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What to Expect at the USS Arizona Memorial
The Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the tragic events of December 7, 1941, and honors the brave service members who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This iconic memorial offers a profound and moving experience. Prepare for a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, where history comes alive and the spirit of heroism endures.
The USS Arizona Memorial sits above the sunken battleship, which serves as the final resting place for 1,177 sailors and Marines. The tour begins with a short boat ride across the harbor to the memorial. Along the way, you’ll see the iconic USS Missouri and the remains of other ships that witnessed the attack. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a calm, reflective atmosphere. The bright white structure spanning the sunken hull invites you to honor the fallen, reflect on the significance of their sacrifice, and pay your respects.
Inside the memorial, exhibits provide deeper insights into the events leading up to the attack, the timeline, and the lasting impact on the nation. Photos, artifacts, and personal stories bring history to life, helping visitors fully understand the scale of the tragedy and the resilient spirit of the American people. These exhibits ensure that the memory of the USS Arizona and its crew is preserved for future generations.
- Tip: You must make a reservation in advance, which can be done online for 1 USD.
The calm water above the sunken ship serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the sacrifices made. The names of the fallen are engraved on the memorial wall, preserving their memory. Survivors of the attack may request to be interred with the ship; after their passing, their ashes are placed aboard by divers.
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The USS Arizona Memorial in Action
Location on the Map
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Our Honest Review & Rating
Despite the somber history of Pearl Harbor, the memorial offers a relaxed and respectful environment. You can’t change history, but here you can engage with it consciously and pay tribute to those who gave their lives.
If it rains, just bring an umbrella or rain jacket, as most of the exhibits are indoors. Some areas of Pearl Harbor are accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, though the interior of the ship and the submarine are not.
Weather Independent
Spontaneous Booking
For all Fitness Levels
Accessibility
Tour Options, Duration & Cost
Organized Tour
Duration: There are many fantastic organized tours. The best part is that you always have someone exclusive by your side to ask. Depending on what you like to see in Pearl Harbor, tours start from 4 hours.
Cost: Organized tours that visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial will cost you around 50 dollars.
Pay Tribute at the USS Arizona Memorial
Self-Organized Tour
Duration: Plan 2 to 3 hours to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and exhibits.
Cost: Admission to the Arizona Memorial is free, but you must make reservations in advance.
Is the USS Arizona Memorial Worth It?
For us, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial isn't a question of “is it worth it?” – it's an essential, profound, and deeply moving experience. It is the emotional heart of Pearl Harbor and, in our opinion, the single most important historical site to visit on Oahu.
Here’s our take on why you should absolutely visit the USS Arizona Memorial:
- Everyone Visiting Oahu: This is more than a tourist attraction; it's a place of national reverence. It provides a quiet and powerful space to pay respects to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on that day and who remain entombed in the sunken battleship below.
- Anyone Seeking to Understand American History: The short film shown before the boat ride does an incredible job of setting the historical context. Standing on the memorial itself, looking down at the outline of the ship, makes that history feel incredibly real and present.
- Those Looking for a Moment of Reflection: The atmosphere at the memorial is one of profound silence and respect. In the middle of a busy vacation, it offers a rare and important opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom.
On the other hand, there really isn't a reason to skip it, but be aware of:
- The Need for Advance Reservations. You absolutely must book your free ticket online in advance at recreation.gov. These tickets are released 8 weeks out and are gone almost instantly. Spontaneous visits are nearly impossible.
- The Somber and Respectful Atmosphere. This is a memorial and a gravesite. It's a place for quiet reflection, not a casual tourist photo op. The mood is appropriately solemn, which is important to be prepared for.
Our Final Word:
You must visit. It is an unforgettable and humbling experience that will stay with you long after you leave the island. It’s a core part of understanding not just Hawaiian history, but world history. Plan ahead, book your ticket, and go.
Where to Stay Near USS Arizona Memorial? - Book Your Accommodation in Oahu
How to Get to the USS Arizona Memorial
With an Organized Tour
An organized tour is perfect for your visit to Pearl Harbor because you don't have to worry about anything organizational, and you can fully concentrate and get involved in the day. You can ask any of your questions directly and have an experienced tour guide who will happily answer everything.
On Your Own (Self-Organized)
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open from 7 am to 5 pm. If you're traveling by car, make sure to use this as your address: Pearl Harbor National Memorial, 1 Arizona Memorial Place. Otherwise, you'll end up at the active military base. You can also get there by bus; you can find out which line and time is best for you here: thebus
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What to Pack & Prepare
USS Arizona Memorial: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it really free to visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes, the program itself, which includes a documentary film and the boat ride to and from the memorial, is free. However, a reservation is required, and there is a non-refundable $1.00 reservation fee per ticket when you book online at Recreation.gov. This small fee is essential to secure your spot, as walk-in availability is extremely rare.
What is the bag policy at Pearl Harbor?
For security reasons, no bags of any kind are permitted at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or on the USS Arizona Memorial tour. This includes purses, backpacks, camera bags, and diaper bags. You can bring your wallet, phone, and camera (without a bag). A clear, secure bag storage facility is available near the entrance where you can check your belongings for a fee per bag.
What will I see during the visit to the memorial?
The memorial structure is built directly over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, which remains the final resting place for over 1,100 crewmen. From the memorial, you can look down into the water and see the rusted decks of the battleship just a few feet below the surface.
You can also often see “the black tears of the Arizona” – oil that still slowly leaks from the ship's wreckage to this day. The visit is a powerful and somber experience, culminating at the Shrine Room where the names of all the crewmen who died on the ship are engraved.
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