Pearl Harbor is rooted deep in American history and set the example of how a nation can unite creating a world power. Pearl Harbor is widely known for its strategic military location, but offers numerous tourist attractions as it attracts 1.6 million guest annually who view the unique collection of WWII museums and memorials.

The iconic offshore shrine at the sunken USS Arizonadoesn’t tell the only story. Nearby are two other floating historical sites: the USS Bowfin submarine, aka the ʻPearl Harbor Avenger,’ and the battleship USS Missouri, where General Douglas MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII. Together, for the US, these military sites represent the beginning, middle and end of the war. A majority of the museums are located at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and even though entry is free, the museums and tours can be purchased as a package or individually. To visit all three, as well as the Pacific Aviation Museum, dedicate at least a day.