Hear the untold stories of experienced pilots and aviation crew members on a 60-minute guided tour of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island, Hawaii. Step back in time with guides who shed light on key moments throughout 70 years of Pacific aviation history. Explore the Lt Ted Shealy Restoration Shop, occupying a former WWII hangar still riddled with bullets from the December 7, see footage of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and enjoy general admission to the rest of the museum.
Posted By : U1426MYmichaelj
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) has a pair of aces up its sleeve:
1) A clear, intense narrative: Although there are plenty of more modern aircraft, at its core PHAM tells the history of the Asia-Pacific War, which makes so much sense because aircraft were key to this war, whether reconnaissance, transport, or attack. The Flying Tigers in China, the devastating first wave of Japanese "Kates" on 7 Dec, Doolittle's Mitchells, the cascade of SPD Dauntlesses plummeting at 250 knots toward Japanese carriers at Midway; it's a blood-pumping story, and although the scale of battle can be hard to imagine, the planes put the human element in perspective.
2) Private tours: Generally, we haven't booked private tours at museums (it can be pricey, especially for a family)--but at $10 apiece you'd be missing out to pass on this. Like the difference between a display of musical instruments versus a front-row concert seat, our guide completely brought the museum alive for us. We had three generations present, ages 9 to 76, and Steve was so engaging he had all of us asking questions or opening our eyes wide at the details he shared, both in the main gallery and in the restoration space. As soon as he finished we all knew we'd experienced something special. Absolutely a highlight of our time in Oahu.
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Posted On : 2024-02-05 13:25:54 
Posted By : alejamor28
What a beautiful museum. Not only did we get to see history but some of the coolest airplanes in American/ Japanese history. The volunteers walking around are the best. They tell you some cool and interesting facts of pearl harbor attacks and each airplane. If you love history and planes this is your heaven. Their is also a restaurant inside and it was really good! Try the chili cheese fries!
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Posted On : 2021-03-30 10:29:30
Posted By : Loren N
A terrific tour through history. Pearl harbor, aviation, and the part planes have had on our history. We took the tour with a docent and lucked out it was a very small group. It was absolutely extraordinary and filled with information. Highly recommended. They have a new interactive building that is great for kids, and adults!
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Posted On : 2020-03-21 13:37:20
Posted By : Henry R
We took in the aviation museum as part of our all day passport at Pearl Harbor. At the main entrance to Pearl Harbor they have free shuttle buses that take you over to Ford Island to see thee Mightu Mo (USS Missouri) & the Air Museum. I highly recommend to see the planes & learn about the history of Ford Island & the significance that many of the planes displayed played in WW II. Planes on site to name a few are; Hellcats, P-40 Warhawk, Dauntless five bomber, B-25 Mitchell (Doolittle Raider), etc. While at the museum don’t forget to try one of the cool flight simulators, however they are a bit of an added cost at $10 for 15 mins of flight time. Very cool & well worth the try.
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Posted On : 2020-01-31 10:09:36
Posted By : warmsandsmt
I think a visit to Pearl Harbor isn’t complete unless one visits Ford Island. The Arizona Memorial is a must... but don’t leave without going to the Aviation museum on Ford Island. One can do the Aviation museum without a guided tour but if you have the time I’d suggest paying the extra $10 for a guided tour. My guide, Laughlin Tanaka, was exceptional. He gave a narrative on each plane that brought them to life. Additionally, he weaved in WWII & Pearl Harbor stories with the skills of a stage actor. I was fulling entertained for the 1+ tour.
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Posted On : 2019-11-04 10:06:17
Posted By : Gmanusm
This was part of our bigger tour and I must say it was very informative. The most recent addition to the museum is the training plane used by President George Herbert Walker Bush. It’s a wonderful place to see and experience the history of aviation.
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Posted On : 2019-10-31 12:39:13
Posted By : SUSAN H
We did the aviation museum as part of our " ROBERTS " tour, while visiting pearl harbour.
The aviation museum was a short bus ride away from the main harbour where the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin were docked.
The bus got searched when we went over the bridge by there security.
The aviation museun was a great find with different types of aircraft in the original ww1 hanger that has the WW1 Bullet holes still in the glass on the sides of the old building.
Airoplane were from all over the world.
Plenty to see in this hanger there is also a cafe in another hanger.
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Posted On : 2019-08-17 13:28:35
Posted By : abollwerk
Purchase your tickets at the museum if you want to get a Military discount. Purchasing your tickets on line will not get you the discount which is about 60% of the regular price especially when you purchase on Groupon. Need to spend at least a couple of hours there to see all. Be sure you go over to Hanger #79 still standing from the Pearl Harbor attack. You will see the aircraft bullet holes in the hanger doors windows pains. Hanger # 79 has vintage aircraft from the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's. I saw fighter aircraft that I worked on while I was in the Air Force during the Viet Nam War during 1969 to 1973.
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Posted On : 2019-07-03 20:41:31
Posted By : Reigo
First time here. This was one of our stops on our father son trip. My father, a percent disabled Vietnam War vet wanted to see all the attractions on Pearl harbor. We got to Hangar 37 and loved the exhibit. But then once we went outside and around the building to walk to the next hangar, we realized it was about a quarter mile, in really hot direct sun, on the concrete runway. We asked the staff if he could get a ride in one of the many electric carts, and the reply was, if you cant make the walk, turn around and leave! RUDE!!! We made the journey, and the second hangar is the best one. Just not an elderly friendly place to visit.
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Posted On : 2019-06-15 11:38:17
Posted By : shawnpolyfoam
Great place to spend some time if you enjoy history. They give you information you won't learn in your history books in school. ou get a better understanding about what it was really like in the Pacific Theater.
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Posted On : 2019-05-14 13:25:05
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