Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is the most visited historical site in Hawaii, honoring the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Located above the sunken battleship, the memorial is accessible by boat and includes a short film, a Navy shuttle ride, and a self-guided tour. It is a place of reflection and remembrance, attracting over one million visitors annually.
USS Arizona Memorial, Oahu
The finest example of and the greatest tribute to valor in the Pacific Ocean is the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. It is located at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, next to the sunken remains of the battleship USS Arizona and its crew. Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, and the events of that day, commemorated by the Memorial, resulted in the United States entering World War II.
The 184 feet (56 m) long memorial was designed by Alfred Pries, an architect from Honolulu, and was dedicated in 1962. Accessible only by boat, the USS Arizona Memorial Center receives more than a million visitors each year. Visits to the Center and Memorial are free of charge, but the first-come, first-served ticket distribution program has been discontinued. To ensure fair, equal and equitable access, the National Park Service has expanded its online reservation system. Reservations can only be made online through https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16
Visitors are encouraged to watch a short film about the attack on Pearl Harbor prior to boarding the Navy shuttle boat that takes them to the Memorial. A tour of the Memorial is a self-guided venture.
The Memorial has three main sections – entry, assembly room and a shrine. There is an opening on the Memorial's floor over the sunken decks. It is from here that visitors can pay their respects to the lost soldiers by tossing in flowers. One of the ship's three anchors and one bell is on display as well.
At the shrine behind velvet ropes are the names of the 1,102 brave crewmen killed on board the ship. Every U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt has visited the site to offer his respects.
Key Features of the Arizona Memorial
- Historic site of Pearl Harbor attack: Built above the sunken USS Arizona to honor 1,102 sailors and Marines killed on December 7, 1941.
- Accessible only by Navy boat: Free tours begin at the visitor center and include a Navy shuttle to the memorial.
- Film and exhibits: Visitors watch a short documentary and explore exhibits detailing the events of World War II.
- Memorial design: Features an entry room, assembly hall, shrine room, and an open floor section for viewing the sunken ship.
- Online reservations required: Timed tickets must be booked in advance through Recreation.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the USS Arizona Memorial?
The memorial is accessible only by boat from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Shuttle boats are operated by the U.S. Navy and are included with your reservation.
Is admission to the Arizona Memorial free?
Yes, the tour is free, but online reservations through Recreation.gov are required due to high demand.
Is there a film or guided tour included?
Yes, a 23-minute film about the Pearl Harbor attack is shown before the boat ride to the memorial. The visit itself is self-guided.
Where is the USS Arizona Memorial located?
The memorial is located at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
What does the memorial commemorate?
The memorial honors the sailors and Marines who perished aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.