There are hundreds of Pearl Harbor books. They range from Children's books to in-depth historical analysis. Some cover the attack itself and others delve into a political analysis of the Pearl Harbor attack. Below is a list that our editors chose as the most readable and useful Pearl Harbor Books.
These books focus on the events of December 7th, 1941. Not as much depth about the politics.
Tora! Tora! Tora! - Pearl Harbor 1941 by Mark Stille explains the attack in just enough detail for a beginner. It prepares you for the rest of the Pearl Harbor books listed here. It is historical and does not delve as much into why decisions were made, but reports which decisions were made and what happened in the attack.
Sunday in Hell: Pearl Harbor Minute by Minute by Bill McWilliams is one of the most in-depth books about the attack. It is readable, but does go into more detail than some may appreciate. We find that the aftermath of Pearl Harbor is well described in this book.
Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions by Alan D. Zimm is a book that we highly recommend after you have a good basis on the Pearl Harbor Attack. Zimm helps us understand why many of the mistakes were made and why things that seem so obvious in hindsight were ignored. He goes into a bit too much detail for most people about the myths about torpedoes, but the research is impressive.
Pearl Harbor: The Verdict of History by Gordon W. Prange explains the politics of Pearl Harbor with little bias. Prange is perhaps the most cited Pearl Harbor Historian. This is one of the best books to help understand why Pearl Harbor was attacked.
The Pearl Harbor Myth: Rethinking the Unthinkable by George Victor does present a conspiracy theory. That does not mean that you should ignore this Pearl Harbor Book. You will want to read the section about MacArthur in the Philippines. It may change how you see Admiral Kimmel and General Short at Pearl Harbor.
Some readers have a difficult time with non-fiction and dry history. There are some books that focus on stories told by people who were at Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor Ghosts: The Legacy of December 7, 1941 by Thurston Clarke is more than just stories. It shares a history of the attack and its aftermath from the point of view of someone living on Oahu. It is very readable and enjoyable, but we recommend starting with a basic Pearl Harbor history.
God's Samurai: Lead Pilot at Pearl Harbor by Katherine V. Dillon and Donald M. Goldstein and Gordon Prange. We recommend that you read this to get another point of view, but remember that it has been highly criticized as containing fabrications. More detail about this scrutiny can be found in Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions by Alan D. Zimm
The difference between these books and the others is the detail that they provide on the Pearl Harbor Attack.
What Was Pearl Harbor? is an excellent book for children in grade school. Many parents read it with their chidren and tell us that it helped them to understand Pearl Harbor better.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor for Children!: The Shocking and Lethal Surprise Attack That Changed the Course of World War 2 is a bit more advanced (bigger words). It answers more questions than What Was Pearl Harbor? and is more appropriate for middle school aged children.
I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 by Lauren Tarshis is a book intended for youth. It fits under Pearl Harbor Stories, and is, in fact, historical fiction. However, that only applies to the characters. The history, events, and places are accurate. After the story is over, Tarshis explains the history quite concisely.
We hope that you found a Pearl Harbor book that is appropriate for your needs. Remember to contact us if you have any questions.
There are hundreds of books about Pearl Harbor, ranging from children's books to in-depth historical analyses. Some cover the attack itself and others delve into a political analysis of the Pearl Harbor attack. Below is a list that our editors chose as the most readable and useful Pearl Harbor books.
These books focus on the events of December 7th, 1941. Not as much depth about the politics.
Tora! Tora! Tora! - Pearl Harbor 1941 by Mark Stille explains the attack in just enough detail for a beginner. It prepares you for the rest of the Pearl Harbor books listed here. It is historical and does not delve much into why decisions were made, but reports which decisions were made and what happened in the attack.
Sunday in Hell: Pearl Harbor Minute by Minute by Bill McWilliams is one of the most in-depth books about the attack. It is readable, but does go into more detail than some may appreciate. We find that the aftermath of Pearl Harbor is well described in this book.
Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions by Alan D. Zimm is a book that we highly recommend after you have a good basis on the Pearl Harbor Attack. Zimm helps us understand why many of the mistakes were made and why things that seem so obvious in hindsight were ignored. He goes into a bit too much detail for most people about the myths about torpedoes, but the research is impressive.
