Pearl Harbor Anniversary 2026 (December 7): Events, Ceremonies, Tickets
December 7, 2026: Pearl Harbor Day
December 7 is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 — the event that brought the United States into World War II. On December 7, 1941, Japanese naval aircraft launched from carriers north of Oahu attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans, wounding 1,178 more, and destroying or damaging 21 ships and 328 aircraft. The attack lasted less than two hours. The following day, Congress declared war on Japan.
In 2026, the 85th anniversary of the attack will be observed on Monday, December 7. The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy jointly organize the official ceremonies, which are open to the public (some require advance registration).
Official Ceremonies
- Joint Ceremony: The main event is a joint ceremony hosted by the National Park Service and U.S. Navy at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. It includes a color guard, keynote speakers, a moment of silence at 7:55am (the minute the attack began), and a wreath-laying at the USS Arizona Memorial.
- USS Arizona Memorial Wreath Ceremony: Wreaths are placed on the water over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, which still holds the remains of 1,102 crew members. Accessible only by Navy shuttle boat — tickets required.
- USS Missouri Deck Ceremony: The battleship on which Japan's formal surrender was signed in 1945 hosts its own Pearl Harbor Day observance — bookending the war in a single location.
Attending: Tickets and Access
- USS Arizona Memorial boat tickets: Reserve as far in advance as possible at recreation.gov. December 7 tickets are the most competitive of the year — book months ahead.
- Ceremony seating: The main joint ceremony has limited seating; registration information is released by the National Park Service in September-October. Check nps.gov/valr for 2026 details.
- General visitor access: The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites visitor center is open to all; parking fills by 7am on December 7. Use TheBus (Route 20) or arrive before 6:30am.
What to See at Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona Memorial: Accessible only by boat; the memorial spans the sunken hull; oil still seeps from the wreck 80+ years later
- USS Missouri Battleship: Walk the teak deck; stand on the spot where the surrender documents were signed on September 2, 1945
- USS Bowfin Submarine: Tour a WWII-era submarine that sank 44 enemy ships
- Pacific Aviation Museum: Hangars still bearing bullet holes from December 7; authentic WWII aircraft including a Zero
Honoring the Fallen
The 2,403 Americans killed on December 7, 1941 represented every state in the union. Most were young men — the average age of those killed at Pearl Harbor was under 25. The Wall of Honor at the visitor center lists all 2,403 names. Spend time there.
For the dwindling number of Pearl Harbor survivors still living, December 7 is the most personal of all possible anniversaries. Treat it with the gravity it deserves.
**December 7, 2026** marks the **85th anniversary** of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that drew the United States into World War II. 2,403 Americans died. The event is commemorated every year with a federal observance at Pearl Harbor, sunrise ceremonies, and public events across Oʻahu.Looking for things to do in Hawaii? Browse upcoming events →
Related Reading
Stay in the loop
Get the Friday Hawaii events email
Free. One email a week with what's happening across the islands. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.