Sea Turtle
ParkHawaii, US
Hickam Air Force Base
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a living monument to American courage and a vital strategic hub.
About
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a living monument to American courage and a vital strategic hub. This active military installation, born from the historic Hickam Field, offers profound insights into a pivotal moment in global history. While the active base maintains restricted access, its associated Pearl Harbor Historic Sites provide a compelling journey through World War II aviation and naval heritage, set against Hawaii's stunning backdrop.
Visitors to the accessible historical areas can explore a remarkable collection of artifacts, aircraft, and memorials. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, housed in original bullet-scarred hangars on Ford Island, presents an immersive experience with iconic WWII planes like the Japanese Zero and the B-17 "Swamp Ghost." Nearby, the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and USS Utah Memorial stand as solemn reminders of sacrifice and the ultimate triumph of peace.
Journeying through these sacred grounds offers a powerful educational experience, revealing the stories of those who served and the events that shaped the modern world. It's a place for reflection, learning, and honoring history, making it an essential visit for anyone seeking to understand the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the bravery displayed on that fateful day. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.
Hickam Air Force Base, originally Hickam Field, was established in 1935 as Hawaii's principal Army airfield and bomber base, named in honor of aviation pioneer Lieutenant Colonel Horace Meek Hickam. Its strategic location adjacent to Pearl Harbor made it a critical target during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. On that day, Hickam Field suffered extensive damage, with nearly half its aircraft destroyed or severely damaged, and significant casualties among personnel. Many buildings, including the main barracks (now the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters), were hit by bombs and strafed, with bullet holes still visible today. Despite the devastation, Hickam Field played a crucial role in World War II and subsequent conflicts, serving as a key logistical hub and "America's Bridge Across the Pacific." In 2010, Hickam Air Force Base merged with Naval Station Pearl Harbor to form Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), integrating its air and naval operations. The base was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985, recognizing its immense significance in the World War II Pacific campaign and preserving its historic structures and memorials.
What to do here
Watch the 23-minute documentary film about the Pearl Harbor attack at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center before visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.
* Take the Navy shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial for a somber and reflective experience.
* Board the Battleship Missouri to walk on the historic Surrender Deck and explore its various decks and exhibits.
* Immerse yourself in aviation history at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, seeing historic planes and feeling the echoes of December 7th in the preserved hangars.
* Consider a "Top of the Tower Tour" at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for unparalleled views of the harbor.
* Participate in the Ford Island Bus Tour to visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials.
**Seasonal notes: ** Hawaii experiences warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Rainy season is typically from November to March, though showers can occur at any time. Peak tourist seasons (spring break, summer, Thanksgiving, and winter break) mean higher crowds and faster-filling reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial.
**Accessibility features: ** The USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial (main deck and surrender deck), and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are wheelchair accessible. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at some sites.
Seasonal info
Hawaii experiences warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Rainy season is typically from November to March, though showers can occur at any time. Peak tourist seasons (spring break, summer, Thanksgiving, and winter break) mean higher crowds and faster-filling reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial.
Accessibility features: The USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial (main deck and surrender deck), and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are wheelchair accessible. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at some sites.
Accessibility
The USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial (main deck and surrender deck), and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are wheelchair accessible. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at some sites.
Don't miss
1
USS Arizona Memorial
A poignant structure built over the sunken USS Arizona, honoring the 1,177 crew members who perished during the attack. Access is via a Navy shuttle boat from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
2
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Explore the "Mighty Mo," the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy and the site where Japan formally surrendered, ending World War II. Visitors can walk the surrender deck, explore the ship's massive gun turrets, and learn about life at sea.
3
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Located on Ford Island within bullet-scarred Hangars 37 and 79, this museum displays a remarkable collection of historical aircraft, including a Japanese Zero and American warbirds. The museum offers interactive exhibits and tells the story of aviation in the Pacific Theater.
4
Ford Island Control Tower
An iconic historic structure at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Pearl Harbor and the battlefield from 168 feet up.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Book USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance: Reservations are required and available online via Recreation.gov. Book 56 days in advance, as tickets fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A limited number of same-day tickets are released, but availability is not guaranteed.
Arrive early
Aim to arrive at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at least an hour before your scheduled USS Arizona Memorial program to allow for parking, security, and check-in.
No bags allowed
Due to federal security requirements, only clear bags are permitted at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Leave all other bags, purses, backpacks, and camera bags in your vehicle or use the bag storage facility available for a fee.
Bring government-issued ID
A valid government-issued ID is required for entry to Ford Island attractions like the Battleship Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, accessed via shuttle.
Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection: You'll be doing a lot of walking, and Hawaii's sun can be intense.
Utilize the shuttle service
Complimentary shuttles from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center provide access to Ford Island, where the Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are located.
Frequently asked questions
- Direct access to Hickam Air Force Base, as an active military installation, is highly restricted for civilians without military affiliation or specific authorization. However, the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which are part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and encompass areas of the former Hickam Field, are publicly accessible via the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. These include the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and USS Utah Memorial.
- The main attractions related to Hickam Field, now part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, are centered around its aviation history and the December 7, 1941 attack. Key sites include the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, located in original World War II hangars on Ford Island which still bear bullet scars from the attack. The historic Ford Island Control Tower, offering panoramic views, is also a significant feature. Additionally, the USS Oklahoma Memorial and USS Utah Memorial, both on Ford Island, honor those lost when these ships were attacked near Hickam Field.
- A comprehensive visit to the Pearl Harbor historical sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial program, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, typically requires a full day, approximately 6 to 8 hours. The USS Arizona Memorial program alone takes about 75 minutes, including the film and boat ride. You should plan for additional time for security screening, shuttle transfers, and exploring the various exhibits.
Recent snaps at this place
May 26, 2026
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Photo attribution
(c) Robin White, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 26, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Robin White, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 26, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Robin White, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 26, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Robin White, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 5, 2026
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