Home : Oahu for You : Family : Look & Learn : Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is where World War II began and ended. On Sunday, December 7, 1941, the day which has become known in American history as the Day of Infamy, the United States’ naval base at Pearl Harbor came under a surprise attack from the Japanese navy. This attack was a turning point in the war’s history and forced the United States to enter the war.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place for 1,177 crew members that lost their live that day. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the Arizona memorial. At the visitor center, guests watch a short documentary film on the attack, take a short boat trip out to the remains of the sunken battleship, and then begin a self-guided exploration of the memorial itself. Admission is free and program tickets are issued on a first come first serve basis.

On September 2, 1945, World War II officially ended on the decks of the USS Missouri when Japan signed its official and unconditional surrender. The “Mighty Mo” was the last of the great battleships to be completed by the US Navy and arguably the nation’s most historic battleship. Today, visitors can explore the ship’s decks, brig, and engine rooms to get more familiar with the American hero.

Launched on December 7, 1942, the USS Bowfin completed nine successful war patrols during her wartime service and earned a Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, guests can peruse the submarine artifacts, models and learn about the history of the US Submarine Service. Go below deck of the “Pearl Harbor Avenger” to discover the intriguing world of submarines.