Three Top Things To See Near Pearl Harbor

While there is an abundance of tours to Pearl Harbor, and many things to see and do there, spending hours visiting the site is not for everyone. While some in your group might want to spend the entire day walking around the memorials, a couple of hours might be enough for you and you might be wondering what else is available to do in the area while you wait for them. Or you might be looking for other activities to busy yourself while staying in the area. Here are three of our favorite things to see near Pearl Harbor.

Aloha Stadium, Central Oahu

Aloha Stadium is just a 15-minute walk from Pearl Harbor so it's ideal if you don’t have your own transportation. It's Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena, home to the NFL Pro Bowl and the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team. Throughout the year, there are sporting events, concerts, car shows, and the very popular Swap Meet.

The Swap Meet operates on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday and is one of the coolest things to do around Pearl Harbor. It has been operating since 1979 and is a shopper’s heaven with more than 400 sellers offering the best imported and hand-made products, local produce and cuisine (be sure to try some sweet Hawaiian fruits!), and other specialty products you can only buy in Hawaii. If you want to buy gifts for your friends back home, this is the ideal place to go!

Freedom Tower, Hickam Air Force Base

Freedom Tower is around 13 minutes by car from Pearl Harbor. If you’re up for a scenic walk, it will take just over an hour. The tower is located within Hickam Air Force Base and was built in 1938 as a water tower. It has the capacity to hold 500,000 gallons of water, stored for emergency situations and still in use today. The tower was given the name Freedom Tower in 1985 to honor those who served—and those who continue to serve—in the Hawaiian defense forces. The tower is made from reinforced concrete, and there are eight concrete eagles located at the points of the octagon atop the tower. At the top is a room that can be accessed from a steep spiral staircase. Before the war it was used as a radio transmitter facility; these days it’s used to store Christmas lights for when the tower lights up to become one of Hawaii’s biggest Christmas trees!

Keaiwa Heiau State Park

Just a 15-minute drive—or a 1.5-hour walk—from Pearl Harbor is the 384-acre Keaiwa Heiau State Park. It’s a recreational area that has something for everyone in the family, from walking trails and picnic areas to camping spots if you’re planning to stay longer. The recreational area houses the ruins of the Keaiwa Heiau temple, where native Hawaiians would go to receive healing through prayers and herbs. Though the rituals have long been out of practice (the herbs were gathered from nearby land that was replanted in the 1920s), many still believe the temple holds healing powers and go there in the hopes of a cure for all kinds of sickness.

The park is also home to some great walking trails if you’re looking for outdoor things to do near Pearl Harbor, including the 4.8-mile Aiea Loop, which takes you through a forest of eucalyptus trees and Norfolk pines. Visitors can also see remnants of a plane that crashed in 1944 and experience amazing views of Pearl Harbor and Aiea town.

Waikiki Aquarium

Discover the wonders of Hawaii’s marine life at the Waikiki Aquarium, a gem located along the scenic shores of Waikiki Beach. This amazing experience is only a 30 minute drive from Pearl Harbor, and so worth it! Founded in 1904, this is one of the oldest aquariums in the United States, and it offers a truly immersive experience with more than 3,500 marine creatures representing over 490 species from Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. 

Here, you’ll marvel at vibrant coral reefs, witness the majesty of Hawaiian monk seals, and get up close with colorful reef fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, and rare seahorses. The Waikiki Aquarium’s focus on conservation and education brings the beauty of Hawaii’s ocean ecosystem to life, with interactive exhibits and special programs that are perfect for families and visitors of all ages. Don’t miss their living coral displays—the first of their kind in the world!

Restaurant 604

If you’re looking for places to eat near Pearl Harbor, Restaurant 604 is just steps from Pearl Harbor. This local favorite serves up island-style comfort food with views that are just as impressive as the menu. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the menu features mouthwatering options like furikake fries, kalua pork nachos, and their signature 604 burger. The open-air seating and waterfront views make it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring Oahu’s historic sites.