USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu, Oahu, HI, 96701
The USS Arizona Memorial floats above the wreckage of the USS Arizona—a United States battleship that was attacked in Pearl Harbor during World War II. Today, the memorial commemorates the final resting place of those who perished there and features a marble wall etched with the names of those who served onboard. It also has openings looking down through the water to the sunken battleship below.
The basics
Access the memorial sight via the free Park Service shuttle boats that run according to a timed ticket schedule. While some private Pearl Harbor boat tours include shuttle tickets and round-trip transportation from Honolulu and Waikiki, they're typically not allowed to disembark at the memorial and may cruise around it.
The Park Service’s USS Arizona Memorial tour includes a 23-minute documentary, round-trip boat ride, and time at the memorial. Plan to spend about 90 minutes there. Note that the park service releases a limited number of tickets each day Booking a tour in advance is a convenient way to ensure you’ll see the memorial.
Things to know before you go
Check the weather. High winds and rough seas can cancel boat rides to the memorial.
Find restrooms at the visitor center.
The USS Arizona Memorial, visitor center, and related facilities are wheelchair-accessible.
Because timed tickets are limited to the number of seats on the boat, crowding is not an issue.
How to get there
The memorial is off the coast of Ford Island in Pearl Harbor on Oahu. To reach the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, take Nimitz Highway to H-1 West and take exit 15-A to HI-99, then turn left at the fourth traffic light.
When to get there
The USS Arizona Memorial is open daily year-round except on Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. The park service releases 1,300 first-come, first-served tickets each day starting at 7am—arrive early to secure entry. Many visitors start their Pearl Harbor experience with the USS Arizona, making morning tickets the hardest to come by.
Things to do at Pearl Harbor
There are four other Pearl Harbor historic sites besides the USS Arizona Memorial. The land-based USS Oklahoma Memorial run by the National Park Service; the floating Battleship Missouri Memorial, aboard which the WWII peace treaty was signed; the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, where visitors can board and see the interior of the sub that avenged the attacks by sinking enemy ships; and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, home to huge hangars of period aircraft.
How much does it cost to tour the USS Arizona Memorial?
It’s free to tour the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but you do need to reserve your free ticket in advance. You can do this at recreation.gov. If you come as part of a tour, your operator will take care of reserving your spot.
How do you get tickets to see the USS Arizona?
You can reserve your free USS Arizona Memorial tickets for the on recreation.gov. The first allotment of tickets is available up to 56 days in advance, and goes live at 3pm Hawaiian time. For next-day entry, check the website for a second round of tickets released at 3pm.
Can you visit the USS Arizona without a reservation?
No, you can’t visit the USS Arizona without a reservation and same-day tickets are no longer available. Instead, you’ll need to book tickets in advance on the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours page of recreation.gov, or go as part of a guided tour led by a third-party operator.
How long does it take to tour the USS Arizona Memorial?
You’ll need about two hours to explore the USS Arizona Memorial. This will give you enough time to take in all the exhibits and watch a short documentary about the attacks on Pearl Harbor. That said, many visitors spend a whole day at Pearl Harbor.
What is the best time of day to visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
The best time of day to visit the USS Arizona Memorial is first thing in the morning—you’ll be less likely to run into big crowds if you take the first tour of the day. Plus, the weather is generally cooler in the early morning.
Is parking free at the USS Arizona Memorial?
No, parking isn’t free at the USS Arizona Memorial—it costs US$7 a day, as part of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). Entry to the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free of charge, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Ways to explore
You must reserve timed tickets to visit the USS Arizona Memorial; the time you book indicates the departure time for the boat that leaves the dock for the memorial. Standby tickets may be available on the day, but these aren’t guaranteed, so it’s best to book ahead if you can. Reservations are available eight weeks in advance, and many sessions fill up.
You can also visit the memorial on organized tours, many of which include round-trip transportation from your hotel. Tour prices start from US$10 for self-guided audio tours or begin around US$100 for private tours.
Accessibility
The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Service animals are welcome.
Age limits
None; bring a baby carrier for infants, as you can’t take strollers onto the memorial. Large changing bags are not permitted, but diapers can be stored in a clear bag within stroller compartments.
What to pack
Opt to take a small bag, as large bags must be stored at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Also, bring a water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen.
What to wear
The site is a place of remembrance, and visitors are asked to dress respectfully. Comfortable footwear is recommended for sightseeing.
Not allowed
Large bags, backpacks, smoking, vaping, glass containers, aerosols, alcohol, strollers in the memorial
Amenities
Bench seating, baggage storage facility at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, restrooms (note there are no restrooms on the boat), snack shop
Address
To get to the USS Arizona Memorial, you must first go to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to check in. From there, you can board a shuttle boat out to the memorial.
Driving
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is located on Arizona Memorial Place. If driving, take the H-1 Freeway to exit 15 (Nimitz Highway) and follow signs to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Paid parking is available on-site for a flat fee per day.
Public transportation
You can arrive by bus: routes 20 and 42 stop near Pearl Harbor. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Visitor Center.
Best times to visit
Consider visiting in the early morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Best days to visit
The memorial is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Consider a midweek trip to avoid the biggest crowds.
Best months to visit
Visiting during the dry season (from April to October) offers the best weather and boating conditions.
Special events
Special events take place throughout the year, especially during National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7) and Memorial Day.
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