are not automatically granted; all requests must be confirmed by Pearl Harbor National Memorial Rangers.
• Due to COVID-19 mitigations and other factors (e.g., date, time, group size), we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

For additional or clarifying questions, please email us.