Things to do in Naval Station Pearl Harbor

Arguably one of Honolulu’s biggest draws and definitely its most popular beach, Waikiki Beach sums up most people’s perception of Hawaii perfectly. The warm Pacific is filled with surfers catching waves and the pristine sands are home to locals and tourists relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the views of nearby 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.

Diamond Head’s unique circular formation was shaped about 150,000 years ago following an intense volcanic eruption. Now extinct, Diamond Head (or Le’ahi as it’s known by the locals) is ideal for climbing. The trail to the top is just over a kilometre in length, making it a short hike to the top of the volcano. When you get there, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the now overgrown crater, the Pacific and the Oahu mountains below.

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.