Top of the Tower Tour

“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 relive the events of December 7, 1941, from the very place they unfolded. 

Our Top of the Tower Tour offers an unforgettable journey through time. Guests ascend 168-feet in a restored 1940s elevator to the observation deck, where panoramic views of the entire Pearl Harbor battlefield await. At this one-of-a-kind vantage point, expert docents guide guests through vivid accounts of the attack allowing them to gain deeper insight into the resilience of WWII heroes. Guests are welcome to step onto the outdoor observation deck to engage with newly added interpretive plaques and viewfinders that bring the landscape to life.  

Through this tour, we connect guests to America’s past in a deeply personal way, with a view unlike any other on Pearl Harbor, where history isn’t just seen, but truly felt.