When many people think about going to Pearl Harbor, they might picture visiting the USS Arizona Memorial or the Battleship Missouri. However, this historic military base is home to many exhibits, including the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
The Aviation Museum resides on Ford Island and is home to numerous exhibits and artifacts from World War II and later wars that the U.S. fought in. This traveler’s guide highlights what you need to know about the Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor so you can make the most out of your visit.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum spans two historic hangars—Hangar 37 and Hangar 79. Both structures offer deep insights into Pearl Harbor’s aviation and wartime narratives. Hangar 37 houses many of the museum’s main exhibits, including restored aircraft, engaging exhibits, and personal stories of the attack.
Hangar 79 reveals signs of the conflict that make it unforgettable, including bullet holes in the window panes that remain as visible reminders of the attack. Inside, visitors find an ever-evolving collection of aircraft reflecting advancements in aviation, from post-war jets to space-age technology.
Some of the top things to see at the museum include:
The museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft from numerous wars, each telling a unique story about aviation’s pivotal role in military history. Aircraft that you can personally view include:
The crafts remain carefully preserved, so visitors gain a deep appreciation for the engineering marvels that revolutionized air combat.
As with most museums, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is also home to numerous artifacts that offer personal perspectives on the war. Artifacts include:
The collection provides an intimate glimpse into the day-to-day experiences of those who served, giving context to their roles.
During the Pearl Harbor attack, the view from this tower offered a direct line to the unfolding chaos that day. The control tower is now a historic exhibit showcasing aviation’s crucial role in Hawaii during World War II.
Standing in the control tower provides a unique, 360-degree view of Pearl Harbor. While here, you can also learn more about the harbor’s geography and strategic importance in the Pacific theater.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibits, offering fresh perspectives to intrigue returning visitors. Often, these exhibits only last for a season or year before rotating out to another museum so that visitors can experience something new. Visitors can check the museum website before their visit to see current or upcoming exhibits.
Moreover, there are specific exhibits dedicated to specific groups, such as the WAC, WAVES, and WASPS Exhibit, which honor the women who served in World War II. This exhibit also highlights Cornelia Fort, a civilian pilot in the air during the Pearl Harbor attack and later became one of the first women to join the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron.
Another thing to know about the Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor is that it has several interactive exhibits. By getting hands-on with history, you can create a more personal connection to the events that occurred.
Ever wonder how hard it was for pilots to control and land their warplanes? The museum’s flight simulators allow you to try your hand at flying a WWII-era plane, teaching you how difficult it was to fly and maneuver during battle.
The museum also has a Restoration Shop (Shealy Restoration Shop) in Hanger 79, where volunteers work on restoring aircraft and other artifacts. Visitors can watch this process and even ask questions about it, gaining insight into how these pieces of history are preserved for future generations.
You can also view the library and archives if you schedule an appointment. The library houses countless books on aviation and military history, while the archives contain personal records of former service personnel. This resource serves as an invaluable tool to both historians and the general public.
One of the best ways to learn about and appreciate history is by creating an experience, and nothing beats a tour. As you walk through The Aviation Museum, you’ll view artifacts and read plaques detailing the stories of brave soldiers.
Visitors can connect with the people whose bravery and sacrifice shaped history through personal artifacts, letters, and stories. These include:
The Aviation Museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about these and other individuals who courageously contributed to aviation history and the defense of our nation.
There’s a lot to see and learn about during your visit to Pearl Harbor’s Aviation Museum, and you don’t want to risk missing anything. By booking with a tour group, you’ll have a guide show you around the museum and share the detailed stories of the many exhibits. You’ll also save time by not having to navigate the museum alone, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Some tour groups also offer transportation to guests from their hotel or lodging to the museum, making for a seamless and stress-free trip. If you do this and are not staying in Honolulu, verify the location of your tour’s pick-up location so you’ll know where to meet up.
Pearlharbortour.org offers complete Pearl Harbor tours of numerous attractions, including the Aviation Museum. We offer group and private tours to ensure every visitor has the perfect experience as they learn about this historic site. Book online to reserve your spot and learn more about what you can expect when visiting this must-see destination.