Pearl Harbor

   If you are in Oahu, you need to take a trip to Pearl Harbor.  There are three exhibits to see.  I was able to take advantage of my Entertainment book's buy one get one free admission coupon. The book paid for itself. I highly recommend getting one to save money in Hawaii. Click here to pick one up.

   The first exhibit we saw is the USS Arizona which was one of several U.S. ships sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy in its attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.  An interpretive program and documentary film is followed by a short ride via Navy shuttle across Pearl Harbor to the Arizona Memorial, which straddles the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona.  The memorial was created to honor the over 1000 men who are still entombed in the ship.  A quart of oil leaks out of the ship each day, and covers the top of the water.  Upon arrival at the Visitors Center, visitors are issued free tickets for the film and shuttle on a first come, first served basis. Waits of one hour or more are common.  You should arrive at the visitor's center early.

   The first exhibit we saw is the USS Arizona which was one of several U.S. ships sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy in its attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.  An interpretive program and documentary film is followed by a short ride via Navy shuttle across Pearl Harbor to the Arizona Memorial, which straddles the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona.  The memorial was created to honor the over 1000 men who are still entombed in the ship.  A quart of oil leaks out of the ship each day, and covers the top of the water.  Upon arrival at the Visitors Center, visitors are issued free tickets for the film and shuttle on a first come, first served basis. Waits of one hour or more are common.  You should arrive at the visitor's center early.

   Pacific Aviation Museum is a short shuttle ride from the USS Missouri and the purchase of a ticket to either venue includes a free ride on and off Ford Island , the center of the attack on Pearl Harbor . Tickets may be purchased at the Museum, as well.

   Journey back to Pearl Harbor Naval Air Station on historic Ford Island in the hangars that survived the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Veteran docents take you on a fascinating tour of vintage aircraft, displays and actual footage of the attack on Pearl Harbor . You’ll also find aviation memorabilia, the best restaurant at Pearl Harbor and fun in the combat flight simulators.

   Taking the ‘Aviator’s Tour’ will grant visitors access to the Restoration Area of the Museum and the added knowledge of Museum docents.

   Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Phone (808) 441-1000. www.pacificaviationmuseum.org

   The second exhibit we saw was the USS Bowfin.  This is a combat submarine which was launched one year after the attack, and had many successful missions during the war.  We took a headset tour through the sub.  The third exhibit, which we didn't get a chance to see because it was too late, was the battleship Missouri.

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