Things to do nearPearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, on the south shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is a solemn national memorial known for its powerful museums, the USS Arizona Memorial, and its enduring place in American history.
Pearl Harbor has been a natural deepwater harbor on the island of Oahu for centuries, valued long before it became a United States naval base. Its strategic importance grew through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and by 1941 it served as the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The surprise attack on December 7, 1941, sank or damaged much of the fleet and drew the United States into World War II. Today the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument preserves the site and honors those who served. The USS Arizona Memorial, accessible by a short boat ride, sits directly above the sunken battleship and remains one of the most moving sites in the country.
Beyond the Arizona, visitors can board the USS Missouri, tour the USS Bowfin submarine, and explore the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island. Each offers a distinct lens on the war and its legacy. The visitor center provides well-curated exhibits with personal stories, artifacts, and archival footage that bring the history to life.
Pearl Harbor is a place that rewards quiet reflection as much as historical curiosity, and its significance makes it an essential stop on any visit to Hawaii.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Pearl Harbor
Arrive early in the morning to secure a timed entry pass for the USS Arizona Memorial, as tickets are limited and often gone by midday.
Visit the USS Missouri battleship to walk the deck where the Japanese surrender was signed, offering a powerful bookend to the Pearl Harbor story.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the historic sites span a wide area and involve considerable ground to cover on foot.
Allow at least four hours to do the main sites justice, including the visitor center, the memorial boat ride, and the on-site museums.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial may be suspended during rough harbor conditions.
Top tours & experiences near Pearl Harbor
Ride a 3-Hour Honolulu Rainforest E-Bike Tour
Climb above Honolulu on a solar-powered e-bike with rainforest views
Pearl Harbor WWII Guided Day Tour From Kauai
Fly from Kauai to Pearl Harbor with admission, guide narration, and lunch included
Fly From Maui to Oahu for a Pearl Harbor Guided Tour
Fly Maui to Oahu for a guided Pearl Harbor tour with lunch and admissions included
Visit Pearl Harbor From Kailua-Kona With Airfare
Fly from Kailua-Kona to tour Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri, and the Aviation Museum