A Place of Remembrance: Visiting Pearl Harbor with Respect
The memorials at Pearl Harbor mark a pivotal moment in world history and a solemn resting place still honored today.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor drew the United States into the Second World War and changed the course of the 20th century. Today the harbor on Oʻahu is a place of memory, where somber white memorials honor the thousands who lost their lives and invite quiet reflection.
The Memorials
The USS Arizona Memorial spans the sunken battleship where more than a thousand sailors and Marines remain entombed, oil still rising to the surface in slow, iridescent drops. Nearby sites, including the USS Missouri, where the war formally ended, complete the story from the attack to its conclusion.
A Solemn Visit
This is a cemetery and a memorial, not an attraction, and quiet respect is expected throughout. Reserve tickets for the Arizona program in advance, allow a half day or more, and take time to read the names and reflect on the weight of the place.
Pearl Harbor is not a sightseeing stop — it is a grave and a memorial, and it asks for silence.
Good to Know
- The attack occurred on December 7, 1941
- The USS Arizona Memorial spans the sunken ship
- The USS Missouri marks where the war ended
- Reserve Arizona tickets ahead and visit respectfully
To understand Hawaiʻi, start here — with the stories the islands tell about themselves.
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