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Pacific Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
The first phase of the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor
opened to the public on December 7, 2006. The museum is located in Hanger 37,
near Ford Island's distinctive red and white striped submarine tower
and low-rise air traffic control tower.
Copyright ©
Kathleen Walling Fry
Opening Day: December 7, 2006
The first section of the museum will be open to the public on December
7, 2006, the 65th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. The public
is invited to the
Grand Opening Ceremony
The museum is located inside 42,442 foot Hanger 37, and it
tells the story of military aviation in
the Pacific region during World War II.
Museum Highlights
The Pacific Aviation Museum has acquired a significant collection of
original, historic aircraft. Highlights include:
JAPANESE ZERO FIGHTER
The Zero took part in every major action involving
the Japanese Navy. It won a series of victories against all types of land
and carrier-based Allied aircraft during the first six months after the
attack on Pearl Harbor.
NAVY WILDCAT FIGHTER
The Wildcat was the frontline Navy fighter at the
start of World War II. Its 332 MPH top speed, 35,000 ft. ceiling and 2,500
fpm climb rate helped it to hold the line against the Japanese Zeros and Ki-43 Oscars.
ARMY AIR CORPS B-25 MITCHELL BOMBER
This American twin-engine medium
bomber was used with devastating effect against German and Japanese targets
in every combat of World War II. The aircraft was named the "Mitchell"
in honor of General Billy Mitchell and gained fame as the bomber used in
the 1942 Doolittle Raid.
1942 STEARMAN BIPLANE
This historic airplane is the actual plane
that former U.S. President George H.W. Bush learned to fly in and
took his first solo flight in. At the time he was only 18 years old,
making him one of the youngest American Aviators in World War II.
AERONCA 65TC
This was the first American plane engaged in combat
during World War II. As the pilot and his teenage son were en route
back from Molokai to Honolulu in this pilot trainer Aeronca operated
by Gambo Flying Service, they encountered the first wave of 150
Japanese Zero fighters headed to attack Pearl Harbor. Two Zeros
circled back and attacked this civilian general aviation plane
causing damage to the aircraft.
BATTLE OF NIIHAU DISPLAY
This display tells the story of the Niihau
residents who captured Japanese Pilot Shigenori Nishikaichi upon his
crash landing on the island after attacking Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay and
Bellows Army Air Field on December 7, 1941.
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Documentary Film, Dioramas, and a Flight Simulator
As visitors enter the Museum they watch a short documentary
on military aviation in the Pacific. In addition to displaying
historic aircraft, the museum features historic dioramas and
offers opportunities for visitors to experience
an exciting hands-on flight simulator.
The experience will enable participants to "fly"
an American or Japanese plane and communicate via radio with other
flyers while surrounded by a panoramic view of the sky from a
pilot's point of view.
Restaurant and Gift Shop
The Museum also has an aviator-style restaurant and a
gift shop where visitors can purchase gift items including
shirts, hats and books.
Tickets
Tickets are available at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum or the
Museum’s ticket office. General admission is $14 for adults, $7 for children;
admission for Hawaii residents and military is $10 for adults and
$5 for children; and all active duty military in uniform will receive
free admission. For more information call 808-690-0169.
Museum Expansion Plans
Future phases of the Pacific Aviation Museum will be built inside
Hangers 79 54, and those new sections will feature exhibits from the
Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Attractions Near the Museum
The museum is located near three other famous Pearl Harbor historic sites:
The
USS Arizona Memorial, the
USS Bowfin Submarine, and the
USS Missouri Battleship. The USS Arizona Memorial and the Bowfin Submarine
have significant museums of their own, and tours are available of all
three attractions.
Pacific Aviation Museum
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:
90 Nakolo Place, Suite 1
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 96819
Phone: 808-836-7747
Fax: 808-836-1058
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Ford Island, Pearl Harbor,
Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii
Web Site:
PacificAviationMuseum.com
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See also:
Planing a Day in Pearl Harbor
Arizona Memorial and Museum
Bowfin Submarine and Museum
Missouri Battleship Tour
Ford Island
Aerial Photos of Pearl Harbor
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Related Links
Oahu Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
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