The Five Historic Sites

Pearl Harbor isn't one site—it's five distinct places that together tell the complete story of December 7th and America's Pacific War. Each offers a different perspective on these events, from the tragedy of the attack to the ultimate victory in the Pacific.

Three of these sites—the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and USS Oklahoma Memorial—are located on Ford Island, which was itself a primary target of the attack. Ford Island is accessible only by shuttle bus from the main Visitor Center, adding to the sense that you're entering a special, historically significant place.

1. USS Arizona Memorial: Sacred Waters

The USS Arizona Memorial is the heart of Pearl Harbor. The experience begins at the Visitor Center with a powerful 23-minute documentary film that places December 7th in its historical context. The film includes newsreel footage, survivor interviews, and expert commentary that helps you understand not just what happened, but why it mattered.

After the film, you'll board a U.S. Navy-operated shuttle boat for the short journey to the memorial structure. The boat ride itself is meaningful—you're traveling across the same waters where the attack occurred, passing other historic ships and seeing the harbor from the perspective of both attackers and defenders.

The memorial structure is an architectural marvel. Designed by Alfred Preis, it spans the sunken battleship without touching it, creating a symbolic bridge between the living and the dead. The structure's design is intentionally simple and dignified—white concrete and open sides that allow natural light and harbor breezes to flow through.

The most moving part of the memorial is the Shrine Room at the far end. Here, a marble wall lists the names of all 1,102 crewmen who died when the Arizona sank and who remain with their ship. The names are arranged by rank and division, just as they would have been organized on the ship. Some names have small leis or flowers placed beneath them by family members who still visit.

2. Battleship Missouri Memorial: Where War Ended

If the Arizona represents the beginning of America's involvement in World War II, the USS Missouri represents its triumphant conclusion. The "Mighty Mo," as she's affectionately known, was the last battleship ever built by the United States and the site of Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945.

The Missouri's history extends beyond just the surrender ceremony. Launched in 1944, she served in some of the Pacific War's most significant battles, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During the Battle of Okinawa, a Japanese kamikaze aircraft crashed into the ship's side, leaving a dent that's still visible today. The crew buried the pilot at sea with military honors—a gesture of respect that speaks to the complex nature of war and humanity.

Walking the deck where General MacArthur accepted Japan's surrender is a powerful experience. The exact spot is marked with a bronze plaque, and displays explain the ceremony's significance. Japanese officials signed multiple copies of the surrender document while Allied representatives from various nations watched. The ceremony lasted about 20 minutes, but it officially ended a war that had raged for six years.

Exploring the Missouri:

The ship is massive—887 feet long and capable of carrying nearly 3,000 crew members. Self-guided tours let you explore at your own pace, while guided tours provide deeper insights into naval life and the ship's history.

3. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum: Life Underwater

The USS Bowfin, nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," was launched exactly one year after the Pearl Harbor attack—December 7, 1942. This timing wasn't coincidental; it was a deliberate symbol of American determination to respond to the attack.

The Bowfin conducted nine war patrols in the Pacific, sinking 44 enemy vessels and earning numerous commendations. Today, it serves as a museum that gives visitors a taste of submarine warfare and the men who served in the "Silent Service."

Submarine Tour Experience:

Walking through the Bowfin is like stepping back in time. The submarine is exactly as it was during wartime—cramped, efficient, and ingeniously designed. You'll navigate through:

The tour includes an audio guide narrated by submarine veterans who share personal stories about life underwater. You'll learn about the psychological challenges of spending months submerged, the constant danger of depth charges, and the incredible teamwork required to operate these complex vessels.

Museum Exhibits:

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum houses artifacts, interactive displays, and exhibits covering submarine development from early experimental vessels to modern nuclear submarines. Highlights include:

• • Kaiten Human Torpedo: A rare Japanese suicide weapon
• • Submarine Rescue Chamber: Used to save trapped submariners
• • Periscope Station: Look through an actual submarine periscope
• • Torpedo Cutaway: See how these weapons worked

4. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Where Heroes Flew

Housed in historic Hangars 37 and 79 on Ford Island, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum tells the story of aviation in the Pacific. These hangars are themselves historic—Hangar 79 still bears bullet holes and shrapnel damage from the December 7th attack, while Hangar 37 was used to repair aircraft during the war.

Aircraft Collection:

The museum showcases over 50 aircraft representing different periods of military aviation:

Interactive Experiences:

The museum offers hands-on experiences that bring aviation history to life:

• • Flight Simulators: Pilot various aircraft types
• • Combat Flight Simulators: Experience aerial combat
• • Virtual Reality Experiences: Immersive historical scenarios
• • Flight Suit Try-On: Wear actual pilot gear

Special Exhibits:

5. USS Oklahoma Memorial: Honoring the Forgotten

The USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 sailors and Marines who died when their battleship capsized during the Pearl Harbor attack. The Oklahoma's story is often overshadowed by the Arizona's, but it represents the second-greatest loss of life on December 7th.

The Oklahoma was hit by multiple torpedoes on its port side, causing it to roll over and capsize in just 12 minutes. Many crew members were trapped inside as the ship turned turtle. Rescue efforts continued for days, with workers cutting through the hull to save men trapped in air pockets.

Memorial Design:

The memorial consists of white granite markers arranged in formation like a ship's crew at muster. Each marker bears the name of a fallen sailor or Marine, arranged by rank and division. An etched image of the USS Oklahoma shows the ship in its glory.

The memorial's location on Ford Island, near the Battleship Missouri, creates a powerful juxtaposition—you can see where the war began and where it ended from the same vantage point.

Additional Memorial: USS Utah

Also worth mentioning is the USS Utah Memorial, located on the northwest side of Ford Island. The Utah was the first ship hit during the attack and capsized with 58 men lost. Access is generally restricted, but the memorial is visible from other parts of Ford Island and is sometimes included in specialized tours.