Things To Do

 

Welcome to Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Located on the serene shores of Oahu, Hawaii, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial serves as a solemn tribute to the events of December 7, 1941. This site is dedicated to the memory of over 2,300 service members and civilians who perished during the Japanese attack that marked the United States' entry into World War II. The memorial honors the resilience and bravery of those affected by that day's tragic events.

Central to the memorial is the USS Arizona Memorial, which rests above the remains of the sunken battleship and commemorates the 1,177 crewmen who died aboard. Additional memorials, such as those for the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah, honor other ships and their crews lost in the attack. The visitor center provides exhibits that weave together personal narratives, historical artifacts, and multimedia presentations to enrich understanding and connection to the past.

As a place of reflection and education, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial invites visitors to contemplate the sacrifices made and to learn about the profound impact of Pearl Harbor on global history. This hallowed ground offers an unforgetable experience, encouraging remembrance and respect for the lives shaped by the events of that fateful day.

 

 

A Glimpse into the 1930s Exhibit at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

NPS photo.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: A Journey Through History

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is your essential first stop for understanding one of the most significant events in American history—the attack on Pearl Harbor. With engaging exhibits, educational films, and reflective memorial spaces, the center offers a comprehensive introduction to the events of December 7, 1941, and their lasting global impact.

Exhibit Galleries: "Road to War" and "Attack"

Explore our two principal exhibit galleries, "Road to War" and "Attack." These galleries immerse you in the events leading up to the attack on Oahu and its aftermath, featuring personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs, and battle artifacts. Interactive kiosks provide firsthand accounts from those who witnessed the events, enriching your understanding of Pearl Harbor's impact.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater

Located directly across from the exhibit galleries, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater offers visitors an engaging cinematic experience separate from the USS Arizona Memorial program. Here, you can view a compelling 23-minute documentary that vividly recounts the events of December 7, 1941. The film, which provides an in-depth look at the attack, screens every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.

Explore Our Bookstore

Before you leave, make sure to visit our bookstore, which houses an extensive collection of over 120 book titles, 50 videos, posters, audio recordings, and other mementos related to the Pacific War effort and the events at Pearl Harbor. Each item has been thoughtfully selected to deepen your understanding of Pearl Harbor's crucial role in history. These resources not only serve as educational tools but also as meaningful reminders of your visit, offering further insights into the USS Arizona, the attack on Oahu, and the broader War in the Pacific.

Visitor Tips

• Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
• Parking: Available on-site with designated spots for visitors.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available throughout the memorial.

 

Sunrise over the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a serene reminder of December 7, 1941.

The USS Arizona Memorial Program

Experience the solemnity and significance of the USS Arizona Memorial through our dedicated 45-minute program. The journey begins at the theater validation desk, where visitors check in and prepare for the experience. From there, you'll embark on a Navy-operated shuttle boat that transports you to the USS Arizona Memorial. This moving and thought-provoking site allows you to spend time reflecting on the events that took place on December 7, 1941, offering a deep and personal connection to the history and heroes of that day. After your visit to the memorial, the shuttle boat will return you to the visitor center, concluding this your visit.

Important Reservation Information

Visit the Program Page for the USS Arizona Memorial
To ensure your spot in this popular program and to learn more about the schedule and requirements, please read the detailed information page on our website. Making reservations in advance can enhance your visit by securing your participation in this deeply impactful experience.

 

USS Utah Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a solemn reminder of December 7, 1941.

NPS photo.

The Ford Island Bus Tour

The Ford Island Bus Tour offers a guided journey to some of Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s lesser-known but significant sites, including the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials. Starting at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, visitors board a motor coach to Ford Island, with stops at these historic locations for a closer look. Along the way, expert guides share important stories of bravery and sacrifice, providing a deeper understanding of Pearl Harbor’s history.

This tour includes access to areas not open to the general public, making it a unique opportunity for those wanting more than the typical visit. Visitors are required to stay with the group, and photography of private residences is prohibited.

Important Reservation Information

Visit the Program Page for the Ford Island Bus Tour
Reservations are required for the Ford Island Bus Tour. For more information and to secure your spot, please visit our Program Page for details on availability and booking.

 

Remembrance Circle

Located outdoors and near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, this exhibit is a heartfelt tribute to the men, women, and children—both military and civilian—whose lives were cut short in the tragic events of December 7, 1941. It serves as a space to honor their memory and share their stories, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The names of those who were awarded the Medal of Honor, individuals who demonstrated extraordinary courage, are highlighted in gold, a simple yet powerful way to recognize their bravery.

At the center of the exhibit is a bronze 3D map of Oahu, allowing visitors to see where the attacks unfolded. This map not only shows the strategic locations but also helps bring to life the intensity and devastation of that day. Each part of the exhibit invites visitors to pause, reflect, and remember the real people—family members, neighbors, and friends—whose lives were forever changed by the events of that morning.

 

Interpretive Wayside Exhibits

Scattered throughout the Pearl Harbor National Memorial are interpretive wayside exhibits that invite visitors to envision the events of December 7, 1941. These exhibits use a combination of descriptive images from Pearl Harbor in 1941, superimposed over the modern-day panorama of the busy port, creating a powerful visual connection between the past and the present. By aligning historical photos with the current landscape, visitors can immerse themselves in the experience of that fateful day, gaining a deeper understanding of the attack and its lasting impact on the nation.

 

Additional Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

The Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are separate and independent sites not managed by the National Park Service. Each of these sites offers unique exhibits and experiences related to Pearl Harbor and World War II history. For more information about their programs and admission rates, please visit their respective websites.