What to Expect on a Visit to the USS Arizona Memorial
Visiting Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most profound experiences you can have in Hawaii. This sacred site commemorates the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the December 7, 1941 attack that drew the United States into World War II. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply want to pay your respects, understanding what to expect will help you make the most of your visit to this powerful memorial.
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Planning Your Visit and Getting Tickets
The USS Arizona Memorial is free to visit, but you’ll need to secure USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance through the National Park Service’s recreation.gov website. These tickets are released up to two months ahead of time and tend to go quickly, especially during peak tourist season from December through March.
If you miss out on advance reservations, a limited number of same-day tickets become available at 7:00 AM Hawaii time through the same website. You can also book tours through authorized commercial operators, which include transportation and often combine the memorial with other Pearl Harbor attractions. Arriving early is essential regardless of how you obtain your tickets, as security screening can take time.
What Happens During Your Memorial Visit
Your experience begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you’ll check in and go through airport-style security screening. No bags are allowed except for small wallets and cameras, so plan accordingly or use the on-site bag storage facility for a small fee.
After checking in, you’ll watch a compelling 23-minute documentary film that provides historical context about the attack on Pearl Harbor. The film includes actual footage from that fateful day and survivor testimonies that set the emotional tone for what follows. Following the film, you’ll board a Navy-operated boat for a short ride to the memorial itself.
The Memorial Structure and Experience
The memorial is a striking white structure that spans the sunken battleship USS Arizona, which remains submerged in the harbor where it sank. Designed by architect Alfred Preis, the 184-foot-long memorial was dedicated in 1962 and receives more than 1.8 million visitors annually.
Once on the memorial, you’ll have approximately 15 minutes to explore the structure’s three main sections. The entry room represents the initial defeat, the central area symbolizes the war itself, and the shrine room honors those who perished. In the shrine room, you’ll find a marble wall engraved with the names of all crew members who died aboard the ship.
Looking down through openings in the memorial’s floor, you can see the ship’s remains beneath the water. Oil still leaks from the Arizona, creating rainbow-colored sheens on the water’s surface that visitors often call “the tears of the Arizona.” This haunting reminder brings home the reality that you’re standing above a final resting place.
Respecting the Sacred Nature of the Site
The USS Arizona Memorial is both a grave site and a war memorial, so appropriate behavior is expected. Visitors should maintain a respectful demeanor throughout their visit, speaking quietly and refraining from running, eating, or drinking while on the memorial.
Children are welcome, but parents should prepare them beforehand about the significance of the site and the expected behaviour. Photography is permitted, but selfie sticks are not allowed, and visitors should be mindful of others when taking pictures. Remember that this is a place of reflection and remembrance for many, including Pearl Harbour survivors and their families.
Additional Attractions at Pearl Harbor
While the USS Arizona Memorial is the centerpiece, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial complex includes several other significant sites worth exploring. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center features two world-class museums with artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that tell the complete story of the attack and its aftermath.
Nearby, you can visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial, where Japan formally surrendered to end World War II. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offer additional perspectives on the Pacific War. If time allows, consider spending a full day at Pearl Harbor to experience these complementary attractions.
Making the Most of Your Experience
Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is an emotionally powerful experience that connects you directly to a pivotal moment in American history. The combination of the documentary film, the boat ride, and standing above the sunken battleship creates a profound sense of place and remembrance that photographs and books simply cannot convey.
Allow yourself at least two to three hours for the complete experience, including time at the visitor center museums. Bring sunscreen and water, as much of your time will be spent outdoors in Hawaii’s tropical climate. Most importantly, come with an open heart and mind, ready to honor the memory of those who sacrificed everything on that December morning over eight decades ago.
