Pearl Harbor Facts:
What to Know Before Visiting (2024)

The attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:48 am on December 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called this day “a date which will live in infamy.” Japan launched this attack to stop the U.S. from getting in the way of their plans in Southeast Asia.

Japan sent 353 planes from six aircraft carriers to attack Pearl Harbor. They used fighter planes, bombers, and torpedo bombers. The attack was quick but deadly. They hit eight U.S. Navy battleships and sank four of them. They also damaged or sank other ships, including three light cruisers, three destroyers, and two other vessels. The attack destroyed 188 U.S. aircraft and damaged 159 more.

Many lives were lost that day. 2,403 Americans were killed, and 1,178 more were wounded. The next day, the U.S. declared war on Japan and joined World War II.

Today, you can take Pearl Harbor tours from Waikiki Beach. These tours usually include a ride to Pearl Harbor and a guide who will tell you about the site. The best time to visit Pearl Harbor is early in the morning, when it’s quiet and peaceful.

Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?
Japan wanted to stop the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with their actions in Asia. They saw it as a strike they had to make “before the oil gauge ran empty.”

The USS Arizona was one of the most famous ships at Pearl Harbor. During the attack, Japanese bombs hit the ship. It exploded and sank, taking 1,177 men with it.

What is the status of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor?
Today, the USS Arizona still lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. While other damaged ships were raised from the water, the Arizona remains in place. More than 1,100 sailors and Marines are still inside the ship, making it their final resting place. The National Park Service built a memorial above the sunken ship to honor these brave men.

How many died in Pearl Harbor?
In total, 2,403 American lives were lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. 1,177 of those lives were lost on the USS Arizona alone

Visitors can pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, built over the wreck. Oil from the ship’s fuel tanks still seeps up from the sunken vessel today, often referred to by visitors and survivors as the “tears of the Arizona.” It’s one of the most visited sites in Hawaii, with about 1.5 million people visiting each year.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet played a big role in World War II, even before the Pearl Harbor attack. In 1940, the U.S. Navy moved these ships from San Diego to Pearl Harbor. They hoped this move would show Japan that the U.S. was ready to protect its interests in the Pacific. However, this move also put the ships at greater risk.

Did the US move the Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor?
Yes, the U.S. Pacific Fleet moved to Pearl Harbor in 1940. The Navy hoped this would warn Japan not to start trouble in the Pacific. However, it also made the fleet an easier target.

What was the impact of this move?
Japan’s leaders thought they needed to destroy these ships to keep the U.S. Navy away from Southeast Asia. While their attack damaged many ships at Pearl Harbor, they missed something important – the aircraft carriers were out at sea during the attack. These carriers survived and went on to help the U.S. win many battles in the Pacific War.

During the attack on Pearl Harbor, American service members did their best to fight back, even though they were caught by surprise.

Did we get planes in the air during Pearl Harbor?
Yes, some brave American pilots managed to get their planes off the ground during the attack. These pilots fought to defend Pearl Harbor and shot down 29 or 30 Japanese planes.

How did Americans defend Pearl Harbor?
U.S. service members showed great bravery during the attack. They ran to their battle stations and fired anti-aircraft guns at the Japanese planes. They worked hard to save their fellow sailors and protect their ships, even as bombs were falling. Many went above and beyond their duty that day, risking their own lives to save others.

Today, visitors can see anti-aircraft guns and other defensive weapons from that day at the Pearl Harbor museums. Early morning tours often include stories about these brave defenders and their actions during the attack.

Today, December 7th is known as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It’s a time to think about the attack on Pearl Harbor and remember those who lost their lives.

How many Pearl Harbor survivors are still alive today?
As of 2024, very few Pearl Harbor survivors are still with us. 19. These brave men and women are now over 100 years old. They share their memories to help keep the history of Pearl Harbor alive for future generations.

How does America remember Pearl Harbor?
Every year on December 7th, special ceremonies are held to honor those who died in the attack. People gather at the USS Arizona Memorial and other sites to pay their respects. Veterans, families, and visitors come together to remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor and honor the sacrifice of those who were there.

Many visitors plan their Pearl Harbor tours to be there for these remembrance ceremonies. The early morning service is especially moving, with a moment of silence held at 7:48 AM, the exact time the attack began.

The USS Missouri, nicknamed “Mighty Mo,” holds a special place in U.S. history. As she wasn’t built until 1944, she wasn’t at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Even so, she played a very important role in World War II, especially in the war with Japan.

What battleships were not at Pearl Harbor during the attack?
Nine U.S. battleships were not at Pearl Harbor when Japan attacked. The USS Missouri was one of these ships because she hadn’t been built yet.

