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Top 5 Military Museums in Hawaii, United States
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1. US Army Museum of Hawaii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,092 reviews
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is open Tues - Sat from 10 AM - 5 PM. The Museum is FREE to all with exhibits located on the first and second floor of the facility. English and Japanese audio tours are available to visitors for a nominal fee ($5). Parking is available directly across the street from the museum in the Saratoga parking lot. Validation is available at the welcome desk. Constructed from 1909-11, the Coast Artillery Battery (known as Battery Randolph) protected Oahu with its two 14-inch disappearing guns. In the early 70’s, attempts were made to tear down Battery Randolph to make way for the Hale Koa Hotel, however, those attempts proved to be unsuccessful. In 1976, the structure was repurposed into a museum focusing on depicting early Hawaiian warfare and the military’s presence in the Pacific highlighting every major military encounter throughout the 20th Century.
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
Let's face it - one doesn't expect to find a military museum at one of the most famous beach destinations in the world, yet that's exactly what you'll find here at Waikiki. However, once you visit the museum, its location makes a lot of sense. Although it isn't obvious, the museum is actually on an active U.S. Army base. Fort DeRussy is mostly green space with no perimeter fences to keep people out, indeed it is mostly open to the public to enjoy, so it is pretty well camouflaged in plain sight. The museum itself is housed in what was originally Battery Randolph, a coast artillery installation completed in 1911. It is a massive reinforced concrete structure that originally housed two 14-inch guns designed to defend Honolulu from battleships. Following the rise of bombers over battleships during World War II, coast defense forts like Randolph were shutdown, their guns removed and the concrete bastions mostly demolished. The adjacent Battery Dudley here on Waikiki Beach was successfully removed in 1969, but Battery Randolph proved impervious to the wrecking ball and blasting would have been too dangerous for the surrounding city already rising up around it, so it was converted into this museum instead. The museum consists of two floors of exhibits inside the old fortress along with displays of tanks, artillery, and even a helicopter gunship outside on the roof of the battery and the adjacent grounds by the museum entrance. The galleries on the first floor provide a generally chronological history of Hawaiian defense starting with the feudal society of native Hawaiians that Captain Cook found when he first visited the 1780s through the military campaigns of Kamehameha that ultimately unified the islands in the early 19th century. The growing trade and military influence of the United States in Hawaii during the 19th and into the 20th century is also covered. Of course, being in an intact coast defense fort, the history and operation of Army's coast artillery branch in general and specifically the construction and operation of this and other coast defense installations in Hawaii are covered in great detail, although other specialties within the Army (cavalry, field artillery, aviation, etc.) are not left out. Naturally, the rise of Japanese militarism culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II is another key topic. Coverage then extends through later Pacific wars in Korea and Vietnam. Throughout, much coverage is also given to the contributions of Hawaiians, particularly its Japanese Americans, in American military history. This is particularly true as the exhibits move to the second floor and the Gallery of Heroes which covers the Hawaiian recipients of the Medal of Honor and Army Distinguished Service Cross. Also on the second floor is a separate gallery devoted to the Army Corps of Engineers and their work not only in Hawaii but around the country in general. The exhibits are quite well done, combining artifacts, models, photos, ephemera, and even interactive displays to tell the story. Audio tours are also available. Admission is free (although donations are gratefully accepted), and they even validate parking. Once you get finished looking at the exhibits, you can stop by their gift shop for souvenirs, history books, etc. We spent the better part of two hours here and had a great time.
2. Naval Air Museum Barbers Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Naval Air Museum Barbers Point was founded in January 1999 and is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are not federally funded. The museum is staffed by volunteers and is solely supported by private donations, tours and school groups to continue operations. Your donations go directly to the upkeep and preservation of our historical collection. This includes paint, materials, tires, etc. Naval Air Museum Barbers Point is located on the west side of the island of Oahu, tucked away at the Kalaeloa Airport. Since 1999, we have been welcoming school groups, tourists, and local enthusiasts each month to experience this slice of Naval aviation history in Hawaii. Our museum is unique because it is hands-on. Most aircraft are open to get inside to see and learn about the mission of the crew, creating an unparalleled experience.
Reviewed By nitsirtd
Amazing artifacts. Highly recommend getting the audio machine that comes with the ticket when asked. Also make sure you bring your own plug in type headphones for it or you’ll be holding it to your ear. One of many amazing museums in Pearl Harbor!
3. Aloha Pearl Harbor Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Come immerse yourself in history and learn about “the day that will live in infamy” as you enjoy one of the country’s historical treasures... Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. You will enjoy panoramic views of Pearl Harbor, the Ko’olau Mountains, and the US Navy Pacific Fleet as you walk through interesting museums, speak to veterans that are among the handful of remaining survivors, and watch the Pearl Harbor Documentary exclusive to the Memorial. Then, prepare to board a US Navy ferry boat to enjoy a cruise around Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. There, you'll see the wall of names, the black tears of the Arizona, and the ghostly ship lurking in the depths below the platform. After Pearl Harbor, your amazing guides will take you to see the Punchbowl National Cemetery and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great before heading back to Waikiki. Aloha Pearl Harbor only uses premium limo style buses with ac.
Reviewed By ampresti - Fort Mitchell, United States
Fantastic tour! Bought on Groupon which was incredible value!! “Cousin Nate” was an awesome driver/tour guide, and mmmm... the malasadas!! :)
