Exploring Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers a profound journey through one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Visitors can immerse themselves in the December 7, 1941, events and pay respects to those who sacrificed their lives, especially at the USS Arizona Memorial.
With various exhibits, self-guided tours, and historical sites, this smaller park provides an unforgettable and educational experience.
Podcast Episode Overview
We give a lot of love to the big national parks, but we also love visiting smaller and off-the-beaten-path sites run by the National Park Service.
In today’s Small Park Spotlight, we are taking you on a tour of Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawai’i!
Most of us know the history of what happened at Pearl Harbor, but immersing yourself in the events of December 7, 1941, is an unforgettable experience. Standing in this place, you can feel the bravery, courage, and valor that this site now represents. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impact, and we’re excited to explore its significance with you today!
In this episode, we discuss:
- The history of Pearl Harbor
- What you can do at this national memorial
- The ultimate can’t-miss sight at Pearl Harbor
We hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Pearl Harbor. This is an incredible small park to visit—an experience you’ll never forget.
It’s one of those sites that fills you with pride, both as an American and knowing that our National Park Service is preserving the story of the brave men and women who fought and died here during World War 2.
Pearl Harbor – We Will Never Forget.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
What Happened on December 7, 1941: The Pearl Harbor Attack
On December 6th, people went to bed just like any other day. On December 7th, people woke up just like any other day. Waking up on O’ahu was just like any other morning in paradise. No one had any idea what would happen on that fateful Sunday morning. At 7:55 AM, everything changed, turning this unassuming day into one of the most pivotal moments in US history and World War II.
The first Japanese plane appeared over Pearl Harbor. It was followed by nearly 200 like-minded Japanese planes, all determined to catch an unsuspecting target off-guard, destroy as much as possible, and demolish any chance of successful retaliation. As the first planes arrived, their commander, Mitsuo Fuchida, sent a coded message: “Tora! Tora! Tora!” which meant that the attack had begun and they had successfully created the element of surprise.
Within 15 minutes, their bombers and fighters had done staggering amounts of damage to the airfields and aircraft. At 8:10, the USS Arizona exploded. One of the Japanese bombers dropped an almost 1,800-pound bomb that tore through its deck and set off the forward ammunition magazine. She sank with 1,177 of her crew in less than nine minutes.
Multiple torpedo planes successfully targeted the USS Oklahoma, and she flipped over, trapping 400 men inside. Two ships, the USS California and USS West Virginia, sank where they were docked along Battleship Row. The USS Utah capsized as well, with 50 of its crew.
At 8:50, a second wave of Japanese aircraft struck Pearl Harbor. Now that they no longer had the element of surprise, the pieces of the American military that were not destroyed, damaged, or killed were able to fight back and present some form of defense. Still, there was extensive damage to United States ships across Pearl Harbor.
The USS Nevada, which was hit by a torpedo during the first wave, was able to get up and moving, but only as the second wave hit. It was then struck with several bombs, and the only way they could keep it from sinking was to run it aground on the beach.
The USS Shaw split in two, and many other targets were also hit. By 10:00 AM, the last Japanese plane had returned to the hidden Japanese fleet.
They had killed 2,400 people and wounded about 1,200 more. They sunk and damaged so many ships, and Pearl Harbor was in ruins, turning December 7 into a fateful day that still lives in infamy.
The USS Arizona Memorial: Can’t Miss Activity at Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Today, Pearl Harbor has been designated as a National Memorial to preserve the historical sites and honor the fallen. There is a strong sense of reverence in this smaller park as visitors take in a significant moment in American History.
There are several things you can do in the park without reservations. You can visit the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Missouri Battleship, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, though the National Park Service doesn’t run them. You can also watch a documentary film about Pearl Harbor at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center also offers more insight into what led to World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor through exhibits and educational programs. There is also a self-guided audio tour that leads you through the Pearl Harbor historic sites at your own pace.
The must-see destination at the National Memorial is the USS Arizona Memorial. You have to make reservations to take a boat ride to the memorial. The memorial floats over the USS Arizona, where 1,177 people died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This is still the final resting place of over 900 people.
If you’re going to the island of O’ahu to stay in Waikiki or Honolulu, this is just a short drive from there – it’s right next to the airport. Get your reservations and see the USS Arizona. Even without a reservation, there is plenty to see and do at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
You can also get reservations for the Ford Island Bus tour, which stops at the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island, which is still an active military base.
We hope you take the time to visit this revered National Park site on the Hawaiian Islands.
Links mentioned in this podcast episode:
- The History of Pearl Harbor
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Pearl Harbor Museums
- USS Arizona Memorial and Reservations
- Ford Island Tours
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