Why Is Pearl Harbor a "Must See" for Any Visitor to Hawaii?

In Hawaii, history isn't locked behind glass. It lives, breathes, and quietly echoes through places like Pearl Harbor. More than just a stop on a travel itinerary, Pearl Harbor is an emotional encounter with the past. Pearl Harbor is home of the two famous US Naval ships: The USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri.

This harbor in Oʻahu isn't simply a memorial. It's sacred ground. It's where stories of courage, loss, and resilience float just beneath the surface. You don't just observe history when you stand on that soil or sail across those waters. You feel it entirely, with your heart.

Pearl Harbor shaped American history. It left a deep mark on Hawaii. And to this day, it continues to speak to all who visit. Whether you're a history buff or someone seeking connection, this site offers more than facts; it provides meaning.

This guide walks you through where it is, what to see, and how to make your experience meaningful.

Where Is the Pearl Harbor Memorial Located?

The Pearl Harbor Memorial sits on the southern shore of Oʻahu, in Honolulu. It's just a quick 15–20 minute drive from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport- close enough to visit even on a tight schedule.

Most visitors arrive by car, but there are plenty of other ways to get there; public buses from Waikīkī head directly to the site. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Many guided tours offer hotel pickups, especially from central Honolulu and Waikīkī.

Once you arrive, be prepared. The memorial opens daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry for exhibits usually around 3:00 PM. Admission to the Visitor Center is free, but you'll need a ticket to take the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride. These are limited, so reservations are highly recommended.

Security tip: No large bags, purses, or backpacks are allowed inside. Lockers are available near the entrance. Be ready for a quick security check before entry.

What You'll Discover at the Pearl Harbor Memorial

Pearl Harbor is more than a single monument. It's a collection of sites that tell the whole December 7, 1941 story.

Here's what you'll encounter:

USS Arizona Memorial

This is the most visited and powerful part of the site. Floating above the sunken battleship, this white structure honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives. A boat ride takes you there. It's quiet, solemn, and unforgettable.

USS Missouri Battleship

Arguably the most famous battleship at Pearl Harbor is the USS Missouri. This is the very battleship that General Douglas MacArthur stood witness to the surrender of the Japanese, ending World War II and restoring peace around the world. The USS Missouri is now fully restored and available for public access.  

USS Oklahoma & USS Utah Memorials

Located on Ford Island, these lesser-known memorials are also moving. They honor the sailors and Marines who died when their ships capsized. If you have the time, don't miss them.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

This is where most visits begin. With two museums, outdoor exhibits, and an interpretive film, the Visitor Center offers the full context behind the attack and its aftermath. It's educational and immersive.

Role of the National Park Service

The National Park Service expertly preserves the entire site. Their dedication ensures visitors experience the historical depth and respectful atmosphere Pearl Harbor deserves.

What's Free and What's Not

Access to the Visitor Center, exhibits, and outdoor memorials is free. The USS Arizona boat ride is also free but requires a reservation. Some tours, especially to Ford Island (like the USS Missouri or Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum), may have fees.

A Moment of Reverence: The USS Arizona Memorial Experience

The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is peaceful. Quiet. Reflective. It's only about 10 minutes, but you feel every second. The waters are calm but heavy with memory.

The memorial itself is striking. It spans the length of the sunken battleship, gently resting above it. The white canopy symbolizes peace and remembrance. Through the open air, you can look directly down into the water. Sometimes, small rainbows form on the surface—oil still leaks from the ship below, what some call the "black tears."

It's silent here. Tourists become mourners. Even young children fall quiet. You're standing above the final resting place of hundreds. It humbles you with its calm.

The Living History Beyond the Memorial

The story of Pearl Harbor didn't end on December 7. Its legacy lives on in Hawaii.

Many local families still tell stories of loved ones who were there. Some witnessed the attack. Others helped in rescue and recovery. Their stories are part of the island's living memory.

Hawaiian students grow up learning about Pearl Harbor as part of their history and not just American history. The attack impacted communities across Oʻahu, and those impacts echo through generations.

Pearl Harbor is woven into the culture of remembrance here. It's more of a shared experience passed down, like a chant or a song. Visiting the site means stepping into that legacy and awestruck with the divine energy.

Hawaiian Craftsmanship and the Spirit of Legacy

In Hawaiian culture, remembrance is not just looking back. It's carrying forward.

Artisans across the islands, like those at Martin & MacArthur, live out this value in every piece they create. The USS Missouri Memorial Association requested Martin & MacArthur create lasting mementos using the original Teak deck of Mighty Mo. This precious Teak deck originally installed at the Brooklyn Shipyard in 1940, was recently removed and replaced with all new teak.   However, the USSM painstakingly kept all of the original teak planks on which Gen. MacArthur stood witness to the surrender of the Japanese ending World War II.   Now, proceeds from sale of all mementos made with the original USS Missouri teak deck support the vital work of the memorial.

When you hold a memento handcrafted from the original teak deck of the  USS Missouri, you hold history. The curves, the grain, the shine—it all reflects something more profound. A memory. A legacy. A connection between past and present.

Craftsmanship like this keeps tradition alive. It celebrates Hawaii's identity most tangibly.

Respecting the Space: Tips for Visitors

Pearl Harbor is a memorial. Not a theme park. It deserves reverence.

1. Behavior and etiquette at the memorial

• Keep voices low.

• Avoid eating, drinking, or loud phone conversations.

• Dress modestly- no swimsuits, tank tops, or flashy attire.

2. For families with young children

• Talk to them before the visit. Help them understand why it matters.

• Encourage quiet behavior during the boat ride and in the memorial.

• Use the exhibits to keep them engaged in respectful learning.

3. Security and prohibited items

• Large bags are not allowed. Lockers are available.

• Everyone must go through a screening process.

• Photography is permitted in most areas—but always check the signs first.

4. Accessibility for all visitors

• Wheelchair-friendly paths and ramps are available throughout the site.

• Staff are helpful and ready to assist.

• Shaded rest areas give everyone a chance to pause and reflect comfortably.

What Else to Explore Nearby

Pearl Harbor has even more to offer beyond the memorial.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Want to understand the silent world of undersea warfare? This museum showcases life aboard submarines and the role they played in WWII.

USS Missouri

Docked nearby, this massive battleship is where Japan officially surrendered. Even if you don't board, it's an incredible sight.

Peaceful Walking Paths

Take a quiet stroll around the harbor. There are benches, shaded spots, and countless photo opportunities. It's a place to process and reflect.

Nearby Attractions

If you have extra time, visit the Aviation Museum or the Remembrance Circle, which honors military and civilian lives lost.

Give yourself time. Don't rush. This place deserves it.

The Cultural Importance of Remembrance in Hawaii

In Hawaii, memory is sacred. The Hawaiian tradition of moʻokūʻauhau- honoring genealogy and lineage- is central to cultural identity.

Remembrance isn't passive. It's an act of love and responsibility. It strengthens communities, connects generations, and grounds people for who they are.

When visitors walk through Pearl Harbor, they become part of this remembrance. It's no longer just history- it's shared humanity.

This space invites us to carry forward the stories, the lessons, and the spirit of those who came before. It's a living memorial in every sense of the word.

Conclusion

Pearl Harbor is more than a chapter in a book. It's a space where past and present hold hands. Where visitors leave changed- not by what they saw, but by what they felt.

At Martin & MacArthur, we are proud to be part of this story. We honor the people and traditions that shape these islands through every handcrafted koa piece. Our work reflects not only beauty but legacy.

When you visit Pearl Harbor and take home a piece of Hawaii, you carry the story forward.