The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Programs to the USS Arizona Memorial run from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
The USS Arizona Memorial is free to visit, but a $1 non-refundable service charge is applied when reserving tickets through Recreation.gov. No other entrance fees are required.
From Honolulu, take H-1 West past the airport, exit at Stadium/Arizona 15A, and continue on Kamehameha Highway to the historic site, a poignant tribute to the past.
Parking for the USS Arizona Memorial is available in public lots near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, costing $7 per day. No overnight parking is allowed. The lots accommodate cars and smaller vehicles, but not large RVs or motorcycles. Parking is secure and monitored by federal police and security cameras.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Full
In the heart of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, the USS Arizona Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the lives lost during the pivotal attack on December 7, 1941. This national memorial, established on May 30, 1962, straddles the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, the final resting place for 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who perished.
Accessible only by boat, the memorial’s sleek, white structure seems to float above the water, a stark contrast to the tranquil blue hues of the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding landscape is marked by the serene waters of Pearl Harbor, dotted with other historic sites such as the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Visitors begin their journey at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service, where a museum and outdoor walkway offer a deep dive into the history of the attack. A video presentation featuring actual footage sets the tone before boarding the shuttle boat to the memorial.
The memorial itself is a space for reflection and remembrance, with the sunken battleship below serving as a grave for those who lost their lives. The area is frequented by over two million visitors annually, each seeking to honor the sacrifices of the past.
Nearby, Ford Island, accessible via a shuttle ride, hosts additional attractions including the Oklahoma Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, where original hangars still bear the scars of the attack. For a comprehensive experience, the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience or a Passport to Pearl Harbor are highly recommended, offering a deeper immersion into the historic significance of the site.
This memorial, part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, is not just a historical landmark but a living tribute to the past, inviting travelers to reflect on the events that shaped a nation.
- Area (mi²)
- 0.1
- Annual visitors
- 2 000 000
- Established year
- 1962
Top 3 Facts about USS Arizona Memorial
The memorial, spanning 184 feet, is built to straddle the sunken hull without touching it, respecting the final resting place of 1,102 crew members. It was dedicated on May 30, 1962. The sunken remains were declared a National Historic Landmark on May 5, 1989.
Amidst the solemn memorials, a vibrant ecosystem thrives. The fractured hull of the USS Arizona forms an artificial reef, attracting colorful reef fish and supporting a diverse marine life. Endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and anchialine pool shrimp inhabit the surrounding waters. Native coastal vegetation, carefully restored by community volunteers, stabilizes the shoreline, providing a habitat for unique flora and fauna. This blend of history and nature creates a captivating destination for those seeking an immersive experience.
Surrounded by the tranquil waters of Pearl Harbor, the area boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem. The waters here are a striking turquoise, home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and tropical fish. The nearby landscape is dotted with palm trees and lush greenery, set against the backdrop of the Ko’olau Mountains, which rise dramatically to heights of over 3,000 feet. This unique blend of marine and terrestrial environments creates a captivating setting for those who seek to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Scavenger Hunts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead for a September visit, coinciding with the annual Memorial Day observance. Reserve tickets 2 months in advance, arrive early, and allow at least a half-day to explore the memorials and museums. Wear comfortable shoes for the waterfront walk and bring water, as options are limited.
Pack Appropriately
Pack light, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a light rain jacket. Wear respectful attire for the memorial. Bring water, snacks, and a small backpack for essentials. Check the weather forecast to prepare for potential rain or sun exposure.
Respect Wildlife
When visiting this historic site, respect the marine life by not touching or standing on coral reefs, and avoid feeding fish to preserve the ecosystem. Keep the area clean by disposing of waste properly. Be mindful of sea turtles and monk seals, especially during nesting seasons.
Stay Informed
Leave all bags and large items in secure storage; no lockers on site, but available in the visitor center parking lot. Be mindful of Navy shuttle boat safety and remain seated. Check weather conditions and follow park rules. For emergencies, call park authorities.
Seasons
Visit in spring (March to May) when temperatures range from 70 to 85°F, with mild weather. Experience the solemn beauty of this historic site, especially during the annual Memorial Day ceremonies in May, honoring the sacrifices of World War II. A poignant and moving experience amidst blooming flora.
Visit in summer for a poignant experience amidst warm temperatures (85-90°F) and sunny weather. Celebrate the Fourth of July with a picnic, concert, and fireworks show, honoring history in a unique and memorable way.
Visit in fall, from September to November, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, for a poignant experience. The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7, though just beyond fall, sets the tone for reflection. Mild weather and fewer crowds make autumn an ideal time to pay respects.
Visit in winter (December to February) when temperatures range from 70 to 85°F, offering mild weather. While it’s a busy season, the serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a poignant time to reflect on the past. Book tickets in advance to avoid crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what USS Arizona Memorial has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit the USS Arizona Memorial, you should stay in Honolulu, Hawaii, which is the nearest city to Pearl Harbor. Honolulu is about 45 minutes east of the Pearl Harbor Navy Base where the memorial is located.
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Pets are not allowed inside the USS Arizona Memorial. Only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted. Leaving pets unattended in vehicles is also not recommended due to high temperatures.
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Parking at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial costs $7 per day for private and rented vehicles. You can pay using a mobile app or an on-site kiosk. The fee helps with maintenance and upkeep of the memorial sites.
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The USS Arizona Memorial is a white open-air shrine built over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, which was destroyed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Dedicated in May 1962, it honors the more than 1,100 crew members who died and all U.S. servicemen killed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The memorial was funded through private donations and government subsidies, with significant contributions from Elvis Presley and Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye.