What are the must-see Honolulu/Pearl Harbor locations?

2022-04-18T18:28:45-04:00

I am heading out to Honolulu for a week. I want to tour as much of Pearl Harbor and WWII historical sites as possible. What/where should I see/go to 'make the most of it?'

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 7:27 PM

2022-04-18T19:27:21-04:00

Besides the USS Missouri and the u s s Arizona, the US has both in submarine is an awesome submarine tour. It's a self tour with headphones and you get to walk through the whole thing. It's a little bigger on the inside than a U-boat. If you're able to drive around the inside of Fort Shafter, it's a nice view of the United States Army Pacific headquarters and straight out of the history books. I think Hickam field barracks are still there. I was there in 2011. You can still see bullet holes in them and this is where they filmed the shooting scene from here to Eternity. The 25th ID had those buildings when I walked by them.
https://youtu.be/-7XxhdIOXo4

-7XxhdIOXo4

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 7:28 PM

2022-04-18T19:28:29-04:00

Sorry using voice text on this. This is a submarine link.
https://www.bowfin.org/

HOME | USS Bowfin

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is dedicated to the preservation of USS Bowfin and submarine artifacts that represent the history of US submarines.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 18 at 2022 7:37 PM

2022-04-18T19:37:45-04:00

MSgt Dan Loper Punch Bowl National Cemetery will take your breath away!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 18 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-04-18T19:43:40-04:00

Waikiki beach. You will see cute girls of every color. It is immense.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 18 at 2022 8:16 PM

2022-04-18T20:16:59-04:00

The local tourista stuff not mentioned is Diamondhead locally.. I highly recommend hopping the bus for a 50 minute ride out to the Polynesian Cultural Center. You'll learn a lot and appreciate a lot. BYU runs it and the various cultures are students from all over the Pacific and elders cap it off. Still chuckle over the Maoris including an Irish redhead student who was determined to do the Haka correctly. He gave a full measure to the delight of the crowd and Maoris. Admission supports the BYU campus there. Also take in a luau. Most of them are "canned", i.e. the pork is prepared prior, foiled, and put in the pit for finishing. Yes it is for the tourists, but you get an idea. Finally, experiment with drinks with umbrellas in them. That and some Longboard brewskis.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 8:50 PM

2022-04-18T20:50:58-04:00

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Memorial. The Hale Koa Hotel has a great Luau and you don’t have to be staying there to experience it. It’s for all military active and retired. If you can afford it take a helicopter tour. Oahu is very military friendly. Another option is an island hop like Kauai, it’s a complete different experience. Hope you have a great time, enjoy!

Oh and I will add the Polynesian Culture Center and the North Shore.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 8:59 PM

2022-04-18T20:59:34-04:00

The Chiefs tour is well worth it on the Missouri.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 19 at 2022 12:54 PM

2022-04-19T12:54:16-04:00

It's 30-45 min drive depending on time of day -- but if you have some time you should consider visiting some of the North Shore beaches around Waimea Bay. You can navigate to Haleiwa or Waialua, and slowly head east and visit some of the world's most famous beaches for surfing, etc.

Response by SP5 Peter Faris made Apr 19 at 2022 4:53 PM

2022-04-19T16:53:44-04:00

Bishop Museum.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Apr 19 at 2022 5:16 PM

2022-04-19T17:16:39-04:00

Battleship row

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 20 at 2022 10:37 PM

2022-04-20T22:37:10-04:00

Does anyone want to hear a sad story about Hawaii?

Response by MSgt Dan Loper made Jul 10 at 2022 11:04 PM

2022-07-10T23:04:26-04:00

Greetings and salutations, everyone. Though it has taken me some time, I wanted to get back to you all on my trip. Your suggestions were valued and valuable. I was able to do many things while I was there, including: hiked Diamond Head, went to the North shore, visited the Dole Plantation and had pineapple ice cream, visited the USS Missouri (was able to get a tour, and they have not restarted the Cheif's tour yet), USS Arizona memorial, USS Oklahoma memorial, USS Utah memorial site, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Bowfin, Wheeler Field, and the Pacific Air muesum. I also took an hour-long island tour via helicopter. I was able to attend a luau, and had a get together at the Hali Koa. It was definitely a packed visit. I was not upset about being "stuck" in paradise an extra day due a flight cancellation.
Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions.