Look at more than 30 original aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force over the past century at the Pacific Aviation Museum. Sit in the cockpit of a warplane in the museum’s flight simulator and see what it’s like to fly. Hear the stories of the soldiers that piloted the machines and visit the control tower and other sites attacked during World War II raids to see the scars of war up close.
The Pacific Aviation Museum is on Ford Island, the main target during the Pearl Harbour attacks. Today the hangers that once housed the American warplanes have been converted into permanent exhibition spaces within the 6.5-hectare (16-acre) museum grounds.
Start your day at Hangar 37 where a short film will introduce you to the events of the Pearl Harbour attacks. Continue through to the main exhibition space to see a legitimate Japanese Zero plane on display. An exhibit on the deck of the aircraft carrier shines a light on the story of a Japanese pilot who crashed and survived on the island.
Admire the engineering feats of the American World War II fleet on display in the hangar. See the impressive F4F Wildcat alongside an SBD Dauntless dive-bomber. In Hangar 79 there are more planes, including the huge B-17 Bomber that was pulled from swampland in New Guinea. See vehicles from the Vietnam War and some planes that are brought through the hangar for restoration.
Stop by the museum café to refuel your energy with a selection of drinks and light snacks.
The Pacific Aviation Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. An admission fee applies. Take a guided tour or ride the flight simulator for an extra fee. Catch the shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbour Visitor Centre on mainland O’ahu to reach the museum. There is free parking near the visitor centre.
