Discover Pearl Harbor: Top Movies, TV Series and Books Set There

Pearl Harbor, a lagoon harbor situated on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, holds a significant place in world history and popular culture. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, this tropical paradise has served as an enchanting backdrop for numerous famous films, TV shows, and literary masterpieces. This comprehensive guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Pearl Harbor, exploring its iconic filming locations, intriguing trivia, and hidden gems that have captured the imaginations of filmmakers and audiences alike. So, pack your bags and get ready to tread the paths of your favorite characters in the heart of Hawaii.

Famous Films Shot in Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is no stranger to the silver screen. The picturesque harbor and its surrounding areas have been featured in numerous films, each showcasing the island’s natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you’re a cinephile or a history enthusiast, exploring the filming locations of these famous films shot in Pearl Harbor is sure to be a fascinating experience. Here are some notable mentions:

1. Pearl Harbor (2001): Directed by Michael Bay, this film offers a dramatic depiction of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor during WWII. Key scenes were shot at the actual location, providing an authentic portrayal of the historic event.
2. From Here to Eternity (1953): This classic film, set in the days leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack, was shot in various locations in Oahu, including the harbor itself.
3. Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970): This Japanese-American film provides a comprehensive portrayal of the events leading to the Pearl Harbor attack. The film was shot on location, making it a must-see for history buffs.
4. In Harm’s Way (1965): This war film, set in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack, features several scenes shot in the harbor and its vicinity.
5. The Final Countdown (1980): This science fiction film, featuring a modern aircraft carrier traveling back in time to the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack, includes scenes shot in and around the harbor.

TV Shows Set in Pearl Harbor

While Pearl Harbor is a popular choice for filmmakers, it has also found its way into the small screen. Several TV shows have used the harbor and its surroundings as their setting, offering viewers a glimpse of Hawaii’s charm and history. Here are a few TV shows set in Pearl Harbor:

1. Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020): This action police procedural, set in Hawaii, occasionally features scenes shot in Pearl Harbor, highlighting the harbor’s strategic importance.
2. The Pacific (2010): This miniseries, focused on the Pacific Theater of WWII, includes scenes depicting the Pearl Harbor attack.
3. Magnum P.I. (2018-present): This reboot of the classic 1980s series often features beautiful shots of Pearl Harbor and the surrounding islands.

Animated Films Set In Pearl Harbor

While Pearl Harbor’s association with animated films might seem surprising, a few animated features have used the harbor as a setting, often to narrate historical events to younger audiences. Here are some animated films that have been set in Pearl Harbor:

1. Lilo & Stitch (2002): This Disney film, while not directly related to Pearl Harbor, is set in Hawaii and showcases the islands’ beautiful landscapes.
2. War Game 229 (2011): This Japanese animated film depicts the events leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack.
3. Beyond All Boundaries (2009): This short animated film, shown at the National WWII Museum, includes a segment on Pearl Harbor.

Famous Books Set in Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is not just a popular location for films and TV shows, but it also serves as a backdrop for numerous literary works. These famous books set in Pearl Harbor provide readers with a deeper understanding of the harbor’s history and significance. Here are three classic and three contemporary books that have Pearl Harbor as a central setting:

Classic Books

1. “From Here to Eternity” by James Jones: This classic novel, later adapted into a film, is set in Hawaii in the months leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack.
2. “At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor” by Gordon W. Prange: This non-fiction book provides a comprehensive account of the events leading to the Pearl Harbor attack.
3. “Day of Infamy” by Walter Lord: This book offers a detailed account of the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, based on interviews with survivors.

Contemporary Books

1. “Pearl Harbor: A Novel of December 8th” by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen: This alternate history novel imagines what could have happened if Admiral Yamamoto had directly led the attack on Pearl Harbor.
2. “The USS Arizona: The Ship, the Men, the Pearl Harbor Attack, and the Symbol That Aroused America” by Joy Waldron Jasper, James P. Delgado, and Jim Adams: This book provides an in-depth look at the USS Arizona, one of the ships destroyed during the Pearl Harbor attack.
3. “Countdown to Pearl Harbor: The Twelve Days to the Attack” by Steve Twomey: This book features the stories of various individuals involved in the events leading to the Pearl Harbor attack.

Exploring Pearl Harbor’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To delve into the cinematic history of Pearl Harbor, there are several filming locations that you must visit. These sites not only hold historical significance but also offer an immersive experience into the world of cinema. Here are some must-visit filming locations in Pearl Harbor:

1. USS Arizona Memorial: This memorial, located at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attack. It has been featured in numerous films and documentaries.
2. USS Missouri (BB-63): This historic battleship, now a museum ship, has served as a backdrop for several films, including the 2012 movie “Battleship”.
3. Ford Island: This islet in the center of Pearl Harbor has served as a location for several war films, including “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and “Pearl Harbor”.
4. Hickam Field: This Air Force base, which was attacked along with Pearl Harbor, has been featured in several films and TV shows.
5. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific: Though not directly related to the Pearl Harbor attack, this cemetery, where many WWII veterans are buried, has been used as a filming location in movies like “From Here to Eternity”.

