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Pearl Harbor
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Oahu

Pearl Harbor

7.4
4.8/5
724 reviews

Pearl Harbor is located on the southern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, west of downtown Honolulu. It is a natural deep-water harbor extending inland, surrounded by land on three sides with only the southern entrance facing the sea. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese naval air force launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed here. The battleship USS Arizona sank in less than ten minutes after being hit, with over a thousand officers and crew perishing aboard, marking America's full entry into World War II. Today, the harbor area has been designated as a historical attraction, comprising four venues: the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the submarine museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. A full tour typically takes most of a day. Visits usually begin at the visitor center of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial: two exhibit halls display artifacts, photos, and footage depicting the ships, aircraft, and casualties on both sides before and after the attack. After watching the documentary, visitors take a shuttle boat to the white memorial spanning the sunken wreckage of the USS Arizona in the middle of the harbor. The bridge-shaped structure does not touch the ship's remains. Its 21 openings symbolize the 21-gun salute honoring the fallen. Through floor openings, visitors can view the rusted hull beneath the water, where oil droplets—known as "black tears"—still seep to the surface. The memorial hall at the far end bears the names of the thousand-plus crew members who went down with the ship, and the U.S. flag on the sunken mast is raised daily. This is a resting place for sailors, and visitors are expected to maintain solemn silence throughout the tour. While the USS Arizona witnessed the beginning of the Pacific War, the Battleship Missouri on Ford Island marked its end—Japan signed its surrender on its deck on September 2, 1945. Visitors can explore the deck, cabins, and bridge, with views of the white memorial across the water. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, housed in the original hangars attacked that day, still bears visible bullet holes on its walls. The island also features memorials for the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah. Access to Ford Island requires a shuttle transfer from the visitor center. The Bowfin submarine, docked nearby, conducted multiple wartime patrols; visitors can step inside to experience life in a submariner's quarters. Practical tip: Security is strict, and regular backpacks are not allowed, so travel light.

United States · Honolulu
Maui

Maui

6.6
4.6/5
152 reviews

Maui is known as the "Valley Isle" due to its landscape of alternating valleys and coastlines. The island is warm year-round, and coastal areas are suitable for water activities in all seasons; however, if you plan to ascend to the summit of Haleakalā for sunrise in the early morning, the altitude is approx. 3,000 meters, and the temperature is significantly lower. The island's highlights are focused on natural scenery: the eastern Haleakalā National Park extends from the alpine zone to the coast, and the dormant volcanic crater at the summit, with its desolate, moon-like landscape, is a classic spot for watching the sunrise above the clouds; the Hana Hwy on the north coast winds between rainforests and sea cliffs, with sharp turns, one-lane bridges, waterfalls, and black sand beaches along the way—a self-drive trip here is like a rainforest adventure in itself. If you want to get in the water, you can take a boat to the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater not far offshore; this marine preserve has clear water and schools of tropical fish, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Kaanapali in the west and Wailea in the south are known for their long white sand beaches and resort atmosphere, which are perfect for sunbathing and surfing. There are also long-standing traditions to experience on the island: every day at sunset, a cliff-diving ceremony takes place at Black Rock at the north end of Kaanapali Beach, where divers light torches and leap into the sea—a scene many tourists wait specifically to see. Every winter, humpback whales return in groups to the warm waters around the island to breed and raise their young, and you have a chance to see them breaching from the shore or a whale-watching boat. If you want a change of pace, you can also visit the Iao Valley in the west, where the valley is lush and green, and the iconic Iao Needle rises abruptly, making it suitable for a relaxing short hike.

United States · Kula

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Featured Nature & wildlife in Hawaii

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What travelers say about Hawaii

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Jason OccidentalOctober 12, 2026
5.0
We had a great time at the ranch. Our guide was amazing! Arrived just in time for our tour, be sure to go to the ticket counter before lining up for your timed tour. Our guide explained well the ins and outs of the ranch, not just the movies shot there but the history and work being done beyond the big screen. Highly recommended.