Pearl Harbor: The Verdict of History by Gordon W. Prange explains the politics of Pearl Harbor with little bias. Prange is perhaps the most cited Pearl Harbor Historian. This is one of the best books to help understand why Pearl Harbor was attacked.
The Pearl Harbor Myth: Rethinking the Unthinkable by George Victor does present a conspiracy theory. That does not mean that you should ignore this Pearl Harbor Book. You will want to read the section about MacArthur in the Philippines. It may change how you see Admiral Kimmel and General Short at Pearl Harbor.
Some readers have a difficult time with non-fiction and dry history. There are some books that focus on stories told by people who were at Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor Ghosts: The Legacy of December 7, 1941 by Thurston Clarke is more than just stories. It shares a history of the attack and its aftermath from the point of view of someone living on Oahu. It is very readable and enjoyable, but we recommend starting with a basic Pearl Harbor history.
God's Samurai: Lead Pilot at Pearl Harbor by Katherine V. Dillon and Donald M. Goldstein and Gordon Prange. We recommend that you read this to get another point of view, but remember that it has been highly criticized as containing fabrications. More detail about this scrutiny can be found in Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions by Alan D. Zimm
The difference between these books and the others is the detail that they provide on the Pearl Harbor Attack.
What Was Pearl Harbor? is an excellent book for children in grade school. Many parents read it with their chidren and tell us that it helped them to understand Pearl Harbor better.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor for Children!: The Shocking and Lethal Surprise Attack That Changed the Course of World War 2 is a bit more advanced (bigger words). It answers more questions than What Was Pearl Harbor? and is more appropriate for middle school aged children.
I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 by Lauren Tarshis is a book intended for youth. It fits under Pearl Harbor Stories, and is, in fact, historical fiction. However, that only applies to the characters. The history, events, and places are accurate. After the story is over, Tarshis explains the history quite concisely.
We hope that you found a Pearl Harbor book that is appropriate for your needs. Remember to contact us if you have any questions.
Among the first stops for most Pearl Harbor visitors is the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater. A key part of the educational experience that frames the events of December 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater screens a 23-minute documentary of the attack produced especially for the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center.
Located near the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the theater helps set the historical stage for your visit. By presenting archival footage, eyewitness interviews, and contextual background, the film helps our guests understand the significance of what they are about to see firsthand.
Some of the places visitors see at Pearl Harbor were already there on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese launched their surprise attack, while others were constructed later to commemorate that terrible day. Structures like the two hangars that house the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum were present for the attack and still show signs of being struck by enemy fire. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Memorial Theater, on the other hand, were constructed later to educate guests and honor the memory of the thousands of lives lost on that ill-fated Sunday morning.
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, which is located to the left of the main entrance, was an original part of the plans of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, which was first built in 1980 and expanded and renovated in 2010. The original theater was built alongside a museum exhibit and a bookstore.
Renovated with the rest of the Visitor Center, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater now includes two identical auditoriums. The theater is the first stop of the timed USS Arizona Memorial program. The interior is a simple design with stadium-style seating that looks down at a movie theater-style screen. Here, visitors watch a 23-minute documentary film that includes archival footage from the attack, as well as information on the USS Arizona and the memorial built to honor the men lost when the battleship exploded and sank.
The film shown at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater chronicles the events of December 7, 1941, using archival footage and interviews to provide historical context for the USS Arizona Memorial visit. While the building that houses the theater is a relatively recent construction, the film provides visitors with a deep connection to the events of December 7, 1941. After viewing the film, guests emerge with a much deeper understanding of what occurred aboard USS Arizona and around Pearl Harbor on that December morning nearly 80 years ago.
After the film, visitors exit directly to a dock area to board a U.S. Navy shuttle that transports them to the USS Arizona Memorial (weather permitting).
Near the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater is a physical piece of USS Arizona: the ship's bell, which was salvaged from the mighty battleship and put on display as another means of memorializing the men who died during the assault on Pearl Harbor. Another piece of the ship, her anchor, can be found just north of the Visitor Center entrance.
During the Pacific theater of World War II, Japan employed a grim yet iconic strategy: The kamikaze. These were suicide air attacks carried out by military pilots who crashed their aircraft into enemy ships — a tactic rooted in cultural ideals of honor sacrifice and, eventually, military desperation.
