Discover the Echoes of History at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
A poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in American history.
Located on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, Pearl Harbor is a place that holds the weight of history heavy on its shoulders. On December 7, 1941, this tranquil harbor turned into a battlefield, witnessing one of the most infamous events of World War II—the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Today, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the 2,400 courageous individuals who perished in the attack. Anchored by an open-air visitors’ center and two exceptional museums, the memorial also features iconic tributes such as the USS Arizona, USS Utah and USS Oklahoma memorials on Ford Island.
When AAA Member and employee Misty Sutton and her daughters McKena, Marlee and Chelsey visited the memorial they were struck by the thought that Pearl Harbor is not just a destination; it’s an experience. “Visiting the Memorial was a must for me during our vacation to the island. The attack of Pearl Harbor is something you’ve learned about in class that truly changed history. Little did I know that the memorial's proximity to the surrounding area would make the experience even more impactful, reminding me and my girls that history is not just confined to books, but is all around us.”
Built in 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial is visited by more than two million people annually. Accessible only by boat, it straddles the sunken hull of the battleship.
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The USS Arizona Memorial
At the heart of the memorial lies the USS Arizona Memorial, a solemn tribute to the sailors who perished aboard the battleship USS Arizona. Visitors take a short ferry ride across the waters of Pearl Harbor to reach the memorial, where they stand above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resilience. To this day, the vessel seeps oil into the harbor, a phenomenon referred to as "The Tears of the Arizona".
The names of the fallen are inscribed on the marble walls, ensuring that their memory lives on for generations to come. “Standing above the sunken USS Arizona was a poignant moment for me” Misty said. “It is a reminder of the bravery of the those who were attacked. The memorial’s solemn atmosphere stands against such a beautiful backdrop of Hawaii. It’s quite a juxtaposition of what happened that fateful day.”
Tours of the USS Bowfin, nicknamed ”The Pearl Harbor Avenger,” shows visitors life aboard a submarine.
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The USS Bowfin Submarine and USS Oklahoma Memorials
As visitors continue through the memorial, they’ll find the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. Here, visitors step back in time and are immersed in the fascinating world of a World War II-era submarine. As they tour the corridors of the restored vessel, they gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by submariners during one of history’s most tumultuous periods. Nearby, the USS Oklahoma Memorial stands as a tribute to the sailors who lost their lives when the battleship capsized during the attack on Pearl Harbor, its hull serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of war.
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At the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, visitors can learn about the men and women that took to the skies to helped shape history.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a testament to the pivotal role of aviation in shaping the course of World War II in the Pacific. Established as a non-profit organization in 1999, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore legendary aircraft and engaging with interactive exhibits.
Located on Ford Island, the museum provides a comprehensive experience that showcases the evolution of aviation from propeller planes to jets used in subsequent wars like the Korean War and Vietnam War. From the iconic P-51 Mustang to the formidable B-17 Flying Fortress, these aircraft serve as a testament to the courage and ingenuity of those who fought in the Pacific theater.
The surrender site aboard the USS Missouri is immortalized with a covered plaque.
Department of Defense
American naval power and resilience. It was on the decks of the USS Missouri the signing of the Japanese surrender took place, effectively ending World War II. Today, moored as a floating museum at Pearl Harbor, visitors are able explore the decks of the iconic battleship and stand beneath the massive guns that once thundered in battle, the memorial provides a profound and immersive experience.
AAA employee, Misty Sutton and her daughters Marlee, Chelsey and McKena with Jack Holder. Mr. Holder was a Pearl Harbor survivor, awarded two distinguished flying cross medals, six air medals, a presidential citation and six commendation medals during his Navy career before being honorably discharged in 1948.
Misty Sutton
Meeting True Heros
The memorial is a place of remembrance where visitors can learn about World War II history and hear personal stories. During their visit, Misty and her daughters were able to meet Jake Holder, a Pearl Harbor survivor. She shared later, "His firsthand eyewitness accounts of that day brought that history to life in a way that books or films never could. Meeting Mr. Holder was an incredibly humbling and unforgettable experience that made the memorial even more real."
Visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is more than just a tourist attraction - it is a pilgrimage to sacred ground. As visitors pay their respects to the brave men and women who served and sacrificed, they are reminded of the importance of remembrance and reflection.