Exploring Pearl Harbor: Must-See Attractions and Stories of Valor Pearl Harbor

Welcome to Pu'uloa, the "long hill," and Wai Momi, the "water of pearl," cherished names that early Hawaiians bestowed upon it. Nestled within these sheltered waters is Pearl Harbor, a place of historical richness born from its once-abundant pearls. As Hawaii's largest natural harbor, it stands as both a natural wonder and the premier destination on Oahu.

Today, Pearl Harbor remains a dynamic military stronghold, serving as the Headquarters of the Pacific Fleet. Beyond its military significance, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, preserving the legacy of an era. Within its embrace lie four distinctive attractions, each a chapter in the narrative of the War in the Pacific. From the surprise attack that ignited it all to the monumental surrender on the mighty Battleship Missouri, these sites weave together the story of that defining time, honoring the feats of those who came before us.

Countless individuals from across the globe make a pilgrimage to this majestic site, drawn by the profound significance of where the United States entered World War II on December 7, 1941.

An unmissable highlight is the USS Arizona Memorial, a beacon that beckons over 1.7 million visitors yearly. Enveloped by the $65 million expanse of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, a space that expanded from 3 to 17 acres in December 2011, this memorial stands over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona battleship. It is the final resting place of the 1,177 valiant souls who perished during the devastating Japanese bombardment on that fateful day. Their sacrifice encapsulates more than half of the lives lost in the most catastrophic naval tragedy in American history.

The USS Missouri, an awe-inspiring colossus weighing over 58,000 tons and stretching nearly 900 feet, is a monumental sentinel. Once a fearsome power, today she stands as a symbol of serenity, guarding Pearl Harbor in silence. Reverently referred to as the "Mighty Mo," this battleship was the last of its kind constructed and the final one to be retired. The surrender ceremony on its deck marked the close of World War II, a resounding crescendo in its illustrious 50-year journey that spanned five decades and three wars. Walk the decks where General Douglas MacArthur trod, stand before the Missouri's mighty 16-inch, 50-caliber guns, explore the crew's realm below, and take the helm from the Captain's Chair for a panoramic view.

https://ussmissouri.org

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a sprawling complex housing two World War II-era hangars and an iconic control tower, safeguards the legacy of America's first aviation battleground. Amidst historic aircraft and artifacts, this museum narrates the response to the infamous December 7, 1941 attack and the subsequent battles across the Pacific. From the inception of the conflict to the ascendancy of American air power, the museum pays tribute to those who safeguarded liberty, ensuring their stories resonate for generations to come. Step onto this hallowed ground, walk in the path of those who endured the bombs, and let the legends and history of Pearl Harbor awaken around you.

As the esteemed "America's #1 Historical Spot Worth Traveling For," Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum invites you to an unparalleled journey into history.

https://www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org

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filmed May 2023