Things To Do Near Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Start your visit at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you will get an overview of the day’s activities. Tour the Road to War and Attack exhibit galleries. Watch the documentary at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater to get a better idea of the events that transpired on that fateful day and in the days to follow. Finally, take the Navy shuttle boat so that you can explore the USS Arizona.
Hiking Trails
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Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Park along Kalalau Place Road to start this hike that gains over 1,800 feet in elevation. The first part of this trail requires scrambling over rocks and large tree roots. Then, there are stairs and a rope to assist your ascent up the mountain. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy stunning views of Waimanalo, Nā Mokulua Islands, Rabbit Island, and Koko Crater. Turn around and be glad the descent back down the trail is much easier.
Location
End of Kalalau Place Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
Length
4.8 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Lanipo Trail
This trail, which is also called the Mauʻumae Trail, starts on Sierra Drive at the top of the Mauna Lani Heights neighborhood. The first part of the trail requires some rock hopping as you drop from the top of Mauma Lani into a saddle. Then, you go back up again as you enjoy stunning views of Palolo and the upper-Manoa valleys. This trail repeats this up and down pattern three times, including through a bamboo forest where you can hear the bamboo clicking together if the wind is blowing. Once you reach the beautiful views on top of Lanipo, you can then follow the trail back down.
Location
Near Sandia Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
Length
7.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Olomana Trail
This trail starts near the guardhouse at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Course. The trail crosses the top of all three Olomana Mountain peaks. The first peak offers the best views, and it is the steepest. There are some vertical rock scrambles along this hike with unmaintained ropes to help. Once you reach the top, the way back down is to follow the same route.
Location
Guard House, Royal Hawaiian Golf Course, 770 Auloa Road Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Length
4.4 miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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USS Battleship Missouri
The USS Battleship Missouri was the last battleship commissioned for use in World War II. It was also the place where Japan signed the peace treaty. Guides conduct tours twice a day, and you can find many informative exhibits.
Location
63 Cowpens Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
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Diamond Head State Park
See the volcanic turf volcano at Diamond Head State Park. This volcano stands 560 feet tall when measured from its floor to the top of the rim. It is much bigger at its base than at the rim because it exploded from inside the earth about 2.5 million years ago.
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
The Honolulu Memorial, opposite the entrance to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, is the only American Battle Monuments Commission memorial within a national cemetery. The cemetery sits inside the Punchbowl Crater and holds the remains of many who lost their lives during Operation Glory. This offensive resulted in 10,000 World War II casualties from January 4 through March 25, 1949. Burials are still held regularly at this cemetery.
Location
2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Museums
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USS Bowfin Museum and Park
Launched on December 7, 1942, the USS Bowfin was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger. Pay tribute to the 52 submarines and more than 3,600 officers and crew members at the Waterfront Memorial. See the nuclear-armed, turbojet-powered cruise missile that successfully delivered over 3,000 letters written by U.S. Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield to key political figures. After touring the submarine, you can explore Bowfin artifacts in the indoor area of this museum.
Location
11 Arizona Memorial Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
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Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
See over 50 aircraft used during World War II by visiting the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Try your hand at flying the flight simulator. They also have a gift shop and restaurant.
Location
319 Lexington Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Shop Toast
Find cute souvenirs and things to take home to your friends at Shop Toast. Each product that they sell is designed and made in Hawaii. Check out their tabletop diffusers, kokeshi dolls, and keychains.
Location
3434 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
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Ukulele Store
Find a handcrafted selection of ukuleles, including starter kits, at this store. The owner has played the instrument for almost 30 years as he followed in his family’s footsteps. Many of their ukuleles are handmade in Hawaii.
Location
Waikiki Beach Walk 2F 226 Lewers Street, #218 Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
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Mitsu-Ken
Start your day with eggs and grilled chicken or Portugal sausage at this restaurant. Their bento boxes provide a great way to feed a group headed to the beach. You will love the vibe of this old-time Japanese deli.
Location
2300 North King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
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Ethel’s Grill
Try traditional Hawaiian cuisine without getting dressed up at Ethel’s Grill. You may want to consider their seared ahi sashimi topped with soy-marinated garlic chips or their taco rice with its layers of rice, ground beef, lettuce, and shredded cheese topped with a fried taco shell. This restaurant has been serving hungry diners in a truck-stop atmosphere since 1978.
Location
232 Kalihi Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819