Nestled in the tranquil waters of Pearl Harbor, just a short distance from the vibrant city of Honolulu, the USS Arizona Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in history. It marks the resting place of 1,177 sailors who lost their lives during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, an event that thrust the United States into World War II.
Today, this site is not only a national monument but a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world, offering a powerful blend of history, heroism, and healing.
Planning Your Visit to USS Arizona Memorial
Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a unique and moving experience, deeply enriching your understanding of American history while providing a serene space for reflection against the backdrop of Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty.
When to Go
The best times to visit are during the off-peak seasons to avoid the biggest crowds, which typically gather from June through August and around the winter holidays. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day when it’s closed.
To ensure a more intimate experience, consider visiting during the less busy times of the year, outside of the major U.S. holidays and the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, which is notably the busiest day of the year at the site.
Tickets & Tours
Admission to the Memorial is free, but tickets are required and should be reserved in advance due to high demand. You can book your tickets up to two months in advance online, with a nominal convenience fee for guaranteed entry. There are also options for first-come, first-served tickets for early arrivers.
The standard program includes a 23-minute documentary film about the attack on Pearl Harbor and a boat ride to the memorial. Tours vary in duration and detail, offering options for exploring the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the USS Missouri Battleship, among others, with prices ranging for different experiences?
Getting There
The USS Arizona Memorial is located at Pearl Harbor, a short distance from Honolulu. For visitors staying in Waikiki or other parts of Oahu, public transportation options are available, including bus services that can take you directly to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
If you’re driving, parking at the Visitor Center is free, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially on busy days, so it’s advisable to arrive early. Many tours offer round-trip transportation from Waikiki and other designated pickup points, providing a hassle-free way to get to the memorial?
What to Expect
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Before embarking on the boat to the memorial, visitors can explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, which offers a rich array of facilities, exhibits, and resources. The Visitor Center serves as an orientation point where guests can plan their day at Pearl Harbor. It houses two main exhibit galleries, “Road to War” and “Attack,” which provide immersive insights into the events leading up to and following the Pearl Harbor attack through personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs, and artifacts.
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, located opposite these galleries, presents a 23-minute documentary film on the attack, offering a poignant backdrop to the day’s visit. Additionally, the Visitor Center features interpretive wayside exhibits along the waterfront and the Remembrance Circle, which pays tribute to the victims of the attack. The bookstore on-site offers a wide range of materials related to the Pacific War effort.
The Boat Ride to the Memorial
The journey to the USS Arizona Memorial begins with a Navy-operated shuttle boat ride from the Visitor Center. This brief but significant trip across the harbor to the memorial is part of the 45-minute USS Arizona Memorial program and sets the stage for the reflective experience ahead.
The Memorial Experience
Upon arriving at the USS Arizona Memorial, visitors will find a solemn space dedicated to honoring the memory of the sailors and Marines killed during the attack. Key features of the memorial include the Wall of Names, listing the names of those who lost their lives, and the view of the “Tears of the Arizona,” where oil still seeps from the sunken battleship below. This experience provides a powerful moment of reflection on the cost of war and the importance of peace?
Additional Sites at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is not just home to the USS Arizona Memorial. It also hosts several other historical attractions that are significant in their own right. Each offers a unique perspective on World War II and the events of December 7, 1941.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin played a crucial role in the Pacific during World War II. The museum and park provide insights into life on a submarine and the strategic importance of submarine warfare?.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
The USS Missouri is an iconic battleship where Japan formally surrendered to the Allies in 1945, marking the end of World War II. Walking the decks of the “Mighty Mo” offers a tangible link to history and the opportunity to learn about life aboard a battleship during combat operations.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Located on Ford Island, this museum houses a remarkable collection of aircraft from the World War II era and beyond. It offers a comprehensive look at aviation’s role in the war and features interactive exhibits and restoration projects.
These sites, while independently managed, collectively provide a deeper understanding of Pearl Harbor’s role in World War II and are essential visits for history enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions on Oahu
Beyond Pearl Harbor, Oahu offers several other sites and attractions that provide cultural and historical insights into Hawaii’s role in World War II and its broader historical context.
- Pacific National Monument: Explores a wider range of World War II’s Pacific theater operations beyond Pearl Harbor. It offers additional context to the war’s global impact and Hawaii’s strategic importance.
- Honolulu’s Historic Sites: Downtown Honolulu is home to several historical sites, including the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on US soil, and the King Kamehameha I Statue, commemorating the king who united the Hawaiian Islands.
- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific: Located in Punchbowl Crater, this solemn site honors the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Pacific during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
- Waikiki War Memorials and Monuments: Waikiki hosts several memorials and monuments dedicated to various aspects of military history and those who served.
These additional sites complement a visit to Pearl Harbor by offering broader insights into Hawaii’s military history, its cultural heritage, and its significance in American history. Whether exploring more of Pearl Harbor’s historic sites or venturing across Oahu, visitors have the opportunity to deeply connect with the island’s past and its role in shaping the present.