Where to Sleep in Pearl Harbor

When it comes to accommodations, Pearl Harbor and the surrounding areas offer a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some recommendations for both budget and luxury accommodations:

Budget Accommodations:

1. Pearl Hotel Waikiki: This budget-friendly hotel, located a short drive from Pearl Harbor, offers comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.
2. Airport Honolulu Hotel: This affordable hotel, located close to the Honolulu International Airport, provides easy access to Pearl Harbor.
3. Best Western The Plaza Hotel: This budget hotel, situated near the airport, offers free shuttle service to Pearl Harbor.

Luxury Accommodations:

1. The Royal Hawaiian: This luxury resort, located in Waikiki, offers a lavish stay with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a short drive from Pearl Harbor.
2. Halekulani Hotel: This luxury hotel, situated on Waikiki Beach, offers a high-end lodging experience with several dining options and a spa.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Residences: Located in Waikiki, this luxury hotel offers residential-style accommodations with gourmet kitchens and balconies. It’s a short drive from Pearl Harbor.

Where to Eat in Pearl Harbor

From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to international flavors, Pearl Harbor offers a plethora of dining options. Here are some budget and luxury dining options in and around Pearl Harbor:

Budget Dining:

1. Restaurant 604: Located near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, this restaurant offers American and Hawaiian dishes at affordable prices.
2. Aiea Bowl: This bowling alley, located a short drive from Pearl Harbor, is known for its tasty and affordable local cuisine.
3. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue: This popular fast-food chain offers traditional Hawaiian barbecue dishes at budget prices.

Luxury Dining:

1. La Mer: Located in the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, this upscale restaurant offers French dishes with a tropical twist.
2. Azure: This luxury restaurant, located in The Royal Hawaiian, offers sea-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
3. Roy’s Hawaii: Founded by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with a menu inspired by the “melting pot” of Hawaii.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

To make the most of your film-themed trip to Pearl Harbor, here’s a suggested three-day itinerary:

Day 1: Pearl Harbor and Vicinity

Start your day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial. After lunch at Restaurant 604, visit the Pacific Aviation Museum and explore Ford Island. End your day with a dinner at Restaurant 604.

Day 2: Around Oahu

Start your day with a visit to the Dole Plantation, which has been featured in several films. After lunch, visit the Waimea Valley, another popular filming location. Then, head to the North Shore, known for its stunning beaches featured in many films and TV shows. End your day with a dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s, a popular restaurant on the North Shore.

Day 3: Honolulu

Start your day in downtown Honolulu, where you can visit the Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol, both of which have been featured in various films. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Waikiki, where you can explore the beach and visit the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. End your day with a luxury dining experience at La Mer in the Halekulani Hotel.

Local Legends and Curiosities

Pearl Harbor is not just a place of historical significance; it’s also a place of local legends and curiosities. One such legend is about the USS Arizona, a battleship that was sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack. It’s said that oil still leaks from the wreckage, known as the “tears of the Arizona,” in memory of the sailors who lost their lives. Another curiosity is the “Ghost of Hangar 79” at the Pacific Aviation Museum, where a mysterious oily handprint repeatedly appears on a window, despite numerous attempts to clean it.

Hidden Gems in Pearl Harbor

While Pearl Harbor is famous for its historical sites and filming locations, it also has several hidden gems that are worth exploring:

1. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: This lesser-known museum, located on Ford Island, is home to several vintage aircraft used in movies.
2. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park: This museum, dedicated to the USS Bowfin submarine, offers an insightful look into naval history.
3. Aiea Loop Trail: This hiking trail, located near Pearl Harbor, offers stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding areas.

What to Pack for a Trip to Pearl Harbor

When packing for your trip to Pearl Harbor, it’s important to consider the tropical climate and the activities you’ll be engaging in. Here’s what you should pack:

• Lightweight clothing for the warm weather
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
• Swimwear, if you plan to visit the beach
• A camera to capture the beautiful scenery and filming locations
• Travel documents, including ID and any necessary visas
• A map or guidebook to help navigate the area

Remember to pack light, as the weather in Pearl Harbor is usually warm year-round, and most accommodations offer laundry services.

Transportation Tips

Getting around Pearl Harbor and the surrounding areas is relatively easy, thanks to the availability of various transportation options:

• TheBus: Oahu’s public transportation system, TheBus, is a convenient and affordable option for getting around.
• Shuttle Services: Several attractions in Pearl Harbor, such as the Pacific Aviation Museum, offer shuttle services from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
• Car Rental: Renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other parts of Oahu.
• Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps: Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Pearl Harbor and throughout Oahu.
• Bicycle Rental: For shorter distances, consider renting a bicycle. Several rental shops are available in Honolulu and Waikiki.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to embark on your cinematic journey to Pearl Harbor. So, embrace your adventurous spirit, immerse yourself in the world of your favorite films, books, and TV shows, and create unforgettable memories in this historic Hawaiian paradise.