Most of the War in the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor was fought with bombs, artillery shells, and bullets. But, in circumstances when it was deemed more important to inflict damage on the enemy than return home safely, they turned to the act of self-sacrifice known as kamikaze.
Kamikaze pilots were seen as early as the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Though the suicide pilots of Japan were only organized into specific units later in the war, the concept of the kamikaze attack was a reflection of the Japanese idea that it was better to be killed in battle than captured.
Kamikaze plane just before hitting USS Missouri (BB-63)
A kamikaze attack is a deliberate suicide mission carried out by Japanese pilots during World War II, where the aircraft is used as a guided missile to destroy Allied ships.
Before setting off, the specially-trained pilots would participate in a ceremony in which they shared ceremonial cups of sake (or water) known as mizu no sakazuki.
Kamikaze pilots were given military decorations and flew with prayers from their families. Once they took off, the planes were surrounded by fleet escorts that ensured the suicide craft made it to their target.
The term kamikaze originates from 13th-century Japan and was revived in WWII to name suicide missions carried out by pilots seeking to protect the homeland at all costs.
The word kamikaze was used to refer to the typhoons that thwartedMongolian invasion fleets. Roughly translated, it means “divine wind,” and originated from makurakotoba, figures of speech in Japanese poetry.
As Japan’s air power dwindled following the Battle of Midway, and experienced pilots became scarce, Captain Motoharu Okamura proposed using suicide attacks as an official strategy. The result was the formation of tokubetsu kōgekitai ("special attack units") — or kamikaze squadrons.
Before being used to describe suicide pilots of World War II, Kamikaze was the name of a Japanese monoplane that made a record-setting flight from Tokyo to London in 1937. This plane was the prototype for the Mitsubishi Ki-15 Babs, a reconnaissance plane used during the Second Sino-Japanese war.
Kamikaze pilots were mostly young Japanese men, often barely trained, who were either ideologically motivated, pressured, or coerced into suicide missions against Allied forces.
Before taking off for the attack on Pearl Harbor, First Lieutenant Fusata Iida reportedly told his men that if his plane were to become damaged, he would direct it into a “worthy enemy target.” During the attack, after being struck by American anti-aircraft rounds, Iida steered his craft toward Naval Air Station Kaneohe and crashed it.
This may be the first recorded kamikaze attack of the war, though it was far from the last. Initially, Japanese pilots were simply too proud to let themselves be captured by the Allied forces. When their options were either to land were land in enemy territory and risk imprisonment or sacrifice themselves and perhaps maybe take down Allied forces inflict further damage against the Allies, the latter was chosen.
After the Battle of Midway, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service suffered immense damage that made it impossible to function at full capacity. Well-trained crews were becoming scarce but there was still a war to be fought. As Japan continued to lose ground in the Pacific and was forced to turn to inexperienced pilots flying obsolete aircraft, drastic measures were implemented.
It’s believed that Captain Motoharu Okamura, who oversaw the Tateyama Base in Tokyo, was the first officer to consider organizing pilots into Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, or special attack units. On June 15, 1944, Okamura and his superiors started looking into the potential effectiveness of suicide pilots.
In September of 1944, pilots of the 31st Fighter Squadron on Negros Island were among the first to give their lives in premeditated suicide attacks, although it seems they didn't inflict any damage on Allied forces. In October, USS Reno (CL-96) was the target for suicide bombers.
Kamikaze pilots were driven by a mix of state propaganda, cultural indoctrination, peer pressure, and, in some cases, coercion. The choice to embark on a kamikaze mission was often not the pilot’s own.
The reasons for willingly sacrificing one's life for a cause vary, but the primarymotivation for many of Japan’s kamikaze pilots was abelief that was pushed on young men through newspaper propaganda, advertisements, and books that suicide pilots would be enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine, where military casualties were honored as gods.
It's believed that almost 4,000 Japanese pilots died in suicide attacks that killed over 7,000 Allied troops. Today, "kamikaze" is shorthand for any reckless or suicidal action, but in context, it represents a moment when military necessity collided with cultural idealism and national identity
USS Missouri (BB-63), now a museum ship at Pearl Harbor, suffered a kamikaze strike on April 11, 1945. A dent made by the impact of the Zero plane is still visible on the ship's hull.
