One of the most culturally significant sites in America from the 20th century is Pearl Harbor. While still a landmark of the US Navy today– Pearl Harbor serves as an educational time capsule of the US conflict with foreign powers leading to their entry into World War II after the navy base was attacked in 1941. Hawaii was not a US state at that time (it was deemed a state in 1959) but was still having to host some of America’s military operations.
Aside from the national defense significance of Pearl Harbor– it is a beautiful touch point on the South Side of the island of Oahu. It is something that you should visit no matter where you are staying across the Hawaiian Island chain.
What is Pearl Harbor’s History?
As mentioned, Pearl Harbor was a naval base for the United States army. However, before American troops arrived it was a shallow embayment known as “Puʻuloa” by the locals. Following the invasion by the United States resulting in an overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, American troops established a navy base on the island in 1899.
Now known as the halfway point between Japan and the continental United States– Pearl Harbor’s history wasn’t always so friendly. Whether that was between native Hawaiians and the established US military presence or the East. In December of 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked resulting in the United States entering the war.
Now Pearl Harbor still serves as a naval base for US troops as well as a museum and cultural monument for the lives lost.
How Can I Visit Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark; it has five main attractions that people may visit upon arrival. These attractions all revolve around the 1941 attack and consist of the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
If you are looking to visit the entirety of the park there is free parking for those who are driving/staying on the island of Oahu and a plethora of guided tours available through local tour companies.
However, if you are staying on the neighbor island of Kauai– there is an amazing opportunity for a day trip to the island. At Ali’i Air Tours you can book an open door helicopter tour from Kauai to Pearl Harbor!
What is a Trip from Kauai to Pearl Harbor like? *note: the heading on the page is wrong needs to say “what will”
As mentioned, you can book a helicopter tour from the neighboring island of Kauai to Pearl Harbor on Oahu. This tour, through Ali’i Kauai Air Tours & Charters, consists of viewing the 4000′ Waianae Mountain range, historic Dillingham Airfield, the Ko’olau mountain range, Schofield barracks, Keana Point Park, North Shore Haleiwa and Wailua old sugar plantation towns, historic Waimea Bay, Dole pineapple plantation and the expansive Pearl Harbor.
Upon arriving at Honolulu Airport from the flight over, your adventure continues by boarding your own Private open-door Helicopter. You will soar above the clear blue waters of Keehi Lagoon, Honolulu Harbor, Sand Island, Ala moana Beach Park, Magic Island, world renowned Waikiki Beach and Mount Leahi’s crater also known as Diamond Head. Once you round Diamond Head crater you will proceed to historic Pearl Harbor.
What Pearl Harbor Experience is Best for Me?
Overall, there are so many amazing things you can expect when visiting the modern historical site of Pearl Harbor; it just depends on what you fancy. The ground tours and exploration of the museums is something the history buff in your group is sure to love– however, if you are an adrenaline junkie the open door helicopter island-hopping flight is all you!
