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Pearl Harbor
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Historical site
Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu near Honolulu, Hawaii, is a massive, highly strategic deep-water naval base. It is profoundly etched in global history due to the massive, surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the United States Pacific Fleet on the morning of December 7, 1941. This devastating attack resulted in the massive loss of 2,403 American lives, destroyed or severely damaged numerous massive battleships, and immediately propelled the United States into World War II. Today, the massive site serves as an active military installation and a solemn national memorial, prominently featuring the USS Arizona Memorial, a massive structure built directly over the sunken hull of the tragically destroyed battleship. History K8 — World War II and the Pacific Theater.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum · USS Missouri · USS Utah
- Nearby: Ewa Beach (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Apr, May.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 71 | 82 | 94 | 54 | 47 | 37 | 40 | 44 | 50 | 74 | 86 | 93 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Pearl Harbor is a historic memorial site on Oahu, Hawaii. The visitor center and some areas are ticketed; the USS Arizona Memorial is free but requires a ticket.
Typical hours
The site is open daily, typically 7 am to 5 pm. The USS Arizona Memorial has limited slots that fill early.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but no flash in museums. Drones are prohibited. Be respectful of the memorial.
Time needed
A visit including the Arizona Memorial takes about 2 to 4 hours. For the USS Missouri battleship and museum, allow more time.
Combine with
Combine Pearl Harbor with the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin submarine. The sites are on the same grounds, connected by shuttle.
Getting there
The visitor center is reachable by car via Kamehameha Highway. Paid parking is available. Public buses from Honolulu also run.
Insider tip
Reserve your tickets for the Arizona Memorial online early as they often sell out. Arrive before opening to avoid waits.
Geography
Facts
- The massive, unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor occurred at 7:55 AM on Sunday, December 7, 1941.
- The attack massively destroyed or severely damaged 21 United States naval vessels, including 8 massive battleships.
- The massive sinking of the USS Arizona resulted in the tragic deaths of 1,177 officers and crewmen.
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously referred to the massive attack as a 'date which will live in infamy'.
- The USS Missouri, a massive battleship where the Japanese formally surrendered in 1945, is also docked at Pearl Harbor.
- The massive, shallow waters of the harbor allowed many of the sunken ships to be ultimately salvaged and repaired.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Pearl Harbor (20)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Pearl Harbor?
A historic naval base and memorial for the 1941 attack.
Are reservations needed?
Yes, tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are highly sought after and limited.
Is it family-friendly?
It is a memorial, so respectful behavior is important.
When should you be there?
Early in the morning to avoid the queues.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, but discretion is advised at certain memorial sites.
Pearl Harbor: where is it located?
Pearl Harbor is located in United States.
Pearl Harbor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Missouri, USS Utah.
Pearl Harbor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Apr, May.
Pearl Harbor: why is it worth visiting?
Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu near Honolulu, Hawaii, is a massive, highly strategic deep-water naval base.
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