Visiting Pearl Harbor On Memorial Day
Each year, millions of people from all over the world come to Pearl Harbor to see for themselves where World War II began for the United States on December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial is the number one visitor destination in Hawaii, and is one of the most visited places in the United States on Memorial Day.
If you’re planning to visit Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day weekend, there are a few experiences and places to see on your visit. We’ve highlighted these experiences below.
The USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial draws more than 1.8 million visitors each year. It is a must-see destination for all individuals coming to Hawaii. Visiting this memorial is certainly a worthy way to honor Memorial Day and the attack on Pearl Harbor that destroyed nearly 300 U.S. planes, damaged or destroyed 18 American ships, and claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people (and wounded more than 1,000 more).
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Visitors to Pearl Harbor are free to explore the grounds of the newly renovated $56 million Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The new Visitor Center was recently been expanded from the original 3 to 17 acres and is operated by the National Park Service.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7am to 5pm (only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking is free to all visitors. Three new parking lots have been built at the Visitor Center and now there is ample parking for everyone.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Battleship Missouri Memorial is located on Ford Island and is only accessible to the general public via the shuttle buses which depart from the Visitor Center every 15 minutes. The last shuttle back to the Visitor Center leaves at 5:00 p.m. from Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor.
Visitors with a valid military ID or contractors’ permit are able to access Ford Island directly.
Guided tours of USS Missouri last anywhere between a half an hour and two hours, or explore the ship at your own pace on a self-guided walking tour that takes you above and below the decks of America’s mightiest battleship.
Learn more at https://ussmissouri.org/
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor
Along with the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum is also located on Ford Island. If you have a fear of seeing Pearl Harbor by airplane, the Aviation Museum is a great way to get up close to warbird planes. Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor occupies two hangars and the Ford Island Control Tower that still bear the scars of our nation’s aviation battlefield. Ranked “One of the Top 10 Aviation Attractions in the Nation” by TripAdvisor®.
Learn more at http://www.pacificaviationmuseum.org/
Pearl Harbor Warbirds Admiral’s Warbird Adventure
See Pearl Harbor From A World War II Aircraft
If you are truly looking for a unique experience at Pearl Harbor for Memorial Day, look no further than taking a warbird airplane flight. Be immersed in the details of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and soar above the important sites that played a part in the “Day of Infamy.” Relive history as you retrace the steps of the Army and Navy airmen in the days following the bombing. Fly on some of the same routes the Japanese attackers used into the airfields at Wheeler, Kāne‘ohe and Bellows. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i Pearl Harbor Warbirds provides a personal historical experience making it one of the best O‘ahu attractions.
Learn more about Pearl Harbor Warbirds Admiral’s Warbird Adventure.
Battleship Row
Visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial along Battleship Row. The USS Oklahoma Memorial is dedicated to the 429 sailors and Marines who lost their lives when the USS Oklahoma sunk during the 1941 strike on Pearl Harbor. The black granite and white marble memorial was dedicated Dec. 7, 2007.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy visiting Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day Weekend. Share your experiences with Pearl Harbor Warbirds on Facebook and Twitter.
Pearl Harbor Warbirds offers the best Hawai‘i flight adventure tours available. Be immersed in the details of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and soar above the important sites that played a part in the “Day of Infamy.” Relive history as you retrace the steps of the Army and Navy airmen in the days following the bombing. Fly on some of the same routes the Japanese attackers used into the airfields at Wheeler, Kāne‘ohe and Bellows. There are many air tours in Hawai‘i, but only one warbird airplane flight. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i Pearl Harbor Warbirds provides a personal historical experience making it one of the best O‘ahu attractions.
Experience an immersive two hour adventure that allows you to relive history as a Naval Aviator and fly Pearl Harbor like it was on December 10th, 1941. Learn more about the Admiral’s Warbird Adventure.