Pearl Harbor

Waterfront Memorial with the USS Bowfin submarine in the background

Moving…Memorable…Peaceful - These are the words that describe our trip to Pearl Harbor’s portion of the Pacific National Monument, in particular, the USS Arizona Memorial.  The national park is configured well, providing a variety of sites and experiences that are free of charge supplemented by for-purchase packages to historic treasures such as the USS Bowfin submarine, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

We arrived around 1:00 PM and located convenient on-site parking.  The park doesn’t allow any “items that offer concealment” including handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, etc.  Once we figured this out, Jenn returned to the car where she stored her purse in the trunk.  Alternatively, personal items can be stored on-site for a $3 charge.

Upon entry into the park we inquired about our options and were handed two free tickets to the 3 PM tour of the USS Arizona.  We occupied our few hours of free time prior to the tour by exploring the grounds containing lovely monuments to fallen heroes as well as survivors of the December 7^th, 1941 attacks.  We also learned about history in the open air museums which described how “a date which will live in infamy” started WWII.  Lastly, we explored a variety of submarine and artillery items that were on display.

The time passed quickly and before we knew it the tour was ready to start.  After watching an informative 30 minute film, we boarded a US Navy operated boat that shuttled us to the USS Arizona’s resting place.  It is a beautiful memorial to the fallen; the ship below, fish swimming and nesting on it, a flag flying overhead, and the names on the wall dedicated “To the memory of the gallant men here entombed and their shipmates who gave their lives in action on December 7, 1941 on the USS Arizona.”  It was quite moving.

If you find yourself on Oahu, reserve a little time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by making an educational, yet moving visit to Pearl Harbor.  You’ll be glad you did.

Comments

[Uncle]

You are so right the visit to Pearl Harbor and the "Arizona" is awe inspiring. If your travels take you to Japan you as well must take in the tour of Hiroshima. As I toured both I was overcome by chills. BTW if you are going from Tokyo to Hiroshima by train take a day in Kyoto. The temples within the city, especially the eastern part, are amazing.

[DINKS Travel]

Uncle - Thanks for the thoughtful reply and travel tips. We'll definitely make it to Japan and will ensure that the Hiroshima tour and Kyoto temples are on the itinerary.

[Sterling]

Beautiful picture. I was shocked at how many memorials were at that site. All for submarines lost at sea if I recall. February can be chilly in Hawaii - how is the weather treating you?

[DINKS Travel]

Sterling – Thanks for the compliments on the photo. You are correct; each monument represents one of the 52 submarines along with 3,500 crew members lost during WWII. Memorials like this start to offer visibility into the extent of the war’s impact.

The weather in Hawaii has been relatively warm with temperatures in the 70s and into the lower 80s each day. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered a series of unseasonably cloudy and rainy days. We haven’t let that stop us thought and have pursued hikes and beaches as we would with sunnier skies.

We can't say that we are missing the snow of Colorado yet and hope that all is well with you back home.

[Steve]

I am going to make it there someday. If you want to read up on WWII in the Pacific, let me know when you get back. I have over 300 books on the subject.

You should read up on Admiral Raymond Spruance who was in tactical command of many of the victories. His contributions are not well know because he never promoted himself or his accomplishments.

[DINKS Travel]

Steve - Thanks for sharing. We're always seeking reading material to learn more about the locations we visit, so it will be of interest to read about Admiral Raymond Spruance. During our last trip, Jenn enjoyed the book Moloka'i (Brennert) and Matt read-up on Duke Kahanamoku.