Spotlight's Oahu Gold Magazine
Oahu Sightseeing Guide » Pearl Harbor
Pacific AvIation Museum
One of Pearl Harbor's Historic Sites, Pacific Aviation Museum occupies World War II-era hangars that still bear the scars of our nation’s first aviation battlefield. Dedicated to showing the patriotism, valor and sacrifices made by our American aviators in the Pacific, the museum presents rare American and Japanese airplanes such as a 1942 Japanese Zero and many other exhibits. Purchase tickets at the Arizona Memorial or at Pearl Harbor. Shuttles transport you to the museum on Ford Island. For more information, call (808) 441-1000.The date: December 7, 1941. The place: Pearl Harbor. The two will remain linked forever in our collective memory as a symbol of tragedy, international aggression, and how not to run the world. Thousands of lives were lost, America’s Pacific fleet was shredded, and we were at war in the Pacific.
You can learn more about this compelling wartime saga by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial (call (808) 422-0561 or (808) 422-2771). Tickets are FREE but each person must collect his/her own ticket from the park ranger. While waiting, you can browse through the visitor center that displays materials on World War II naval history and wartime Hawai‘i. Often a Pearl Harbor Survivor or volunteer is on hand to answer questions.
The visitor center is FREE and open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A Navy shuttle operates between the visitor center and the memorial from 8:00 a.m. (7:30 during the summer) to 3:00 p.m. daily. A seat on the right side of the ferry gives the best photo opportunity approaching the memorial. You have about 15 minutes on the Arizona Memorial–enough time to visit the chapel where the names are engraved, read the plaques and take some photos.
UPDATE ON SECURITY MEASURESThe USS Arizona Memorial Park, USS Bowfin Memorial Park and Battleship USS Missouri Memorial have implemented a NO BAG POLICY because of security concerns at Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy base. Purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, etc., are no longer allowed. A private vendor in the parking lot operates a storage locker service for a small fee. Large luggage will not be accepted. For park information and security updates, call the automated information line at (808) 422-0561. |
Hawai‘i is honored to be the new home of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The “Mighty Mo,” which served America in three wars, is berthed on Battleship Row and opened to fanfare on Jan. 29, 1999–60 years, to the day, after it was launched. The USS Arizona, which marks the beginning of World War II, is just 300 yards from the “Mighty Mo,” the ship on which the Japanese signed documents to end the war. The Battleship Missouri Memorial ticketing facility and bus pick-up area is located next to the USS Bowfin Memorial. Take H-1 Freeway west to the Arizona Memorial off-ramp to Kamehameha Highway and proceed one mile to the entry. For information, call (808) 973-2494.
At the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park next to the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, go below the deck of the USS Bowfin, an actual World War II submarine nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” Wind your way through the narrow compartments where the Bowfin’s crew worked, ate and slept while on WWII and Korean War patrols. Open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. (808) 423-1341.
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