A tour of the Battleship Missouri at Pearl Harbor brings with it an abundance of information. While schools teach the main events of World War II, it’s unlikely that the curriculum calls for an in-depth look at the USS Missouri (BB-63), one of the most iconic ships of the conflict. While nothing beats an in-person visit and docent-led tour, here are some lesser-known facts about USS Missouri that the history books often leave out.
The Battleship Missouri is known for being the last battleship to be built for the US Navy. Although her sister-ship, USS Wisconsin, had a higher hull number (BB-64), she was completed before MIssouri. Two more Iowa-class battleships, as well as the entire Montana class, were cancelled. The Montana-class battleships were expected to be slower and bigger, with better armor and superior firepower. During World War II, five were planned for construction, but priorities shifted to the Essex-class aircraft carrier. No Montana-class keels were laid, and Missouri ended up being the last battleship ever completed for the US Navy.
Like other vessels of the US Navy, Missouri has played a role in several productions. One of her most prominent appearances was in Battleship, the 2012 sci-fi film based on the popular board game. Though she hasn't sailed under her own steam since 1992, Missouri was depicted as out to sea for the movie. To accomplish this, three tugboats were used to make it look like she was sailing on her own.
Along with Battleship, the Mighty Mo appeared in 1992’s Under Siege and served as the filming location for Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” music video. After its release, the Navy had a few regrets about approving the music video.
Having joined the fight late in the war, USS Missouri faced a new threat from the skies: kamikaze pilots. The suicidal Japanese pilots were ordered to slam their plane directly into their target to guarantee maximum damage. On April 11, 1945, the battleship became a target when a kamikaze plane shifted course and headed toward her.
The Zero fighter struck the battleship on her starboard side, starting a gasoline fire in Gun Mount No. 3. The crew was able to put out the fire before it spread, and Missouri sustained only minimal damage: on the starboard side just below the level of the main deck, there is a dent that shows exactly where the Zero struck.
USS Missouri is a vessel with many “firsts” in her history. She was the first:
One of the best routes to understanding the attack on Pearl Harbor is through the words of those who lived through it. On the 78th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, survivor Will Lehner published his personal account of the tragic events that unfolded on December 7, 1941, in a memoir titled Legacy of a Pearl Harbor Survivor.
The book follows 17-year-old Lehner as he enlists in the US Navy and finds himself stationed on the beautiful island of Oahu.
Many Pearl Harbor books are told by men who were inside the chaos that unfolded at Battleship Row, but Lehner had a different perspective. Serving aboard USS Ward (DD-139), Will Lehner was witness to the first encounter with the Japanese, two hours before the aerial attack began.
In Legacy of a Pearl Harbor Survivor, Lehner writes about Ward’s encounter with a Japanese midget submarine, detailing how the crew reacted when they realized a foreign vessel was in American waters. The book takes readers through the events of December 7, 1941, as seen through the eyes of someone who watched it unfold.
Legacy of a Pearl Harbor Survivor covers more than the Pearl Harbor attack. Lehner also discusses his wartime experiences in the Pacific Theater. The conflict left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which he discusses intimately. The book chronicles the effects of the war on the young men who fought it and how they overcame—or simply lived with—the things they saw and experienced.
It’s not all war and tragedy in Lehner’s account, however. He shares his life experiences beyond World War II, which helps show how different life was before the attack on Pearl Harbor and how being drawn into the War in the Pacific led to significant and many positive changes within the United States.
Lehner’s book may be one in a sea of Pearl Harbor memoirs, but the events of December 7, 1941 are worth hearing and reading about from different perspectives. The more written accounts that come out about the Pearl Harbor attack, the longer the memory of the "date that will live in infamy" will stay with us. Books like Legacy of a Pearl Harbor Survivor will allow younger generations to read about the attack in the words of those who lived through it, even long after they have passed on.
At the time of the release of Will Lehner’s new book, the Pearl Harbor and World War II survivor was living in an assisted living community in central Wisconsin, still generously sharing his stories about the attack and the war that followed.
Proceeds from the book are going to Never Forgotten Honor Flight, a non-profit organization that flies veterans to war memorials around the country.
