What you'll see at the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is a white structure built over the sunken battleship USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The ship sank on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, killing 1,177 sailors and Marines aboard. The memorial sits directly above the wreck, which remains on the harbor floor.
Visitors reach the memorial by taking a boat from the visitor center on shore. The structure itself is 184 feet long and has an opening in the middle so you can see the water and the ship below. Inside, a wall lists the names of everyone who died on the USS Arizona. Many people visit to pay respects and learn about this moment in American history.
The memorial is managed by the National Park Service and is part of Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which includes several other sites related to the 1941 attack.
Key Takeaways
- The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, and is reached by a short boat ride from the visitor center on shore.
- Entry to the memorial and visitor center is free, but you will need to reserve a timed ticket in advance through recreation.gov or arrive early for same-day tickets.
- The visitor center opens at 7:00 a.m. and the last boat departs around 1:00 p.m., so plan to arrive early if you want to visit.
- You cannot bring bags, cameras with large lenses, or certain other items onto the boat, so check the restrictions before you go.
- The boat ride takes about 15 minutes each way, and most people spend one to two hours at the memorial and visitor center.
Getting a ticket and planning your visit
Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are free. You can reserve a timed ticket online through recreation.gov up to two months in advance. Timed tickets are recommended because the visitor center has a limited number of boat seats each day, and tickets often fill up, especially during peak travel seasons.
If you do not have a reserved ticket, you can arrive at the visitor center and request a same-day ticket. Same-day tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:00 a.m. During busy times, same-day tickets may run out by mid-morning. The visitor center is located at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818.
The visitor center opens at 7:00 a.m. daily. The last boat to the memorial typically departs around 1:00 p.m., though this time can vary by season. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled boat time. The entire visit, including the boat ride and time at the memorial, usually takes one to two hours.
What to bring and what is not allowed
You are allowed to bring a small camera or phone to take photographs. However, cameras with large telephoto lenses, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted on the boat or at the memorial. Binoculars are allowed.
Bags, backpacks, and large purses cannot be brought onto the boat. A small crossbody bag or clutch may be allowed, but the rules are strict. If you have a bag, you will need to leave it at the visitor center in a locker. Lockers are available for a small fee, usually $2 to $7 depending on size.
You cannot bring weapons, explosives, or illegal items. Alcohol and tobacco are also prohibited. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes appropriate for the weather. The boat deck can be slippery, and there is no shade on the memorial structure itself.
The boat ride and what happens at the memorial
The boat departs from the visitor center dock and takes about 15 minutes to reach the memorial. Park rangers or volunteers usually provide brief information during the ride. The boat holds around 50 to 100 people depending on which vessel is operating that day.
Once at the memorial, you have time to walk around the structure, look at the water and the ship below, and read the names on the wall. There is no guide or formal tour at the memorial itself — you move at your own pace. Many people stand quietly and reflect. Some leave flowers or lei in the water as a tribute.
The return boat ride takes another 15 minutes. You are not required to stay for a specific amount of time at the memorial, but most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour there before boarding the return boat.
Visiting the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
The visitor center has exhibits about the 1941 attack, the USS Arizona, and the Pacific War. There is a theater that shows a short film about the attack and the ship. The exhibits are free to view and are included with your ticket. You can spend as much or as little time here as you want.
The visitor center has a bookstore, a small café with snacks and drinks, and restrooms. The café sells sandwiches, salads, and beverages at typical tourist prices. There are no other food vendors nearby, so if you plan to spend several hours, you may want to eat before arriving or purchase something at the café.
The visitor center also provides information about other Pearl Harbor sites you can visit, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. These are separate attractions with their own admission fees.
Other Pearl Harbor sites nearby
Pearl Harbor National Memorial includes several locations within walking distance or a short drive from the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum allows you to tour a World War II submarine. The Battleship Missouri Memorial is a decommissioned battleship you can explore. Both charge separate admission fees.
The visitor center can provide directions and information about these other sites. Many people visit the USS Arizona Memorial and one or two other Pearl Harbor sites in a single day. If you plan to visit multiple sites, allow at least three to four hours total.
Planning around weather and crowds
Hawaii's weather is generally warm year-round, but rain is common, especially in winter months. The boat ride operates in most weather conditions, but service may be suspended if seas are too rough or lightning is present. If your boat is cancelled due to weather, you can reschedule your ticket for another day.
The memorial is busiest during summer vacation months (June through August) and around holidays. If you prefer smaller crowds, visit on a weekday in the fall or spring. Early morning visits, especially before 9:00 a.m., tend to be less crowded than mid-day visits.
The memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. It is also occasionally closed for maintenance or special events. Check the Pearl Harbor National Memorial website before planning your visit to confirm hours and any closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes, children of all ages can visit. However, infants and very young children may find the boat ride and standing time challenging. There are no strollers allowed on the boat. Children must be able to walk and follow safety instructions. The visitor center has exhibits that may interest older children and teenagers.
Do I need to dress a certain way to visit the memorial?
There is no official dress code, but the memorial is a solemn place of remembrance. Respectful clothing is encouraged — avoid swimwear, very short shorts, or clothing with offensive language or images. Comfortable walking shoes are important because the boat deck and memorial structure can be slippery.
Can I scatter ashes or leave flowers at the memorial?
Scattering ashes is not permitted at the memorial. You can throw lei or flowers into the water as a tribute, and many visitors do this. However, do not throw other items or trash into the water. The National Park Service asks visitors to be respectful and leave no trace.
How long does the entire visit take?
Most people spend one to two hours total, including the boat rides and time at the memorial. If you also visit the visitor center exhibits and watch the film, plan for two to three hours. If you visit other Pearl Harbor sites the same day, allow several more hours.
What if I have mobility issues or cannot climb stairs?
The boat has a ramp for boarding, and the memorial structure itself is accessible to people with limited mobility. However, the boat deck can be uneven and slippery. If you have concerns about your ability to board the boat safely, contact the visitor center in advance at the phone number listed on the Pearl Harbor National Memorial website to discuss your specific needs.