Kualoa Ranch

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初ChuSeptember 3, 2026
5.0
Japan killed 2,403 Americans during the Pearl Harbor attack and 35,000,000 Chinese during the world war 2. Seeing the USS Arizona Memorial and crying Chinese baby lost parents is hard. The site kept and explained the history well. I highly recommend everyone who like learning about history and love peace to visit. I feel this is the most important site to visit in Honolulu. 珍珠港

Pearl Harbor

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BoNya777January 29, 2025
4.0
As a highly recommended attraction for military fans and history lovers, the Missouri itself is a witness to the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II, and its historical significance is worth a visit. The maintenance of the warship itself can be seen to be very careful, and there are many open areas. It is highly recommended to visit. Military fans can visit the Aviation Museum and the Submarine Museum. There is a large hangar behind the Aviation Museum. Don't forget to visit it. The Arizona Memorial requires a ferry, and you must check in on the spot, but it is very close to the Missouri, which is a bit unnecessary.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

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AiMeiLiJune 10, 2026
5.0
Pure Energy & Tropical Beauty – Waikiki Beach, Oʻahu 🌊🌴 (10/10)Yes, Waikiki Beach is crowded. Very crowded. But here’s the thing—it’s crowded for a reason. Because it might just be the best beach on the entire island.Let’s start with the water. The color is that unreal shade of turquoise you only see in postcards. The waves are gentle enough for beginners but fun enough to surf, swim, or just play in. Whether you want to snorkel, ride a longboard, or simply float on your back and stare at the sky, Waikiki delivers.And the view? Diamond Head rising in the background is absolutely iconic. You can lie on the warm sand, soak up the sun, and feel like you’re in a movie. The whole atmosphere is lively, energetic, and full of aloha spirit. Families, couples, solo travelers—everyone is smiling.Yes, you’ll share the space with lots of people. But somehow that energy adds to the magic. It’s not a quiet hidden cove—it’s a vibrant, joyful celebration of beach life.Final verdict: 10/10. If you want solitude, look elsewhere. But if you want the most fun, most beautiful, most alive beach experience on Oʻahu? Waikiki is it. Don't miss it. 🏄‍♂️☀️🌊

Waikīkī Beach

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OAugust 1, 2026
5.0
The sea around Maui was an unrealistically blue, with waves crashing against the rocks and splashing white foam. Wild pheasants swaggered across the road, and cars stopped to wait for them. The Hana Highway wound its way along the cliff edge, making my palms sweat, and I stopped seven or eight times to watch the waterfalls and rainbows. While snorkeling, I was startled to see a green sea turtle slowly sliding past me. At night, I could hear the waves from my cabin, and when I looked up, the sky was filled with stars, so dense it was almost frightening. Time moved at a leisurely pace; even the cats lay lazily by the roadside.

Maui

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素素77May 30, 2020
5.0
Oahu is the most densely populated island in the Hawaiian Islands and the capital of Hawaii. Oahu is much more lively than other islands in Hawaii, and its business is more prosperous, especially along Waikiki Beach, which is the most colorful city center. The ecology on the island is very good, and there is a very beautiful red-crowned bird that can only be found in Hawaii.

O‘ahu

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SUNSHINE ONUSFebruary 5, 2026
5.0
The Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, located inside the Kilauea crater, is the park's iconic landmark. This massive crater is approximately 800 meters in diameter and 300 meters deep, constantly emitting steam, and its appearance is particularly breathtaking at night. Visitors can admire the crater from the nearby Kilauea Visitor Center and the Thomas Jagger Museum's observation deck, and learn about volcanic activity and Hawaiian culture. Due to the high altitude, windy conditions, and significant temperature variations, a jacket is recommended even in summer.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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Anonymous userAugust 7, 2026
4.0
Excellent! It's worthwhile to learn about the local customs and traditions of each island and the different styles and cultures of China's islands. Five days is recommended if possible. Renting a car is more convenient; you can go almost anywhere. I don't recommend staying in the city center; parking is too expensive—$60 a day.

Polynesian Cultural Center

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Michelle n PaulAugust 20, 2023
5.0
Diamond Head National Park, Oahu.Perfect place away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and the views are amazing from the top. Worth the the hike up the volcano

Diamond Head State Monument

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WanderinAussieAugust 22, 2022
4.0
Such a fun day out for the whole family. Dole Plantation is only a short 30-45minute drive from Honolulu. While it is kitschy and tourist it is still a very enjoyable experience. We had a great time on the Pineapple Express Train and got our step count up for the day in the Maze.

Dole Plantation

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Hawaii?

Don't miss these attractions in Hawaii: Kualoa Ranch, Pearl Harbor, and Battleship Missouri Memorial. If you like Food & drink, try Honolulu: Pacific Star Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show. If you enjoy City sightseeing, try Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu.

You can give Honolulu: Pacific Star Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show and Star of Honolulu sunset dinner & show cruise a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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