Everybody loves to bring home keepsakes when they travel. When it comes to Pearl Harbor, souvenirs allow you to remember the experience of visiting this important historic site. The question is, will you have time for shopping during a Pearl Harbor tour? There are several gift shops—as well as a well-stocked book store—offering a wide selection of Pearl Harbor souvenirs and gifts.
When you visit Pearl Harbor, making a stop at one or more of these locations is a great opportunity to bring home a piece of history. From coffee mugs to DVDs, memoirs to reference books, you’ll find an array of options to purchase for yourself or friends and family back home. Even when you're on a tightly scheduled Pearl Harbor tour, you’ll have a time to shop before heading back to your hotel.
At first glance, it may seem strange to shop in a place with so much tragic history. But when you think about it, Pearl Harbor souvenirs can help you remember everything you learned during your tour. They’re also a means of sharing your experiences with others, which is vitally important to keeping the memory of the December 7, 1941 attack alive. While some keepsakes are purely for display, others are more informative and deepen your understanding of the events that unfolded nearly 80 years ago.
For this reason, tours are structured with time built in for shopping in between visits to the various memorials, museums, and monuments.
The book store and gift shops located around Pearl Harbor offer a huge variety of souvenirs and mementos, so there's sure to be something that will appeal to all tastes and interests. Here are a few of our favorites.
The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the 1,177 men who died when their ship exploded and sank, is the centerpiece of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Owning a flag that was flown at the USS Arizona Memorial provides a connection to that tragic event, and ensures you never forget your time at Pearl Harbor. Visitors can choose from a selection of flags of various sizes that were flown at the USS Arizona Memorial on significant days, including December 7, US Independence Day, and Memorial Day.
The attack on Pearl Harbor, and the war that followed, are the subjects of a wide variety of books. There are many excellent memoirs written by survivors of the attack, as well as books of history for both adults and younger readers.
Tokens commemorating the USS Arizona, Oklahoma, and Utah Memorials, as well as the Battleship Missouri, make terrific—and budget-friendly—keepsakes. They’re a simple, yet effective, memento of the time you spent at Pearl Harbor.
Before embarking on a Pearl Harbor tour, it's a great idea to get some background about the December 7, 1941 attack. First-hand accounts are the best way to get a feel for the events of that fateful day and the war that followed, but the number of Pearl Harbor survivors is dwindling all the time. Fortunately, there are several excellent memoirs that let Pearl Harbor survivors tell their stories in their own words. Here's a look at some Pearl Harbor testimonies to read in preparation for your visit.
by Stephen Bower Young
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was one of two battleships damaged beyond repair during the attack on Pearl Harbor. As she started to capsize, crew members were trapped within her hull, trying to survive with limited air. Among those nearly lost within the sinking battleship was Stephen Bower Young, a Seaman First Class who chronicled his experiences in Trapped at Pearl Harbor: Escape from Battleship Oklahoma.)
Young’s account of the hours he spent trapped inside USS Oklahoma is a unique view into what the survivors of the attack went through in the hours after the Japanese torpedoes struck. Trapped at Pearl Harbor details the dread the men felt watching the rising water inside the ship, and the suspense of waiting to be rescued.
If your Pearl Harbor tour includes a stop at the USS Oklahoma Memorial, reading about Young’s experience will bring to vivid life what these sailors went through in their final moments.
by Donald Stratton
Written by one of the last remaining survivors of the ill-fated USS Arizona (BB-39), Donald Stratton’s account of the Pearl Harbor attack details the horror of being aboard the burning battleship, and the heroic efforts of one man, Joe George, to save him and his shipmates.
Stratton’s Pearl Harbor testimonies paint a frightening picture of the damage done to USS Arizona and pays tribute to the 1,177 sailors who died when the mighty battleship exploded and sank.
by Sterling Cale
During the attack on Pearl Harbor, many men rose to the occasion to become heroes to those unable to help themselves. Sterling Cale was one of those men, and his experiences at Pearl Harbor are laid out in his memoir A True American: The Story of a Pearl Harbor Survivor, World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Veteran.
