USS Oklahoma Memorial Honolulu
A poignant tribute to the USS Oklahoma's lost crew, this memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance at Pearl Harbor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
USS Oklahoma Memorial Honolulu
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant tribute to the USS Oklahoma's lost crew, this memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance at Pearl Harbor.
"This memorial is beautifully done and worth a look, a truly moving experience."
🎯 Seek Out the Oklahoma Memorial
Easily missed, this memorial is a powerful tribute. Find it near the USS Missouri shuttle bus stop.
🎟️ Book Arizona Tickets Early
Reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets 8 weeks in advance on recreation.gov. Standby is an option too.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Oklahoma Memorial
Near the USS Missouri shuttle bus stop
A poignant tribute with 429 marble pillars representing each lost sailor and Marine, symbolizing the ship's hull.
Symbolic Black Granite
USS Oklahoma Memorial
The striking black granite represents the formidable hull of the USS Oklahoma, a powerful visual reminder.
Pristine Dress Uniforms
USS Oklahoma Memorial
Marble pillars depict sailors and Marines in their dress uniforms, standing at attention in a display of honor.
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss This Underrated Memorial
Timing is Key for Pearl Harbor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Seek Out the Oklahoma Memorial
Easily missed, this memorial is a powerful tribute. Find it near the USS Missouri shuttle bus stop.
🎟️ Book Arizona Tickets Early
Reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets 8 weeks in advance on recreation.gov. Standby is an option too.
Pearl Harbor Memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, and USS Bowfin Submarine… possible to explore in 1 day?
🎒 Bag Policy
Clear bags are recommended. Large bags may not be allowed; check for locker availability.
🚶♂️ Self-Guided Exploration
You don't need a tour. Explore at your own pace, especially the museums.
Reservations for Pearl Harbor
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Seek Out the Oklahoma Memorial
Easily missed, this memorial is a powerful tribute. Find it near the USS Missouri shuttle bus stop.
🎟️ Book Arizona Tickets Early
Reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets 8 weeks in advance on recreation.gov. Standby is an option too.
🎒 Bag Policy
Clear bags are recommended. Large bags may not be allowed; check for locker availability.
🚶♂️ Self-Guided Exploration
You don't need a tour. Explore at your own pace, especially the museums.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Hawaii can be hot and humid. Bring water, especially if visiting midday.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the USS Oklahoma Memorial as a beautifully designed and deeply moving tribute, often described as an 'underrated' part of the Pearl Harbor experience. Its symbolic representation of the ship and its crew is particularly impactful. However, some feel it is smaller than it should be compared to other memorials and is easily overlooked due to its less prominent promotion.
"Just outside the shuttle entrance, you will find the Oklahoma Memorial. It isn’t highly advertised, but this Memorial is beautifully done and worth a look."
m jaros
"This memorial is just outside the gate to the USS Missouri museum. You can visit before or after your visit to the battleship. I did it after and was in the waiting area for the shuttle bus to come pick us up to take us back to the visitor center when I visited it. It's a very short walking distance from the waiting area. Also, across the street are public restrooms. It's easy to overlook as this memorial isn't very well publicized unless you do your homework. I highly recommend visiting this memorial as these shouldn't be overlooked among the many memorials and monuments in this historic area."
Andrew Wong
"Underrated place to visit while at Pearl Harbor. Very unique and beautiful memorial with a combination of symbolism and atmosphere. While this memorial is not as well promoted as some of the others, it’s is definitely worth taking the time to stop on your was to the Missouri memorial.
*If you are on a tour group, they likely don’t give you enough time to see everything on Ford Island! Plan for more time than you think you will need so you have time to see and experience everything on Ford Island."
Allan Rowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The USS Oklahoma Memorial is located within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial complex. It's often found near the shuttle bus stop for the USS Missouri Memorial. Many visitors overlook it, so actively look for it.
Yes, there is free parking available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, TheBus (Honolulu's public bus system) serves Pearl Harbor. Routes like the 'Pearl Harbor Shuttle' are available. Check TheBus website for current routes and schedules.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and most exhibits are generally accessible. The USS Arizona Memorial program involves a boat ride, and accessibility for that can vary. It's best to check with the National Park Service for specific details.
To reach Ford Island, where the USS Missouri and USS Oklahoma Memorial are located, you can take a free shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. This shuttle is essential for accessing these sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the USS Oklahoma Memorial itself is free to visit. It's part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial grounds.
No, you do not need a specific ticket for the USS Oklahoma Memorial. It's an open-air memorial that you can visit freely.
Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are $1 to reserve online via recreation.gov, released 8 weeks and the day prior to the visit. Standby lines are also available.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center itself is free to enter. However, some exhibits and museums within the complex, like the USS Arizona Memorial program, have a small reservation fee.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center typically opens around 7:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM daily. However, specific program times, like the USS Arizona Memorial boat tours, vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial in about 15-30 minutes. It's a reflective space, and you'll want time to read the inscriptions and absorb the atmosphere.
The memorial honors the 429 sailors and Marines who died aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Its design symbolizes the ship's hull and the lost crew.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the USS Oklahoma Memorial. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress respectfully, as it's a memorial site. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate.
Yes, public restrooms are available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and near some of the key attractions on Ford Island, including near the USS Missouri shuttle bus stop.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are capturing the full expanse of the marble pillars against the sky, and close-ups of the inscribed names and quotes. The black granite hull representation is also striking.
No, drone photography is strictly prohibited at Pearl Harbor National Memorial due to security and preservation regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Yes, you can take photos of the inscriptions. Many visitors find it meaningful to capture the names and quotes as a personal connection to the history.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to use tripods discreetly and avoid obstructing other visitors. The memorial is a place of remembrance, so prioritize respect.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother, consider arriving early to avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat. Pack light, as bag policies can be strict.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money, focus on the free aspects of Pearl Harbor. Pack your own snacks and water, as on-site food options can be pricey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Symbolism of the USS Oklahoma Memorial
The most striking feature is the black granite structure that represents the formidable hull of the USS Oklahoma. Rising from this base are 429 white marble pillars, each meticulously crafted to represent an individual sailor and Marine. These pillars are arranged in rows, standing at attention, and are inscribed with the names of the fallen. This arrangement creates a powerful visual of the crew 'manning the rails' one last time, a poignant display of respect and remembrance.
Many visitors find the USS Oklahoma Memorial to be an underrated gem within the Pearl Harbor complex. Its location, often near the shuttle bus stop for the USS Missouri, means it can be easily overlooked by those rushing to other attractions. However, taking a few moments to explore this memorial offers a profound connection to the sacrifices made on December 7, 1941, and is a deeply moving experience for those who seek it out.
Navigating Pearl Harbor: Tickets and Logistics
Many visitors find it challenging to secure these advance tickets. If you miss out, a standby line is available on the day of your visit. Redditors suggest arriving early for the standby line, especially on weekends, to increase your chances of getting a spot. Some have reported success by simply showing up and joining the standby list, even without advance reservations.
Beyond the USS Arizona, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center offers free admission to its museums and exhibits. However, access to other sites like the USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum typically requires separate admission fees. Consider purchasing a 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
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