Ford Island

Ford Island is a 441-acre island in the middle of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, with a prominent role in U.S. naval history. It is centrally associated with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and with subsequent naval and aviation developments.

The island contains preserved and interpreted wartime aviation facilities, museum hangars and memorial sites that attract visitors interested in World War II history. The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, located on Ford Island, presents aircraft collections, restored hangars and exhibits about naval aviation and the 1941 attack.

Originally developed for military aviation and naval support in the early 20th century, Ford Island became a major naval air station and featured runways and hangars that were active during World War II. The island’s role in the attack on Pearl Harbor made it a key focus of postwar commemoration and preservation.

Ford Island lies in central Pearl Harbor on Oahu, within the harbor basin that opens to the Pacific, and is part of the City and County of Honolulu.

• Size and location: Covers about 441 acres and is located at the geographic center of Pearl Harbor, Oahu, with multiple historic sites related to the 1941 attack visible nearby.
• Historic aviation sites: Contains wartime airfield structures and museum facilities that interpret naval aviation history and the events of 7 December 1941.

What to See #

• Pacific Aviation Museum: Home to the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, which occupies restored hangars and buildings on the island and displays aircraft and exhibits relating to naval aviation and the 1941 attack.