Pearl Harbor Monument
For many, a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is planned in the name of tropical rest and relaxation. This oasis of surf, sand, and sun conjures up images of gently swaying palm trees, beautiful vistas and volcanoes waiting to be explored. While these features define the unbeatable landscape these islands offer up, there is a military story that makes a trip to Hawaii a very personal experience for travelers. A visit to the Pearl Harbor Monument is a moving and dynamic experience that takes guests back to a time when the world was at war and reminds all that peace is an ideal worth fighting for.
A Journey of Remembrance
December 7, 1941, marks a dark day in Hawaiian and U.S. history. It was on this day that military based in the waters of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii came under siege during a surprise attack at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. The United States Naval Base quickly became a deadly battleground where many lost their lives. It was also the day that marked the U.S. entry into World War II. Today, the battle of Pearl Harbor is respectfully remembered by visitors from around the world who come to lay eyes open the area where the attack happened and visit the museums set up to honor those who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Planning a Visit to the Pearl Harbor Monument
The Pearl Harbor Monument is best experienced as a full-day excursion, providing time to visit and view all of the meaningful landmarks that honor this tragic event. Begin at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center where bags can be checked for $5.00 before moving on towards seeing the four primary sites. The Arizona Memorial is often first on the itinerary for many visitors. Admission is free and a tour of this sunken site lasts approximately 1-hour. Guests view a short documentary detailing the events of that dark day and have the option of traveling out by boat to the sight of the sinking before returning to land.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park give visitors a chance to experience a WWII submarine up close while a stop at the Battleship Missouri Memorial is a bus-ride away from the Visitors Center and is located on Ford Island. Guests are able to explore the decks of the ship at their own self-guided pace. Also located on Ford Island is the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Two-hours is recommended for this part of the journey which gives visitors a look at the Ford Island control tower, airfield, and WWII hangars.
A Trip Through Time
Hawaii holds fast to its military past and when you’re here to remember those many individuals who fought for freedom, the team at Koko Resorts is here to take care of your accommodation details. Contact us today to begin planning your next trip.