- Pearl Harbor is an ADA compliant and provides handicap facilities.
- All the restrooms, museums, bookstore, drinking fountains, US Navy shuttle boat, theater and the Memorial can be accessed by wheelchair.
- Only in emergency situations can one avail wheelchairs.
Explore the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is a key part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, located at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii. Often referred to as the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, this site is one of the most emotionally powerful landmarks in the United States. Book your USS Arizona tickets today to explore this historic and sacred place that marks one of the most pivotal events in American history.
Book your Pearl Harbor tour now and explore this historical site.
The Experience Highlights
• Feel the pain of this horrific attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu by watching a moving documentary
• Experience a navy vessel aboard to the USS Arizona Memorial on Battleship Row.
• Witness the “Black Tears of the Arizona” (Continually escaping iridescent oil droplets from the sunken hull of the USS Arizona and coming up to the harbor surface for 76 years).
• View historical artifacts, memorabilia, and dramatic photography documenting the attack.
• Go to the gift shop for souvenirs, WWII memorabilia and books.
• Know about the informative displays by visiting the National Monument grounds.
• See Battleship Row and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.
• See various Navy vessels, destroyers and carriers
What to Expect on the USS Arizona Memorial Tour
Your visit starts at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you’ll explore the Road to War and Attack galleries. These immersive exhibits feature authentic WWII artifacts, archival footage, and photographs.
You’ll then watch a 23-minute documentary recounting the events of December 7, 1941, followed by a short boat ride operated by the U.S. Navy to the Memorial. Suspended over the remains of the USS Arizona, the structure honors the 1,177 crew members who perished during the attack.
From the Memorial, you’ll see Pearl Harbor as the sailors did that morning — a humbling and emotional experience. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Hawaii. Secure your USS Arizona tickets in advance to avoid long wait times and guarantee your spot.
Location
WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument
Difficulty Level
Easy
Duration
2 hours
General Conditions at the Arizona Memorial
- The documentary can be emotionally moving for many guests
- The full tour includes a 23-minute film, 10-minute roundtrip boat ride, and time at the Memorial
- Expect long waits (up to 3 hours) on busy days — reserving USS Arizona tickets online is highly recommended
- Weather conditions may cause closures
- Benches and accessibility accommodations are available at the Visitor Center
History of the USS Arizona Memorial
President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved in 1958, legislation calling for the creation of USS Arizona Memorial to honor the memory of the military personnel that perished under the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was opened by the Pacific War Memorial Commission, suspending respectfully over the remains of the sunken battleship.
The US Navy was managing the USS Arizona Memorial until 1980 after which the National Park Service took the responsibility. The USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center was built and inaugurated by the US Navy and the National Park Service that very year.
An Executive Order was passed under the Bush Administration on December 5, 2008, expanding the mission of the National Park Service to manage and oversee the entire World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the following sites at Pearl Harbor: the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center (now referred to as the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center); the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials, six Chief Petty Officer bungalows on Ford Island; and mooring quays F6 North and South, F7 North and South, and F8 North and South (part of Battleship Row).
Purpose of the Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor
The purpose of the monument is to…”preserve, interpret, and commemorate the history of World War II in the Pacific from the events leading to the December 7, 1941, attack on Oahu, to peace and reconciliation.”
Below mentioned statements show the purpose and importance of the World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument:
Honoring the sacrifices of those soldiers who lost their lives during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor is at the heart of the National Park Service
• Honoring the 1,177 crewmen at The USS Arizona Memorial
• Honoring the 429 sailors at The USS Oklahoma Memorial
• Honoring the 58 men who lost their lives at The USS Utah Memorial.
You can get information about the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
• Two exhibit galleries.
• Bookstore teeming with important books and WWII souvenirs.
• A theater
• An audio tour
• Outdoor exhibits.
Choose your tour & departing island below
Significance of the Pearl Harbor Monument
These statements recount why a monument’s resources and values are essential to receive the post as a unit of the national park system. These statements are backed by data, research, and consensus that connects to the purpose of World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, Pearl Harbor. The Park’s important nature is described in various statements of significance and the reason an area is essential in context of regional, global, national, and system. In the Pacific National Monument, Pearl Harbor, the statements presented below have been recognised for World War II Valor:
Japan Attacks Oahu
The monument… “interprets and preserves sites and artifacts of the December 7, 1941, Japanese military attack on Oahu, which killed more than 2,300 military and civilian personnel, and compelled the United States’ entry into World War II.”
Pacific War Oahu
The monument…”works collaboratively to preserve the historic settings of Oahu’s strategic land, air, and sea commands that were crucial to the Pacific War effort.”
Portal to the Pacific War Story
The monument…”serves as a portal to the Pacific War story, from its epic land, air, and sea battles to the violations of human rights and the long-lasting impacts of the war.”
Final Resting Place
The monument…”is the final resting place of hundreds of crew members of the USS Arizona and USS Utah who made the ultimate sacrifice in the greatest loss of life during a single event in US Naval history. The National Park Service and the US Navy continue to honor WWII veterans through ceremonial and stewardship activities.”
Remember the Sacrifices
The monument…”serves as a focal point to honor and commemorate the sacrifices made during the Pacific War.”
Enduring Peace
The setting of the monument….”provides unique opportunities for reconciliation among former Pacific War combatants. The memorials serve as icons of enduring peace and reminders of the healing that is still ongoing.”
Visitors Center Accessibility
- Braille and tactile model resources are available in the Visitor Center.
- The historical documentary screened in the theater is completely captioned.
- For use with the hearing aids, there is an induction loop also.
- Although there are no nurses or doctors on site, hospitals are located closely.
Note: Behavior at the Memorials
The memorials are places of honor, inspiration, reflection, and quiet contemplation commemorating those who died during the attack of December 7, 1941. Visitors are asked to assist in maintaining an atmosphere of decorum and respect.
You can also visit other historical sites:
• USS Missouri Battleship
• USS Bowfin Submarine
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor & Island combo tours
• Arizona Memorial + Circle Island
• Arizona Memorial + Flea Market
• Arizona Memorial + Polynesian Cultural Center
Highlight Tours
Reflections of Valor: Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial
In conclusion, the USS Arizona Memorial stands as a solemn and powerful tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives during the tragic events of December 7, 1941. This hallowed site not only honors the memory of those who perished but also serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of resilience.
Visitors to the memorial are offered a deeply moving experience, one that connects the past to the present and provides a space for reflection and respect. The quiet dignity of the USS Arizona Memorial compels us to remember the sacrifices made, to appreciate the peace we enjoy, and to ensure that such a tragedy is never forgotten. As we walk through this sacred space, we are reminded of the importance of remembrance, the value of history, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation united.