• USS Arkansas (BB-33) – Casco Bay, Maine
• USS New York (BB-34) – East Coast, under refit
• USS Texas (BB-35) – Casco Bay, Maine
• USS New Mexico (BB-40) – Norfolk, VA (Transferred from Pacific for convoy escort)
• USS Mississippi (BB-41) – Norfolk, VA
• USS Idaho (BB-42) – Hvalfjörður, Iceland (Neutrality Patrol)
• USS Colorado (BB-45) – Puget Sound Navy Yard, WA (Overhaul)
• USS North Carolina (BB-55) – Atlantic, shakedown cruise
• USS Washington (BB-56) – Atlantic, shakedown cruise

Why is the USS Missouri important?
The USS Missouri is where Japan officially surrendered, ending World War II. On September 2, 1945, Japanese leaders came aboard the ship and signed the surrender papers. Today, you can visit the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, where she sits near the USS Arizona Memorial. These two ships tell the story of America’s journey through World War II – from the first day to the last.

When visiting Pearl Harbor today, many tours include both the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. Seeing both ships helps visitors understand the full story of Pearl Harbor and World War II.

The attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the American people. It changed the United States in ways that went far beyond just entering the war.

Why did most Americans not know where Pearl Harbor was?
Before the attack, most Americans had never heard of Pearl Harbor. It was a naval base far away on the island of Oahu, thousands of miles from the U.S. mainland. After the attack, Pearl Harbor became a name everyone knew. It appeared in newspapers and radio reports across the country.

How did Americans react to the Pearl Harbor attack?
The day after the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a famous speech to Congress. He called December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.” This speech brought Americans together like never before. The next day, Congress voted to declare war on Japan, and America entered World War II.

The attack on Pearl Harbor united the American people. Many young Americans signed up to join the military. At home, people worked together to support the war effort, doing whatever they could to help their country.

Today, Pearl Harbor’s influence can still be seen in many Things Made in Hawaii, from commemorative items to military-inspired designs.

Pearl Harbor is still an important U.S. Navy base today, just as it was before World War II. Its location makes it perfect for Navy ships in the Pacific Ocean.

On which island is Pearl Harbor located?
Pearl Harbor is on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It’s a natural deep-water harbor, which means large Navy ships can easily sail in and out. The harbor is near Honolulu, Hawaii’s biggest city.

Why is Pearl Harbor significant?
Pearl Harbor’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes it a perfect spot for the U.S. Navy. Ships based here can quickly reach Asia, the U.S. West Coast, or other Pacific islands. This is why it was so important during World War II and why it’s still a busy Navy base today.

When you visit Pearl Harbor, you’ll see both its role in history and how it serves as an active military base. Many tourists are surprised to see modern Navy ships sharing the harbor with the historic memorials.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was quick but caused terrible damage in a very short time.

How long did the attack on Pearl Harbor last?
The attack lasted about two hours. It started at 7:48 a.m. and ended around 9:45 a.m. Even though it was short, the Japanese planes caused massive damage and killed many people in those two hours.

Can you still see ships in Pearl Harbor?
Yes, visitors can see several important ships at Pearl Harbor today. The USS Arizona still lies where she sank, and you can see parts of her from the memorial built above her. The USS Missouri is also there. You can walk on her deck, right where World War II ended. There are also modern Navy ships in the harbor, as it’s still an active military base.

Many Pearl Harbor tours give you time to visit both the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. Plan for at least 4-5 hours to see everything properly. Most visitors say early morning is the best time to visit, before the midday heat. From our regular visits, we recommend arriving between 7:00-8:00 AM to avoid both crowds and the midday heat. Remember to bring water – the walk from the visitor center to the USS Missouri can take 10-20 minutes in the hot sun, and there’s often limited shade.

After more than 80 years, Pearl Harbor has left a lasting mark on our history and culture.

Did the British fight back at Pearl Harbor?
No, the British did not have any ships at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Japan only attacked U.S. ships and bases that day. However, the attack brought America and Britain closer together as allies for the rest of World War II.

Is there an aircraft carrier in Pearl Harbor?
No, there are no aircraft carriers at Pearl Harbor today. You will see other types of Navy ships there, though. The number of ships changes because Pearl Harbor is still an active military base, now called Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

How has Pearl Harbor been shown in movies and books?
Many movies, books, and even video games have told the story of Pearl Harbor. The movie “Pearl Harbor” from 2001 is one of the most famous, though it adds a love story that isn’t real. Many people say the movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!” from 1970 shows what really happened better, telling the story from both the American and Japanese sides. For more movies filmed across Hawaii, check out our guide to the Best Movies Filmed in Hawaii.

Early morning tours often give the best view of both the historic sites and today’s working Navy base. Remember to bring your ID and follow base rules when you visit.