Pearl Harbor National Memorial honors those whose lives were forever changed by the surprise attack of Dec. 7, 1941, a turning point that brought the United States into World War II. Set on the shores of Oʻahu, the memorial invites visitors to reflect on the sacrifice of the lost service members.
Location / State
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Why it matters
Pearl Harbor National Memorial preserves the stories of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack, a two-hour assault that reshaped U.S. and global history. Here, visitors confront the human cost of war, honor more than 2,400 Americans who died, and see how a single day drew the nation into World War II. It is both a solemn gravesite and a place of reflection on the consequences of war.
What to see today
Begin at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where free museums and outdoor exhibits trace the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath. Reserve a spot to ride the Navy boat out to the USS Arizona Memorial, a white, open-air sanctuary that spans the sunken battleship and serves as the final resting place for many of its crew. Visitors can also view the USS Oklahoma Memorial nearby.
Ask a local
Arrive early, build in time for traffic, and use a map app to check congestion and nearby parking availability. If you’re staying in Waikīkī and want to skip driving, consider a city bus or shuttle tour that drops you right at the visitor center entrance.
Plan your visit
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission to the visitor center, museums, and grounds is free, though reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial program are strongly recommended through Recreation.gov. Plan for at least half a day to explore the exhibits, waterfront grounds, and memorial program without rushing. On-site parking is available for a daily fee, and large bags or concealed items are prohibited, though storage lockers are available near the entrance.
USA 250 Most Treasured Views is a USA TODAY Network project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pearl Harbor memorial honors lives lost in 1941 attack
Reporting by James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
