Look back at the War in the Pacific among the airfields of Pearl Harbor as you get to know the aircraft that ruled the skies. A knowledgeable docent leads you through a pair of historic hangars for a look back at the planes, pilots, and feats of aviation that defined the wartime era.

Your tour begins with a short film that describes the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. From there, you follow a corridor lined with sounds and photos depicting island life before the war to reach the main exhibit area, with 25,000 square feet (2,300 sq m) devoted to the history of aviation throughout the Pacific theater.

The first exhibit you see depicts a preserved Japanese Zero on the deck of the aircraft carrier Hiryu, with an American P-40 standing not far away. You can see a B-25B Mitchell bomber like those used in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, an SBD Dauntless dive bomber that retells the Battle of Midway, and an F4F Wildcat as part of the “Cactus Air Force” at Guadalcanal.

You're then led to Hangar 79, where the doors' blue glass windows still have bullet holes left by attacking Japanese planes. The exhibits inside run beyond World War II, from the Korean War-era F-86 Sabre and MiG-15 to the venerable F-15 Eagle. Finish at the Lt. Ted Shealy Restoration Shop, where the museum's aircraft are refurbished to look as if they just came from the assembly line, before you part ways with your guide to explore on your own.