Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

One site that is a must visit on the island of Oahu is, Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor tells the story of what happened, December 7, 1941, and is the final resting place of the U.S.S. Arizona. The memorial is a sombering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day during World War II. For anyone visiting Oahu or living there, it is a must see site.

Upon walking into the memorial, there is a museum. It is all open air, as many places in Hawaii. The museum is filled with information about the story of what happened before, during, and after the attack. Before journeying to the Arizona, walk around the plagues telling the story of where the first and last attack took place on the island.

Many do not know or forget that Pearl Harbor was not the only area attacked during that day. The first attack occurred at Kaneohe Bay Marine Base, on the other side of the island. From there, the Japanese flew around the island hitting other areas such as Bellows Air Force Base and Hickam. The museum has a lovely outdoor exhibit about the times and locations of each wave of attack. For many it is an eye opener as to how wide spread and serious the attack really was, and a reminder that it was a larger portion of the island than many know.

After touring the museum, learning the history, and maybe even enjoying the open air, get in line to watch the video about December 7, 1941, before going to see the Arizona Memorial. The video is mandatory. From there, sit down on the ferry and pay respect to those who died that day.

The Arizona memorial is simply and very well laid out. Look over the railing to see the Arizona's final resting place. Located on the far wall is a plaque with the names of all who died at Pearl Harbor during the attack. It is a beautiful memorial and a horrible reminder of WW II.

After touring the museum and memorial, stop by the bookstore and the snack bar before leaving. No bags (purses, camera bags, diaper bags, fanny packs, backbacks, and any type of bag) are allowed in the museum or the memorial. There are lockers available, but the best thing to do is get what is needed out of the bags-place in pockets and leave bags at the hotel. The lockers fill up quickly, and one may feel a bit more comfortable with belongings at a hotel rather than a parking lot. Strollers are not allowed in the theater or on the ferry, only in the museum.

This is a must visit site while on Oahu.