Pearl Harbor is remembered as one of the most tragic military events in US history, when over 2,400 Americans lost their lives during a surprise Japanese attack on the US Pacific Fleet. Today, you can learn about Pearl Harbor by exploring memorials and museums, but many relics remain submerged. This begs the question – what is underwater at Pearl Harbor?
At Pearl Harbor Tours Oahu, we take great pride in showing visitors to the Aloha State around the historic site that is Pearl Harbor. We organize and operate award-winning tours that take you on a journey through history and leave a lasting impression. Below, we take a look at some of the most fascinating underwater relics at Pearl Harbor. If you want to know more, book a tour.
Five Things You Can Discover Underwater at Pearl Harbor
There’s plenty to see on dry land if you want to learn about the events of Pearl Harbor. However, many stories remain hidden beneath the surface of the water. Here are some of the most interesting relics underwater at Pearl Harbor:
USS Arizona
Arguably the most famous underwater relic at Pearl Harbor is the USS Arizona, which sank during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Today, the wreckage serves as a war grave for over 1,100 individuals who lost their lives that day. The ship is still visible beneath the surface, and you can pay your respects to the tragic events and the fallen heroes at the USS Arizona Memorial built above it.
USS Utah
Another sunken battleship, the USS Utah, remains underwater at Pearl Harbor. Like the Arizona, the USS Utah was hit during the attack and capsized, trapping many of the crew inside. At least 64 men lost their lives aboard the ship. The ship lies on its side, and a small memorial on Ford Island commemorates the men who perished with it.
Aircraft Wreckage
The harbor floor contains remnants of aircraft that were destroyed during the attack. These pieces of history offer a glimpse into the intense battle that took place and are sometimes explored by divers.
Munitions and Artifacts
Scattered across the harbor’s surface beneath the water are various munitions, personal items, and equipment from the ships and planes involved in the attack. New artifacts are still being discovered and studied by historians and archaeologists.
Oil Slicks (Black Tears)
The USS Arizona continues to leak small amounts of oil, known as “black tears,” from its submerged hull. This oil has been seeping since the ship sank and serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy of the attack.
Learn More about What’s Underwater at Pearl Harbor
Some of the most intriguing underwater relics at Pearl Harbor include sunken ships, slow leaking oil spills, war artifacts, wreckages, and much more. Do you want to learn about how the events of the day unfolded while exploring the famous memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor? Book one of our guided tours, and we’ll be delighted to show you around. If you want to know more about what our tours involve, don’t hesitate to contact us.