Things to do in Naval Station Pearl Harbor

You know that you’re in Hawaii when you step onto the pristine white sand of world-famous Waikiki Beach. Dip your toes into the warm Pacific waters and watch the surfers show off their moves on the waves, or sit back in the shade of a palm tree and gaze up at the green slopes of Diamond Head.

One of the most infamous dates in American history is the December 7, 1941. At 7.55 a.m. Japanese aircraft made a surprise attack on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet that led directly to America’s entry into World War II. Visit the memorials and museums of the naval base and see where the war with Japan started and ended.

Split your time in Waikiki between beach activities on the sand and non-beach activities at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Here you’ll find three buildings with a large selection of luxury brand stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques and more affordable shops to find the perfect clothing to wear on your vacation or items to take home as souvenirs or gifts. Dining options are almost unlimited too.

The USS Missouri Memorial is an enormous ship that commemorates the final moments of World War II. The Japanese surrendered on board this boat, helping to bring about an end to the war. Follow in the footsteps of American military heroes and inspect the many features of this grand vessel.

Try your hand at piloting a war plane in the Pacific Aviation Museum’s flight simulation area and examine more than 30 different aircraft used during World War II, the Korean War and more. Learn the personal stories of some of the soldiers, both Japanese and American, who were involved in the attacks and see the control tower and other buildings that were targeted by Japanese soldiers.