USS Arizona Memorial
A solemn tribute above the sunken USS Arizona, honoring over 1,100 sailors lost in the Pearl Harbor attack. A powerful reminder of sacrifice.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
USS Arizona Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn tribute above the sunken USS Arizona, honoring over 1,100 sailors lost in the Pearl Harbor attack. A powerful reminder of sacrifice.
"Visiting here and paying your respects to the lives lost that day can not be described in words how you feel actually seeing this history in real life."
🎯 Arrive Early for Standby
If you miss advance tickets, arrive early for the standby line. You'll likely get on a boat within an hour. :ticket:
👜 Bag Policy Strict
Only clear bags or small clutches allowed. Check bags if needed; lockers fill fast. :handbag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
A solemn tribute above the sunken battleship, where over 1,100 sailors perished. Witness the 'black tears' of oil still seeping from the wreck.
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Exhibits
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Explore compelling exhibits detailing the events leading up to, during, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Informative and moving.
USS Arizona Survivor Ashes Interred
USS Arizona Memorial
Witness the poignant tradition of interring the ashes of USS Arizona survivors within the memorial, joining their fallen shipmates.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for USS Arizona Memorial
Bag Policy & Respectful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Standby
If you miss advance tickets, arrive early for the standby line. You'll likely get on a boat within an hour. :ticket:
👜 Bag Policy Strict
Only clear bags or small clutches allowed. Check bags if needed; lockers fill fast. :handbag:
🚶♂️ Explore Exhibits While Waiting
Use your waiting time to explore the visitor center exhibits and learn more history. :books:
Respectful Attire
Dress respectfully; this is a military cemetery and memorial. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Standby
If you miss advance tickets, arrive early for the standby line. You'll likely get on a boat within an hour. :ticket:
👜 Bag Policy Strict
Only clear bags or small clutches allowed. Check bags if needed; lockers fill fast. :handbag:
🚶♂️ Explore Exhibits While Waiting
Use your waiting time to explore the visitor center exhibits and learn more history. :books:
Respectful Attire
Dress respectfully; this is a military cemetery and memorial. :pray:
Public Transport Friendly
Easily accessible by public bus from Waikiki. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the USS Arizona Memorial as a powerful, memorable, and deeply moving experience. The historical significance and the solemn atmosphere of the war grave are frequently highlighted, with many noting the poignant sight of oil still seeping from the wreck. While the wait for the boat tour can sometimes be long, most find the experience profoundly impactful and a must-visit for understanding American history.
"The pearl harbor location was a great place to learn about the history and conflict during the past wars. You can see modern shifts at pearl harbor and the older ships in the museum section of the harbor. Highly recommend visiting this place as the facilities are very nice and you get to see a lot about the history."
David Smith
"Powerful, memorable, historical, meaningful. All those poor young lives. History is so brutal
Leave your purse in the car if you can. It’s $7 to leave your bag at the front. If it’s clear it’s okay. Even small fanny packs not allowed. We just walked in and didn’t reserve for reservations. This part was free to sign up to wait for the ferry to USS ARIZONA. We waited for a little over an hour for our que to go to the memorial. While we waited, We paid to see the submarine inside. $48 for two adults one child. When our number was up the ride was somewhat calming . The memorial is in great condition . The ship.. well It’s crazy how you can still see the mast after 80+ years! Scary"
Pink Dragun (Pink_Dragun)
"We were on the stand by line and were able to take the boat. We had to wait around 45 mins but I know it depends on the day and time you are going. There's plenty to do and museums to see while you wait. Rangers are very helpful, there's a lot of information and I loved the volunteer inside the memorial telling us about history. So grateful for their work."
Pau B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The USS Arizona Memorial is located at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. You can easily reach it via public transportation, with buses like the 20 and 42 from Waikiki dropping you directly at the visitor center's parking lot. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for potential parking challenges and thieves watching cars.
Yes, parking is available, but it can be challenging to find, and car break-ins are a concern. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, commercial tours often include transportation from hotels and make reservations for the Arizona Memorial for you. However, tour guides are generally not allowed inside the memorial site itself.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial grounds, including the visitor center, exhibits, and theater, are free to enter. The boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial is also free, though a small online reservation fee applies.
