The Evolution of Pearl Harbor National MemorialLocated within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on the island of Oahu, Hawai'i, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial holds significant historical and strategic importance. Designated a national historic landmark in 1964, the area is renowned for its role in the US annexation of Hawai'i and as the site of the infamous Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, during World War II. As the most visited destination on Oahu, Pearl Harbor remains a place of reflection, education, and remembrance. The National Park Service's Role at Pearl HarborThe involvement of the National Park Service (NPS) at Pearl Harbor has evolved significantly over the years. Below is a timeline of key milestones in its development: 1958: Establishment of the USS Arizona Memorial
1980: Transition to NPS Management
December 5, 2008: Expansion of the NPS MissionAn Executive Order created the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, expanding the NPS’s responsibilities at Pearl Harbor. The NPS began managing:
Additionally, the monument included sites in:
April 2019: Redesignation to Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located adjacent to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Honoring the FallenCentral to the NPS mission at Pearl Harbor is memorializing those who perished during the December 7, 1941, attack. Each memorial serves as a tribute to the individuals who gave their lives on that day:
While the USS Arizona and USS Utah shipwrecks are not within the monument’s boundaries, they are designated national historic landmarks. The NPS, through an agreement with the U.S. Navy, is responsible for managing the archeological features associated with both shipwrecks. The Pearl Harbor Visitor CenterThe expanded and renovated Pearl Harbor Visitor Center offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the history of the Pacific War and the December 7, 1941, attack on Oahu. The complex features:
Visitors can also access other nearby Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, all offering further insights into the events and aftermath of World War II. |
Last updated: October 16, 2025