Denise Beebower/PCS Adventures

The big guns of the U.S.S. Missouri delivered American fire power to our enemies in multiple wars.

Exploring the Attack on Pearl Harbor, HI Pt. 2

Last week I shared the unique opportunities Department of War ID cardholders have to explore Pearl Harbor National Memorial.  Here are the rest of the memorials and museums that highlight the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

Last week I left you at the USS Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island.  Just a short distance down the street, it’s hard to miss the giant battleship pulled up along the south side of Ford Island.  This is the USS Missouri, a battleship commissioned in 1944.  The USS Missouri bookends the Pearl Harbor tragedy, as the Japanese surrendered to the Allies on the deck of the ship on September 2, 1945.  This brought World War II to a close.

But this storied battleship’s service continued in three other wars. It was decommissioned in 1992.  Recognizing the historical significance of the ship, the USS Missouri Memorial Association set out to restore it and open it to the public.

Irene Beebower/PCS Adventures

Today the USS Missouri gives visitors a glimpse of life aboard a historic battleship.

The Missouri, not a part of the national park, does charge admission. The ticket includes a free guided tour of the ship or you can follow the self-guided tour.  We’ve done both.  If you’re short on time, do the self-guided tour. But if time isn’t an issue, the tour guides bring the ship to life with stories of the sailors. 

For an additional fee you can also take the “upgraded tours”.  The Captain’s Tour and the Chief Engineer’s Tour take you behind the scenes to restricted areas of the ship. 

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

There’s one last spot on Ford Island you should definitely visit.  Head west to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Lexington Avenue. 

Hugh Beebower/PCS Adventures

The museum tells about the Japanese attack from the air on Pearl Harbor.

During the strikes on Pearl Harbor, the airfield on Ford Island also came under attack.  Many of the hangers still show strafing marks from bullets.  The museum preserves Hangers 37 and 79 plus airplanes from World War II and beyond. 

Nick Starichenko/Adobe Stock

The restored control tower offers guests a great view of Pearl Harbor.

Since we were stationed on Oahu, the museum doubled in size and the control tower has been restored.  You can even take the “Top of the Tower” tour. I’ve heard the views are spectacular. 

This wraps up the Ford Island part of the Pearl Harbor adventure.  Head back across the bridge and turn right at the parking lot for the National Pearl Harbor Memorial.  Then head toward the submarine parked along the shore at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin launched in to the Pacific battles of World War II.  The Navy nicknamed this fleet attack submarine the “Pearl Harbor Avenger”.  Avenge it did, sinking 16 enemy vessels during World War II.

Sronkrod/Adobe Stock

The U.S.S. Bowfin avenged the events of December 7, 1941.

Today you can tour the USS Bowfin, visit the outdoor memorial to submariners lost at sea.  Inside, dive into the interactive museum exhibits that highlight the submariner’s life as well as some of the most decorated submarines in the fleet. 

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Next, whip out that military ID and head to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.  Drive toward Hospital Point on the Navy side of base to see the USS Nevada Memorial.  It’s a small memorial located on Crommelin Street just before it turns in to Hospital Way.   

Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy

The USS Nevada came under heavy fire during the Pearl Harbor attack.

The USS Nevada was moored next to the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked. She was the only ship to get underway after being struck.  The goal was to reach open water so the channel wouldn’t be blocked. But a second wave of Japanese aircraft suddenly arrived and the USS Nevada came under heavy fire.  The crew beached the ship near Hospital Point.    

The Nevada became a rallying point for military courage under fire and coming back from adverse conditions.  The Navy repaired the ship and she took part in D-Day as well as Iwo Jima and Okinawa battles.

Hickam Field

Hickam Field, now a part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, did not escape the Japanese attack either.  Many of the buildings still show scars from the bombing and strafing that took place.  The Japanese attacked hard so our planes couldn’t follow them back to their carrier and bomb them. 

When we were stationed at Pearl Harbor, I spent some time wandering around Hickam reading the plaques that tell the story of December 7.  The entire base has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. 

Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures

Plaques around Hickam tell the story of the attack from different points of view.

Now the Hickam Historical Tour offers an even better option.  Every Friday historian Jessie Higa takes visitors on a four-hour tour that includes lunch.  It’s open to all DOW card holders and their sponsored guests.  The tour departs from the ITT-Fleet Store on Williamette Street. For details see the “If You Go” section at the end of this story.

This wraps up the significant sites near Pearl Harbor.  Make the most of your time in Hawaii and visit all of these fascinating sites while walking in the footsteps of the Greatest Generation.

Closest Military Installations

MWR Locations Nearby

If You Go:

General Tips

• During peak season the entire Pearl Harbor historical area gets very crowded.  We liked to go early or later on a week day and always avoided holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes.  You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• A hat, sunscreen and water are also a good idea.  Even in the rainy season (winter) Hawaii gets hot.
• Before purchasing a ticket online, check with ITT and MWR’s Leisure Travel Services to see if a discounted ticket rate is available. Also check to see if each individual museum offers military discounts.
• Ask for the kama’aina rate for locals. Not every business offers this discount.  It’s not a set amount.  But you’ll need to show proof of residency like a Hawaii drivers license or state ID card.  Some businesses will accept a utility bill.

The following activities are not part of the national park and do charge admission.  Only military ID card holders may drive to Ford Island.  All others must go with a National Park shuttle.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

• You can purchase tickets online.  The price depends upon the options you select at the time of purchase.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

• Purchase tickets online. There are several options for tours and actvities beyond general admission.

The following activities are on Oahu, but not part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Several are on active military installation that require a DOW ID card to access.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

• Civilians may drive to this museum.  It’s adjacent to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
• This Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is not part of the national park and does charge admission.
• Reservations aren’t required.  Visit their website for prices and hours.
• For safety, children under four years old are not allowed on the submarine.

USS Nevada Memorial

• This memorial is free to visit, but it does require a DOW ID card to access Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Hickam Historical Tour

• This tour is only available to DOW ID card holders and their sponsored guests.
• Contact the ITT-Fleet Store at 473-0792 or visit their Great Life Hawaii website  for pricing, reservations and other details.