The Pearl Harbor Memorial is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii.
This memorial commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor that took place on December 7th, 1941. The attack was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The memorial was built in 1962 and is located on Oahu, near Honolulu.
Each year, more than 1 million people visit the memorial to pay their respects and learn more about this important part of American history.
Visiting Pearl Harbor Memorial
If you’re planning on visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial, there are a few things you should know.
The best way to get to the memorial is by car or tour bus. There is plenty of parking available at the site.
Once you arrive, you’ll want to take some time to walk around and explore all that the memorial has to offer. There are many different exhibits and monuments to see, as well as a museum with lots of information about the attack and its aftermath.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.
USS Arizona Memorial
The most popular attraction at the Pearl Harbor Memorial is the USS Arizona Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The memorial is located at the site of the sunken USS Arizona, which was one of eight battleships destroyed or damaged in the attack.
The memorial was designed by architect Alfred Preis and dedicated on May 30, 1962. It consists of three main elements:
- The entry structure
- The shrine
- The monument wall
Visitors to the memorial can take a boat ride out to the shrine, which sits atop the USS Arizona. The shrine is made up of two parts:
- The inner sanctum, which contains the names of those who died on the ship
- The memorial chapel, where visitors can reflect and pay their respects
The monument wall features a list of all the battleships and other vessels that were attacked or damaged during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Visitors can take a boat ride out to the memorial. It’s a moving experience to see this memorial and to reflect on the lives that were lost that day.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
Near the Pearl Harbor Memorial, you’ll also find the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. This museum is dedicated to the history of submarine warfare.
Visitors can take a tour of the USS Bowfin submarine, which served during World War II, or explore the many exhibits at the museum.
The park is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Hawaii scenery.
Pearl Harbor survivor Stu Hedley showed his patriotism during the 78th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitors Center. Hedley died at age 99. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
Pearl Harbor Day
Pearl Harbor Day is an annual remembrance day in the United States, dedicated to those who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The day typically features ceremonies and events at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, as well as other military bases and sites around the country. If you’re in Hawaii in early December, be sure to check out the Pearl Harbor Day events.
Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique tourist destination, the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a place you won’t want to miss on your trip to Hawaii. The memorial is a moving reminder of the loss of life during the attack on Pearl Harbor and offers visitors a chance to learn more about this important event in American history.
