This post ” 5 Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids ” is in collaboration with Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations on behalf of the Oahu Visitors Center and Pacific Historic Parks. All opinions expressed are my own. 
5 Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids
If I may be serious for just a moment, I’d like to tell you about our visit to Pearl Harbor while we were in Oahu. You might think that visiting Pearl Harbor with kids isn’t the most kid-friendly activity, however, I’d like to urge you to do so if you have the chance. I know Reese appreciated getting to take a glimpse back into the history of what happened there.
Pearl Harbor is a lagoon on Oahu, and most of this area in the harbor and surrounding area is a deep-water naval base for our US Navy and the headquarters for the US Pacific Fleet. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it was what prompted our country to jump into WWII. History isn’t always exciting to kids though, so knowing these 5 tips for visiting Pearl Harbor with kids will help make the experience as amazing as possible for the whole family. Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids
Tie in Fun with History: American Girl's Nanea Mitchell
Reese was interested in visiting Pearl Harbor because of her Nanea Mitchell American Girl doll. The story behind this doll is that she was a small girl during the time of Pearl Harbor and her heart is full of love and help for those in peace as well as in wartime. Reese loved the idea of “kokua” which means to do good deeds for those in times of war or peace. Her aloha spirit was something Reese really embraced so once we got to Pearl Harbor, she was incredibly intrigued to learn more about the time period that her doll was born for, making this experience incredibly enriching for her as well. Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids
I have one last bonus tip if you are able to do it – go during Veteran’s Day. As luck would have it, we were able to visit Pearl Harbor on Veteran’s Day and it made the experience even more touching and memorable. We were able to listen to first-hand accounts from these brave veterans who were there that day. It was nothing short of amazing. I’ve been told from time to time, you’ll find veterans visiting on other days of the year, but if you truly want to hear about Pearl Harbor from a veteran’s perspective, you should go on Veteran’s Day. As these brave men are growing older and older, now is the time to visit before there are none left to tell us about it. Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids
Use see-through bags or wear cargo pants
You’re not allowed to bring bags to Pearl Harbor unless they are see-through. So if you’ve got littles along, you don’t have to leave their diapers behind. You can’t take your purse though so consider wearing something with lots of pockets, like cargo pants or using a clear bag. However, all bets are off when it comes to the Arizona Memorial program. It doesn’t permit food or drinks. There is a storage area though so you can safely put your belongings in there if you need to. The lines are long so do what you can to avoid it or your kids may complain. Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids
Choose a tour
Why is it that kids always behave on a tour? The tour is so much more fun than randomly wandering around without knowing what you’re getting into. Tours also maximize your time and prevent boredom by keeping things moving.
Don’t miss the Bowfin Museum and Park
When visiting Pearl Harbor with kids, this area gives a hands-on experience that kids will love. As long as your child is at least 4 years old, they can hop onboard the submarine. Younger kids can’t but the museum and mini-theater still offer up plenty of kid-friendly entertainment.h
Take a bathroom break before the tour
When heading to the Arizona Memorial program, we were urged to stop at the bathrooms first. We did, but we felt sorry for families with kids that didn’t. The Rangers provide an introduction before entering the theater and remind you to go to the bathroom first, but if you don’t go before those Rangers speak, you’ll lose your place in the line. As a result, we got a better spot. Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids
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