Visiting Pearl Harbor

In honor of the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, I am sharing my experience visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and beyond.

As someone with deep roots in a military family, exploring historical sites is more than just a pastime—it's a connection to my heritage. In early 2020, before the world changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband Ryan (who was active duty and now serves in the Army National Guard) and I traveled to Hawaii, visiting the islands of Kauai and Oahu. One of the highlights of our trip was Pearl Harbor, where history feels profoundly alive.

We had the unique opportunity to tour Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam with my brother-in-law, who was stationed there at the time. The experience was nothing short of moving, especially revisiting the USS Arizona Memorial, which I first saw as a child in 2001. Returning nearly two decades later brought a deeper appreciation for its significance.

The USS Arizona Memorial

Accessible only by boat (you can get tickets here), the USS Arizona Memorial sits solemnly above the sunken battleship USS Arizona (BB-39), which was bombed on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The memorial honors the 1,177 service members who lost their lives that day. Over 900 of them remain entombed within the ship.

USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

Walking across the memorial, you’re struck by its design, which allows visitors to look down into the water and catch glimpses of the ship below. You may notice oil still seeping from the wreckage—a phenomenon poignantly called the 'tears of the Arizona,' a powerful reminder of the events that unfolded that day.

The top of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor

Walking through the USS Arizona Memorial

Little fish swimming on the top of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor

At the rear of the memorial stands a wall engraved with the names of those who perished—a powerful tribute to their sacrifice. For me, it was impossible not to think of my grandfathers, who served in the Army and Navy, and my great uncle, U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Kenneth Thayer, who all fought in World War II. None of them were at Pearl Harbor, but no matter where you were during this war, you were sacrificing it all and enduring the impossible.

List of service members on the USS Arizona

Exploring More of Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a National Park that offers visitors the chance to explore its rich history, including the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you can learn about the attack through exhibits. Other places to explore include:

• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

• Battleship Missouri Memorial

• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Anchor from the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

View from the top of the Missouri Battleship in Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

At the Aviation Museum (Hanger 79) on Ford Island, you can still see the bullet holes and broken windows left by the attack.

Bullet holes on the bottom of Hangar 79 in Pearl Harbor

Aviation Museum (Hanger 79) in Pearl Harbor

Hangar 79 from the outside

Another must-visit is the Ford Island Historical Trail, where you’ll find scars of the attack woven into the landscape. The trail is a compelling way to reflect on the resilience of those who lived through that moment in history. Please note you will need U.S. military base access or be on a tour to get to this area.

Remnants of the attack on Ford Trail in Pearl Harbor

A Reflection on Resilience

Pearl Harbor is not just a place to learn about the past—it’s a space to honor resilience and sacrifice. As a military spouse and someone who grew up in a military family, I understand the daily sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones. Visiting sites like these deepens that understanding and provides an opportunity to pay tribute.

For travelers, Pearl Harbor offers a mix of historical depth and emotional resonance. It’s a destination where history becomes personal, whether you have a connection to the military or simply want to better understand the events that shaped our world.

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu—or even Hawaii in general, as it’s easy to travel between islands—be sure to include Pearl Harbor on your itinerary. It’s one of the most moving and impactful WWII sites I’ve visited, offering a profound opportunity to reflect, remember, and honor the sacrifices that shaped our world.