Pearl Harbor is a natural harbor located on the island of Oahu in the central Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii, and is known for its strategic importance as a deep-water naval base. The harbor covers an area of around 19 kilometers (12 miles) and has a narrow entrance, known as the Pearl Harbor Entrance Channel, that leads to a protected body of water. Pearl Harbor is surrounded by the Waianae mountain range to the west, the Koolau mountain range to the east, and the island of Ford Island in the center of the harbor.
Pearl Harbor has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, making it a valuable location for military operations. The harbor's strategic location made it a target of the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, which resulted in the United States' entry into World War II. Today, Pearl Harbor remains an important naval base for the United States Navy and is also home to the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial, significant landmarks that commemorate the sacrifices made during World War II.