+1
The bus ride from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Advance reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial boat tour are highly recommended and can be made through recreation.gov, typically released 8 weeks or the day before your visit.+1 Be aware that advance reservations were paused starting July 9th, 2025, so check the latest availability.
The boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial itself is free, but there is a small $1 online reservation fee if you book in advance.+1 Standby tickets are also available and free.
Don't worry if you miss out on advance tickets! A standby line is available, and you can usually get on a boat within an hour, especially if you arrive early.+2 The automated system will text you when it's your turn.
Only clear bags, small clutches, or bags for medical conditions are allowed inside. Purses, backpacks, and camera bags are prohibited and must be checked or left in your car.+1 Lockers are available but can fill up quickly.
Yes, you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial without a reservation by joining the standby line upon arrival. It's advisable to arrive early in the morning for the best chance of getting on a boat.+1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the boat tour to the memorial, which sits above the sunken USS Arizona battleship. You'll also find exhibits detailing the attack, a theater showing a documentary, and the opportunity to see the 'black tears' of oil still seeping from the wreck. The remains of over 900 servicemen are interred within the ship.
The boat ride to the memorial and the time spent there is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, including the documentary and exhibit viewing.
Photography is generally allowed at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and on the boat to the memorial. However, specific rules may apply within the memorial itself, so be mindful of any posted signage and maintain a respectful demeanor.
While the historical significance is immense, the USS Arizona Memorial is a solemn burial site. Parents should consider their children's maturity level. The visitor center exhibits and documentary provide historical context.
It's important to dress respectfully, as you are visiting a war grave. Casual, modest attire is appropriate. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available at Pearl Harbor, including restaurants like Restaurant 604. You can also find concessions and cafes within the visitor center complex.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the memorial area. It's best to consume them before or after your visit. Water bottles may be allowed, but check current regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the visitor center exhibits, the boat ride across the harbor, and the memorial itself. Capturing the 'black tears' of oil is a poignant, though challenging, photographic subject. Remember to be respectful when taking photos.
Drones are strictly prohibited at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial due to security and respect for the site. Always check current regulations before flying any aerial devices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The boat ride to the memorial can also be an exciting part of the visit. It's advisable to prepare children for the solemn nature of the site, explaining that it's a memorial and a burial ground. Consider focusing on the bravery of the sailors and the importance of peace. The other attractions at Pearl Harbor, like the USS Missouri or the Aviation Museum, might also appeal to younger visitors with their larger exhibits and artifacts.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, utilize public transportation from Waikiki, as buses are frequent and affordable.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the Arizona, explore the Battleship Missouri Memorial for its significance in the war's conclusion, and consider the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for a broader military history perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring 'Black Tears' of the USS Arizona
While the oil leak is a powerful symbol, attempts to repair it have been complex. The USS Arizona is considered an active military burial site, and disturbing the vessel is a sensitive issue. There are also concerns that intervention could lead to a larger environmental catastrophe. This ongoing leak serves as a constant, poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on December 7, 1941.
Many visitors find the sight of the 'black tears' deeply moving and a significant part of their experience at the memorial. It underscores the gravity of the event and the lasting legacy of the sailors who perished. It's a natural, albeit somber, element that adds to the profound atmosphere of the site.
Honoring Survivors: Ashes Interred at the Memorial
This practice allows them to return to the ship and be with their fallen brothers in arms.Navy divers gently carry the ashes to their final resting place, a solemn ceremony that underscores the enduring bond between the crew and their vessel.
This tradition transforms the memorial not only into a place of remembrance for those lost but also a living tribute to those who survived and carried the memory of that fateful day throughout their lives.For visitors, witnessing or learning about this practice adds another layer of emotional depth to the experience. It highlights the profound connection survivors felt to the USS Arizona and their desire to be eternally united with their fallen comrades.
Navigating Pearl Harbor: Beyond the Arizona
Beyond the Arizona, consider exploring other significant sites on Ford Island. The Battleship Missouri Memorial (the 'Mighty Mo'), where the Japanese surrender was signed, offers a different perspective on the war's end.
Many visitors find that dedicating a full day to Pearl Harbor allows for a thorough exploration of these various attractions. While the USS Arizona Memorial is free (with a small reservation fee), tickets are required for the Missouri, Bowfin, and Aviation Museum. Purchasing a 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple sites.
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