If you’re short on time or want the best-value upgrade on Ford Island, this is the must do Tower experience. Take in the sweeping views of Pearl Harbor and key Oahu landmarks while a roaming docent shares brief, powerful short stories that bring the scene to life.

“AIR RAID, ON PEARL HARBOR! THIS IS NO DRILL.”

These chilling words, broadcast from Ford Island as the air raid on Pearl Harbor began, echoed across the harbor and into history, marking the beginning of a day that would change the world forever.

The opening of the Ford Island Control Tower to the public in 2022 marked a powerful new chapter in sharing Pearl Harbor’s story. After a decade-long restoration, this historic landmark now invites visitors to see the full story of Pearl Harbor. The tower is the key to understanding the attack from the air; it’s the perspective that completes that story.

Guests ascend 168-feet in a restored 1940s elevator to the observation deck, where panoramic views of the entire Pearl Harbor battlefield await. Guests are welcome to step onto the outdoor observation deck to engage with newly added interpretive plaques and viewfinders that bring the battlefield to life.