Pearl Harbor is the top tourist site in Hawaii for a reason. Millions of tourists travel from all over the world to see The USS Arizona Memorial and learn more about where World War II took place. The memorial stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, it serves as an important symbol of remembrance for those that perished in one of America’s darkest days. Delve into this article and learn more about USS Arizona Memorial and its significance in history.
Highlights
- Dedicated to the 1,177 crew members who died when the USS Arizona sank during the Pearl Harbor attack.
- Visitors take a boat to the memorial to pay homage to those lost in battle.
- Observe oil still leaking from the hull of the ship. A reminder that some remains sealed within it.
- Take part in a moment of silence at noon during which all activity ceases aboard ships located in Pearl Harbor.
History
The USS Arizona Memorial was constructed in 1951, nearly 10 years after the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. It is the final resting place for over 900 of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 bombing by Japanese Naval Forces.
In 1950, Admiral Arthur Radford ordered that a flagpole be erected over the sunken battleship. A commemorative plaque was placed at the base of the flagpole. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the creation of the Memorial in 1958 and its construction was completed in 1961. The public funds were appropriated by Congress and private donations. The 184-foot-long memorial structure spanning the mid-portion of the sunken battleship was established to honor those who died in the attack. In 1980, it was designated a national monument by President Jimmy Carter. It was then included as part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
Exhibits and Tour
The USS Arizona Memorial is visited by over 1.7 million people each year, making it one of Hawaii’s most significant attractions. Built atop the sunken battleship, the floating structure honors the crew who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The memorial consists of three main areas: an open-air gathering space, a shrine room with the names of the fallen, and a museum with exhibits detailing the events of December 7, 1941. Visitors can view artifacts, photographs, and a documentary that provides deeper historical context.
Guided tours offer an intimate look at the site, where oil still seeps from the ship’s hull—a poignant reminder of the entombed crew. A daily moment of silence at noon adds to the solemn atmosphere.
Overall, the memorial is both a tribute to those who perished and a powerful reminder to honor and learn from the past.
New Virtual Standby System (2025 Update)
In addition to online reservations, visitors can now join the USS Arizona Memorial program through a free virtual standby system at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
How it Works:
- Visit the tablets in the Visitor Center courtyard.
- Enter your name, phone number, and party size (up to 6 people per phone).
- Receive a confirmation text with your Standby (SB) number.
- When your number is called, you’ll get a text directing you to the Theater for boarding.
- Check in by scanning your QR code or giving your SB number to a ranger.
You may request up to two time extensions (15 or 30 minutes each), allowing you to continue exploring exhibits while you wait. This system eliminates long lines, making the experience more convenient and comfortable.
Tips When Visiting
- Plan at least two hours to fully explore the memorial.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking.
- Bring water and light snacks, as food options are limited.
- Follow photography restrictions during certain parts of the visit.
- Avoid bringing large bags; only small clutches are allowed.
- Consider making a donation to support preservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It sits atop the sunken hull of the USS Arizona battleship, which was destroyed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
The USS Arizona Memorial serves as a reminder of sacrifice and pays tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. It honors all those who served throughout the war and provides visitors with insight into one of America’s darkest days.
The USS Arizona Memorial was constructed in 1951, nearly ten years after the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. It was dedicated to those who perished at sea and later designated a national monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 as part of the World War II Valor in Pacific National Monument.
The USS Arizona, sunk in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor in a horrific 1941 attack, lies underwater, seen up-close by only a few divers a year. Despite the continuous oil leak—droplets known as the “Black Tears of the Arizona” from the ship, it was decided to let her remain at the bottom of the harbor despite environmental concerns.
Yes! There is an online virtual tour available for those unable to make it to Hawaii where thousands have experienced since its launch in 2020, allowing people all around the world to pay homage to those lost in battle and commemorate this solemn piece of American history from afar.
Visiting or learning about The USS Arizona Memorial provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past while paying respect to those we have lost in battle. It allows us to appreciate how far we have come since then and provides us with hope for a brighter future ahead no matter where we are located across our great nation or around the world today.
How to Get to Arizona Memorial
The only way to get to this exquisitely designed floating memorial is via daily boat tours. The journey begins at the Navy base, where visitors board a National Park Service vessel that provides transportation to the memorial. It is about 15 minutes and provides visitors an opportunity to take in the beauty of the harbor as they approach this solemn site. The boats depart twice daily, at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. For those who would want to have a tour on their own, tickets must be reserved online in advance, however this isn’t guaranteed. It is best to book a tour for a less hassle trip.
Wrapping it Up
Visiting this memorial provides you with an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s past. Before departing, make sure to pay your respects at the shrine where you can lay leis or flowers in memory of those who perished during this tragic event in American history. Interested to learn more about it? Book your USS Arizona Memorial tour now and immerse in the historical events of Pearl Harbor Hawaii.
