Pearl Harbor remains one of the most significant events in US history, marking the moment when America was thrust into World War II. While many people know the basic details of the December 7, 1941, attack, there are lesser-known facts about that day that offer deeper insight into its history and legacy.
From the origin of its name to the visitors who walk its grounds today, Pearl Harbor hosts stories that continue to fascinate and educate. Here’s a closer look at some of the most intriguing aspects of Pearl Harbor’s history you may not know.
The name “Pearl Harbor” comes from the abundance of pearls found in the waters surrounding the harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Known to Native Hawaiians as “Wai Momi” or “Waters of Pearl,” the area was historically a rich source of pearl oysters, which gave it economic and cultural significance long before it became a naval base. By the late 1800s, the natural harbor transformed from a pearl-diving location into a vital hub for the US Pacific Fleet.
While the Japanese surprise attack officially began on the morning of December 7, the first shot of the day came hours earlier from the USS Ward. This Wickes-class destroyer was on patrol when it spotted a Japanese mini submarine attempting to enter Pearl Harbor.
The USS Ward promptly opened fire and sank the submarine at 6:37 a.m.—nearly an hour before aerial attacks commenced. This critical yet often overlooked moment marked the first shots fired by the US in World War II and served as a forewarning of the devastating events that would unfold later that morning.
Despite the massive destruction it inflicted, the attack on Pearl Harbor was astonishingly brief. The first wave of Japanese aircraft reached the base at approximately 7:55 a.m., targeting battleships and airfields. A second wave followed shortly before 9:00 a.m., focusing on additional warships and facilities. By 9:45 a.m., the attacks had largely ceased, leaving a scene of devastation in their wake. While the duration was short, the strategic precision and damage caused within those 110 minutes were enough to alter the course of history.
Not all World War II enthusiasts know that the US’s first prisoner of war was taken on the fateful day of December 7, 1941. Kazuo Sakamaki was a Japanese submariner aboard the Japanese mini submarines deployed as part of the attack. His submarine malfunctioned, which separated Sakamaki from his fellow crew members, who all fled the submarine for their survival. He became unconscious in the water and awoke on Waimanalo Beach, where American soldiers captured him. Sakamaki spent the remainder of World War II as a POW and returned to Japan in 1946.
A fact about Pearl Harbor that people may not know is that out of the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, nearly half were aboard the USS Arizona. When the bomb struck the ship at 8:06 a.m., it ignited a catastrophic explosion in the ammunition stores, sinking the battleship within minutes. The USS Arizona remains a symbol of the attack and a final resting place for over 1,100 of its crew members. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial serves as a powerful tribute to the sacrifices made on that tragic day and attracts countless visitors.
The attack on the USS Arizona brought unimaginable personal grief to 23 families who each lost multiple sons serving on the ship. Many brothers had served together on board, a common Navy practice at the time. The devastating loss of so many family members led to changes in military policies, limiting the practice of assigning siblings to the same vessel during wartime.
In the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, three US battleships were total losses and never put back in service. The USS Arizona and USS Utah remain sunken in Pearl Harbor to this day, serving as solemn memorials. The USS Oklahoma, which capsized after being hit by multiple torpedoes, was eventually raised but was too damaged for repair. However, other ships, such as the USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Tennessee, returned to service after restoration, contributing to the US Navy’s efforts later in the war.
While most people remember the December 7, 1941, attack, far fewer know about Japan’s second attempt to strike Pearl Harbor in 1942. Dubbed “Operation K,” this follow-up mission aimed to disrupt salvage and repair efforts at the naval base.
On the night of March 4, two Japanese long-range seaplanes attempted to bomb the area, although five planes were originally intended for the mission. However, due to cloud cover and limited visibility, the attack only caused minimal damage to a nearby high school. The operation is a largely forgotten chapter in Pearl Harbor’s history, overshadowed by the events of the previous year.
Today, Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited historic sites in the United States, attracting over two million people annually. Visitors come to pay their respects to those who lost their lives and to learn about the events that shaped global history. Memorials like the USS Arizona and museums such as the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum provide immersive experiences that connect people to this pivotal moment, reminding us of the enduring significance of remembrance and education.
From the bravery of those who fired the first shots to the stories of resilience that emerged in the aftermath, Pearl Harbor remains a profound reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. Exploring its rich history deepens our understanding of that day and pays tribute to the courage and determination of those who endured it.
For those looking to learn more about our nation’s history, book a tour of Pearl Harbor through Pearlharbortour.com. Each tour offers a unique perspective on the events that shaped World War II, providing a powerful and educational experience. Browse our range of tour packages and inter-island travel options.