Bring the kids: Pearl Harbor Memorials
Pearl Harbor. A place, date, and event that lives in infamy. The attack on Pearl Harbor was devastating, leaving thousands dead, wounded, and trapped in wreckage on December 7th, 1941. In the years since, it has become a graveyard, memorial, and place that millions have come to visit and pay their respects.
MEMORIALS
You can carve out an entire day to visit all of the historical Pearl Harbor sites, and ALL are worth visiting, but your priority should certainly be the USS Arizona memorial.
This is the Valor in the Pacific Memorial. It is FREE, but the tickets are first come serve, and they run out very quickly in the busy seasons. You can reserve them online for a small fee. It is located at the visitor center, where there are museums to walk through, a movie about the attack, and then a boat to board that takes you to the memorial platform, which is situated over the wreckage of the USS Arizona. You can still see the oil leaking from the ship to this day.
WITH KIDS: Before going, you need to know that you cannot bring ANY bags. That means, no camera bags, no diaper bags, and not even a small purse. So, if you have a kid that's going to need a bottle or a diaper change at some point, you are going to want to wear something with deep pockets!
You also need to remember that this is a place of reverence. This is the final resting place of many still entombed in the wreckage. This means silence. If you are confident in your abilities to keep your child calm and under control, then you are golden. But for the sake of the site, and everyone else trying pay their respects, do not bring your child if you think they are going to have a meltdown. I know, it happens sometimes, and everyone is understanding, but make whatever decision you think is appropriate. You know your child!
USS Bowfin Submarine
Also in the visitor center within walking distance of the Arizona, is the USS Bowfin Submarine.
"Like her namesake - a scrappy, mean-looking fish with powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and a voracious appetite - the Bowfin proved to be a formidable underwater adversary, sinking 44 enemy ships during the war. Today, the Bowfin is a National Historic Landmark and museum ship where visitors from all over the world are able to experience what it was like to live and work aboard a World War II-era sub." - pearlharborhistoricsites.org
Adults ($15) and Children ($7) Submarines are very cool to tour - but if you or your child get claustrophobic, I wouldn't recommend it. Children under 4 cannot go into the Submarine for safety issues!
Battleship Missouri Memorial
"The "Mighty Mo" was the last American battleship ever built and the last to be decommissioned. The surrender of the Japanese on the deck of the Missouri brought the Second World War to an end and remains one of the most impressive highlights in her illustrious, 50-year career, spanning three wars, and three generations of American fighting men and women." - pearlharborhistoricsites.org
For $39 (adult) & $13(child), you can tour this large battleship, located on Ford Island. If you have a military ID, you can drive there yourself, but if not - you will have to take a shuttle from the visitor center. We haven't gone with the kids yet, due to the price, but have heard it is a great place to tour with the family!
Pacific Aviation Museum
Only accessible by shuttle bus to Ford Island unless you have a military ID. Although a bit pricey at $25 (Adult) and $12 (Child), it is a MUST SEE. The museum is two hangars full of historic aircraft. It isn't just the aircraft itself that is impressive, but also the hangars they are in. Both hangars survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, and still have the bullet holes in the glass panes. They say it is haunted.
WITH KIDS: This was one of the best sites to visit with the kids. They don't have to be too quiet, they can touch most of the planes, and honestly, what kid isn't impressed by airplanes? We really enjoyed this one!
BONUS
USS Utah
The USS Utah wreckage can be seen only if you have a military ID or are with someone who has one and can get you onto Ford Island. The first to see the Japanese planes approaching, it was struck by two torpedoes, causing it to roll over, and entombing the men inside. The wreckage sticks out of the water quite a bit more than the Arizona, especially at low tide, and is quite impressive.
WITH KIDS: Again, this is a place of reverence, and a grave. Many ceremonies are held here, and many Pearl Harbor survivors come back in their death to be laid to rest at this memorial (as well as the Arizona) with their fallen brothers. Try your best to keep your little ones quiet out of respect. Also, there are a few little spots along the platform where there are no railings, so hold the runners hand!
Conclusion
These are definitely places to bring the kids, just remember to show respect, and remember those who lost their lives so tragically here. We've been a few times now, and have loved it every time. It is a wonderful experience, and really puts history into perspective for you. It is also very educational for those with older children!
TIP - If you are visiting the USS Arizona Memorial by car, be sure to arrive at least an hour in advance, as parking is always swamped!