Cale served as a pharmacist's mate, responsible for dispensing medication to the sailors stationed at Pearl Harbor. As men were forced to abandon their ships in the face of the Japanese assault, Cale joined others who jumped into the oil-slicked and burning waters to aid them. When USS Arizona exploded, he was nearby, pulling sailors, alive and dead, from the water. Cale’s recount of the morning of Pearl Harbor is harrowing and gives a look into how the survivors frantically worked to help their fellow servicemen. His story is one of sacrifice and the American spirit that helped the United States win the War in the Pacific.
by Herb Weatherwax
Pearl Harbor survivor Herb Weatherwax chronicles not just his time in the military, but also his life growing up in Honolulu. While readers will get caught up in the events of December 7, 1941 in this detailed autobiography, the native Hawaiian has plenty of stories to tell that make this an engaging reading experience.
Reading about how the attack and World War II affected the islands puts into perspective just how damaging Japan’s actions were. This autobiography, by a man who could often be found later in life chatting with visitors to Pearl Harbor, is a great read for anyone who’s interested in Hawaii's culture and learning what it was like living in the island paradise before the war.
by Alfred Benjamin Kameeiamoku Rodrigues
Also born and raised in Hawaii, Rodrigues served at Pearl Harbor and lived through the devastating strike against the United States. Diary of a Pearl Harbor Survivor is exactly that, a personal journal kept during his service in the Pacific. Entries discuss the attack on Pearl Harbor and its effect on Rodrigues and those around him, as well as his experiences as a Chief Petty Officer aboard the battleship USS Washington (BB-56) during World War II.
A uniquely personal look into the attack on Pearl Harbor and the war that followed, the book gives readers an up-close look into the emotional toll of surviving an event like Pearl Harbor. Diary of a Pearl Harbor Survivor isn’t an easy read, but is an essential one for those who want to understand the attack from the perspective of someone who lived through it.
by Jim Downing
Guinness Book of World Record holder for “Oldest Living Male Author” and retired navy lieutenant Jim Downing was an iconic name associated with the Pearl Harbor attack. The Other Side of Infamy is Downing's account of the attack on Pearl Harbor and his naval service in World War II and beyond.
The book also tells of Downing’s life after the war, his time with The Navigators ministry, and how he found faith in a post-World War II world.
by Mitsuo Fuchida
While these books all have Pearl Harbor survivors tell their stories, this one is a bit different. Mitsuo Fuchida was the lead Japanese pilot in the Pearl Harbor attack, famous to giving the order, "Tora! Tora! Tora!" signalling that the attackers had achieved complete surprise.
In the years after the attack and World War II, Fuchida’s life changed drastically. His autobiography tells of his turn to Christianity and the American who brought religion into the former pilot’s life. From Pearl Harbor to Calvary is a unique look at the events of December 7, 1941 through the eyes of the attacker who led the charge.
As you're planning your visit, any of these Pearl Harbor testimonies from survivors will enrich the experience.
These days, it seems safe to assume that there are always hidden costs. Book a hotel room, and you can be sure you’ll be hit with a "resort fee." Purchase concert tickets online, and the price will jump thanks to "convenience fees." When you plan for something and have a price in front of you, you always have to take a moment to consider what’s going to be added to it.
Since these added costs is so common, it only makes sense that they would show up when planning a visit to Pearl Harbor. Even after you’ve booked your tour or your Passport to Pearl Harbor tickets, you may be wondering about any unexpected costs when you arrive.
While there aren't any "hidden fees," you will definitely want to bring a credit card and some cash with you, since there will be instances where breaking out your wallet is going to be necessary, or at least highly recommended.
If you're booking a Pearl Harbor tour, check to see whether or not lunch is included. If the tour description mentions “no-host lunch,” then time to grab a bite is built in to the schedule, but the cost of lunch isn't included. If you opt for the Passport to Pearl Harbor, you'll need to buy your own meals and drinks.
Sliders Grill is located near the Battleship Missouri
There are food and drink options located in various locations around Pearl Harbor, including near the Pearl Harbor Bookstore, and outside the Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. On Ford Island, there is a food truck near the entrance to the Battleship Missouri. Laniakea Cafe, a sit-down restaurant, is located inside the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. If you’re planning to spend a good part of your day at Pearl Harbor, you’re going to want to check these places out.
For guests visiting the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum as part of the Passport to Pearl Harbor, you have the option to add on some time in the combat flight simulator. For a small additional charge, you can try your hand at landing on an aircraft carrier, or piloting iconic World War II aircraft in a dogfight over Guadalcanal.
