Pearl Harbor or Pu’uloa as the Hawaiians call it is a beautiful lagoon harbor. It is located on the island of Oahu and is the deep-water naval base of the US Navy. The US Pacific fleet is headquartered in this region. The Japanese attack on this harbor pulled the US into World War II and many places here are still reminiscent of the horrific past.
The attack that started the 2nd World War
The Japanese launched their Hawaii Operation / Operation AI on the island in the early hours of December 7, 1941. The first wave hit at 7.45 am destroying 7 battleships of the US moored on “Battleship Row”. The battleships that were destroyed included USS Helena, USS Raleigh and USS Utah docked on the west of Ford Island and USS California, West Virginia, USS Oklahoma and the USS Nevada docked on the east side. The fare of USS Arizona was sealed by an immense explosion. The US Navy was caught off guard and most people owe it to poor communication amongst other things. However, what followed this attack is history. After visiting Pearl Harbor you can check out many other things to do in oahu.
Things to do in Oahu
Go Polynesian
The PCC (Polynesian Cultural center) was founded in 1963. It celebrates the diverse background of Hawaii and interactive attractions and award-winning performances are some of their highlights
Go surfing on Kailua Beach
If your idea of a vacation is relaxing or having fun on a picture perfect beach with powdery white sand lining a gentle ocean, then you must have dreamt of Kailua beach. Regarded as one of the top beaches in the US,it is a hotspot for coastal researchers, locals and tourists and even the lifeguards. The reef, the reliable ocean and the obliging trade winds make a perfect environment for windsurfing
Go Shopping
A shopping paradise, Oahu has some of the trendiest high-end retailers. From native books to psychic readings, chic clothing boutiques to jewelry, there is something for everyone at the ward centers that span from Kewalo Basin to Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach Park.
Go for the aerial view
Helicopter rides are offered for the adventurous. The ride takes you over impossibly tangled canyons that are deep and uninhabitable. You can witness inland waterfalls as they drop hundreds of feet below through the window of the helicopter.
Arizona Memorial
No visit to Pearl Harbor is complete without a visit to the Arizona memorial. The memorial is reminiscent of the 2388 lives that were lost on December 7th 1941 as both military personnel as well as civilians became the target of the Japanese attack. It is also a reminder of the 21 vessels that were bombed on that day.
Go golfing
Oahu has some beautiful and well-planned golf courses some of which are ultra-exclusive. These are open to military personnel and private club members only. However, there are many others that serve the general public. A few of the municipal courses are Pali Golf Course and the Ala Wai Golf Course. And resort golf courses include Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club, Ko Olina Golf Course and Sheraton Makaha Resort West amongst numerous others.