Tips for First Time Visitors to Pearl Harbor

On the USS Missouri

Every year, over 1.5 million visitors visit the USS Arizona memorial—that’s no small tribute to the memory of the battle of Pearl Harbor. After all, it’s the attack which launched the US into the Second World War, and with so many people visiting the memorial, it pays to do a little research on getting insider tips for visiting. Well look no further, we’ve done the hard work for you.

Side Notes:

• Pearl Harbor is located only a few short miles west of the major metropolis Honolulu and acts as resident home to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet.
• When the Japanese attacked that fateful December morning, they caught the base completely off guard, killing 3,500 Americans—1,177 of them onboard the USS Arizona when it exploded and sank.

Visiting Pearl Harbor:

The most popular destination when visiting Pearl Harbor is to tour the USS Arizona Memorial. This tasteful and architecturally complex memorial is positioned directly over the sunken USS Arizona, and can be a somber and emotional place. Though free, tickets are limited and can go quickly, so book a Pearl Harbor tour with a group or go early.

In addition, visitors can tour the USS Bowfin submarine docked just next door, for a $10 ticket fee. Dubbed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin was launched one year to the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, and would go on to sink 44 enemy ships during her nine war patrols. An invaluable glimpse into the cramped quarters of a submarine and the lives of those that serve aboard its metal hull, this is a rare experience indeed.

Ending World War II was quite an accomplishment and if seeing the battleship upon which the peace treaty was signed is important to you, then consider heading over to the battleship upon which it was signed. The USS Missouri Memorial is an impressive (and immense) battleship. $20 gets you onboard and your choice of guided, audio-visual, or self-guided walking tour.

-Hudson