Souvenirs of all kinds are available in the Pearl Harbor Bookstore
The Pearl Harbor Bookstore, part of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, is filled with all kinds of memorabilia that serve as great souvenirs or collectible items for history buffs. Books and DVDs further explore the history of December 7, 1941, providing visitors with a more in-depth historical journey.
There are so many options at the bookstore that encompass educational materials, music, videos, and other items. All proceeds go toward the research, educational, and environmental programs offered at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This is something for which you'll definitely want to bring your wallet.
If you opted for an official Pearl Harbor tour, you’ll want to consider a gratuity for your guide. Tips are not included in the price of the tour, so it’s up to you whether or not—and how much—to tip.
Considering everything a Pearl Harbor guide does for you throughout the tour, most people find tipping to be completely justified. From the moment you’re picked up to the moment you’re dropped off, your guide is available for your questions and issues and is often drafted as an impromptu photographer. They're great sources of information about the attack, Oahu, and Hawaiian history that’s not readily available to the casual visitor.
There is an ATM located next to the ticketing windows at the main entrance
Tour guides are hardworking professionals, especially during tours that can last up to 11 hours. If you accidentally left all your cash in your hotel, there's an ATM conveniently located near the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Though the attack on Pearl Harbor only lasted about two hours, the number of books and other writings, TV shows, and movies about the events of December 7, 1941 is extensive and varied. The experiences of a sailor who just barely survived the sinking of USS Oklahoma will be vastly different from those of the men manning the radar station just minutes before the assault started. As you’re preparing for your Pearl Harbor tour, it's worth seeing just how extensive the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor really is.
There is a lot of information you could sift through, to put it mildly. While it can be tempting to immerse yourself in as much Pearl Harbor history as possible, when it comes to getting yourself ready for your tour, it may be best to stick to a few essentials.
The following recommendations will provide a good amount of background knowledge about the surprise Japanese attack to get you prepared before visiting Pearl Harbor.
Written by Jim Downing
The Other Side of Infamy, published when Jim Downing was 102 years old
Before his passing in February 2018, Jim Downing was one of the best-known of the Pearl Harbor survivors. As the second-oldest living survivor, his was a name that circulated often, especially when he released his book, The Other Side of Infamy, and broke the world record for oldest living male author to publish a book.
The Other Side of Infamy recounts the former lieutenant’s experiences in World War II, starting with the fateful day of the attack, when he was serving aboard USS West Virginia (BB-48). It was one of the battleships that were sunk that morning, though she was later raised, repaired, and returned to service. By that time, however, Downing had transferred to a different ship.
Downing’s account of the Pearl Harbor attack is as haunting as they come. Even after reaching the age of 100, the veteran had no difficulty recalling the events of that day, sometimes in frightening detail. In addition, he explores how his wartime experience shaped his life story. The book is a memoir of his life, and his details about the Pearl Harbor attack add a profoundly human dimension to the history of Pearl Harbor and the War in the Pacific.
Produced by PBS
Donald Stratton
One of the most iconic sites at Pearl Harbor is the USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated to the 1177 men who lost their lives when their ship exploded and sank during the attack. Beneath the memorial rests the rusted hulk of the ship. While the outlines of Arizona are visible from the surface, this PBS documentary provides viewers with an opportunity to navigate inside the sunken vessel.
"Into the Arizona" provides an extensive look into the ship that most people would otherwise never see. Though streaming the film requires a subscription, it’s well worth it for this incredible chance at seeing inside the ruined hull of the battleship.
Be sure to check out the accompanying clips, including the emotional return of USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton to Pearl Harbor.
US National Park Service
Joe George is the subject of one of the Survivor Stories on the National Parks Service web site
The National Park Service is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, so it makes sense that their website would include plenty of historical information about the attack.
One of its more poignant sections is a series of survivor stories, brief bios of some of the survivors of that morning. From Joe George, the hero who disobeyed orders and saved six USS Arizona crewmen, to civilians who you won’t likely find in history books, the survivor stories are among the best ways of connecting to the events of December 7, 1941.
Even with the book, the PBS documentary, and the survivor stories under your belt, there is still so much Pearl Harbor history to experience - and nothing can replace seeing it first hand.
