Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial on the island of Oahu commemorates the Japanese surprise attack of December 7, 1941, that drew the United States into World War II. The memorial complex encompasses multiple historic sites spread across the harbor, anchored by the iconic white marble USS Arizona Memorial — a floating structure spanning the sunken battleship below without touching it. Oil still seeps slowly from the Arizona's fuel tanks and rises to the surface in iridescent ribbons, a haunting visible reminder of the 1,177 sailors and Marines entombed within the wreck. Visitors access the USS Arizona Memorial by a free U.S. Navy boat shuttle departing from the main visitor center. The brief boat ride crosses the harbor with views of Battleship Row as it appeared during the attack. Inside the memorial, the Shrine Room displays the names of all those killed aboard the Arizona inscribed on a marble wall. A documentary film at the visitor center provides historical context before boarding. The broader Pearl Harbor Historic Sites complex includes the Battleship Missouri Memorial, docked on Ford Island, where Japan signed the formal surrender on September 2, 1945. The Missouri's gun turrets, flag bridge, and surrender deck are open for self-guided and audio-guided tours. The Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island occupies original Hangar 37 — which still bears bullet holes from December 7 — and displays Japanese Zero fighters, a Catalina flying boat, and interactive flight simulators. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum allows visitors to descend into a restored World War II submarine and walk through its torpedo rooms and crew quarters. A full visit covering all four sites requires five to six hours. The Arizona Memorial boat tour is free; the Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, and Bowfin each carry separate admission fees.