Understanding History in Hawaii

Pearl Harbor is a sobering place. I wasn't sure how much the kids would understand, but we did the best we could to explain what happened here while keeping them away from some exhibits and areas that may be too troubling for them. Before the boat ride out to the USS Arizona, there is a video that everyone sits thru. That was probably a little more than they needed to see, but they managed to process it ok. When the movie ends, the room of a couple hundred people stays absolutely silent. The shock and pain of the events that occured here is something you never will forget.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor with 353 planes and 65 ships. One hour and fifteen minutes later, 2,403 US military and civilian people had been killed, another 1,178 were injured.  The US also had 328 planes and 19 ships damaged or destroyed. Amazingly a number of battleships were raised, repaired and returned to service.

While going thru the exhibits, we found a model of the USS Arizona and the memorial that sits on top of it. It was helpful to see exactly what it looked like before the boat took us over to it.

Arriving at the memorial.

On this marble wall are the names of the 1,177 sailors who died on the USS Arizona during the attack on December 7, 1941. The sailors remain entombed in the ship below. Journey asked me to read all the names off to her. It's striking just how many people lost their lives in this attack. 

Part of the ship that is still visible above water. 

Asher noticed the oil that continues to leak from the ship. 

Another day we visited the Tropic Lightning Museum at Schofield Barracks, a collection of items from the 25th Infantry Division. Aside from the interesting military items, they had a nice display showing the topography of the island which I found very interesting. This explains why it takes a long time to get around the island. There seems to be only one main highway that cuts across the main ridge, so you mostly have to stay along the shore and drive the perimeter. 

Our friend, Gio, was stationed here at Schofield years ago. We heard his helmet was on display showing the damage sustained during an IED attack in 2004. Unfortunately it's part of a rotating display and was not available that day, however we found a memorial for his friend, PFC John Amos, who lost his life during that same attack. 

Here is a HUMVEE window that shattered, but held up after an IED attack. 

Another day we spent time exploring the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. The campus holds seven different buildings to check out including a planetarium, science center and historical items from Hawaii's past. 

Tools and weapons made with shark teeth.

There are so many cool things to check out here it was a bit overwhelming at first.

The kids sat for a video on the volcanos that formed the islands. 

This is a traditional Hale Moe, or sleeping house. An original that was reconstructed when moved to the museum in 1902 and restored in 2008.

An octopus lure with bone hook!

Tons of different shells to view and identify.

We spent most of our time at the science center. 

The huge volcano draws you inside for a variety of exhibits.

On the third floor you can see into the top of the volcano and watch it "erupt"!

This 3D black light forest feels like you're in another world.  

Turning the handle makes this wax volcano erupt.

Costumes and a set to play pretend. The kids put on a show for us.