HONOLULU — A partnership between the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites’ Pearl Harbor Explorer Program and Southwest Airlines will fly 400 students for free from the neighbor islands to Oahu for an overnight Pearl Harbor excursion.

What You Need To Know

  • Southwest Airlines has donated e-passes enabling 400 students in grades 4 through 12 to visit the four Pearl Harbor historic sites over two days, along with an overnight stay aboard the Battleship Missouri

  • Through the Pearl Harbor Explorer Program, students will gain an understanding of World War II on land, sea and air

  • Educators can apply for the Pearl Harbor Explorer Program by submitting an application

Southwest Airlines has donated e-passes enabling 400 students in grades 4 through 12 to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial/USS Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum over two days with an overnight stay aboard the Battleship Missouri.

Through the Pearl Harbor Explorer Program, students will gain an understanding of World War II on land, sea and air by visiting the historic sites.

“At the heart of what we do is helping to make important moments and create new memories with people and places that matter most to those journeying with us,” said Kelly Knox, Southwest Airlines’ leader of community outreach across Hawaii, in a release. “Pearl Harbor welcomes millions of visitors each year and we’re honored to play a role in making it attainable for keiki across the neighbor islands to experience first-hand the historic icons and history of Hawaii.”

Educators can apply for the Pearl Harbor Explorer Program by submitting an application that describes their interest in the learning program, the expected impact to students, specific financial and travel requirements, and their plan to ensure a safe travel experience for their students.

The applicant may request transportation to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, museum admission fees, education program fees, and meals and overnight accommodations, but because program funds are limited, not all requests may be awarded, according to the release. Schools will be contacted to review the submitted applications.

Teachers and school administrators can apply for the program by contacting:

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.