National Memorials - USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial

The Memorial Site

USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

on a 4-Star Scale

The Monument The USS Arizona memorial is set above the sunken wreckage of the battleship Arizona to honor the 1,177 sailors and marines entombed in the ship's wreckage who died December 7th, 1941 in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The monument is located in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Our Visit We visited the memorial in September 2003 around 10:30 in the morning on a Saturday. We figured it would be swamped, but it turned out to be a good time to go. We waited for about 45 minutes for our turn to go to the memorial, but you can browse the shop or excellent museum on site while you wait.

Our Weather It was overcast and about 85 degrees. This day was cloudier than most we experienced in Hawaii.

Overall Impression If you're American or Japanese, you simply must visit this memorial if you ever visit Hawaii. It is a somber reminder of the events that led to America's involvement in WWII. The memorial is supported by an outstanding museum and video which really help visitors understand the historic context and events surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack.

Visiting About 2-3 hours. To see the Arizona, you take a ticket with a number when you first get there. Before your number is called, you can wander around the bookstore or read up on the history of the event in the small but well-done museum. When they call your group number (about 45 minutes later in our case) you are gathered into an auditorium where they show a video of the Pearl Harbor attack with narration and testimonials describing the devastation. After the video, you board a small boat that ferries everyone to the memorial. Once there, you have about 20 minutes to look at the wreckage and read the names of those who died in a quiet manner--it's a very somber and memorable experience. Parts of the ship are still visible above the surface, and oil slicks are still present even 60 years after the sinking. The park rangers have flowers available for people who wish to remember the dead by tossing flowers onto the water.

If you have a half-day to spend and really love naval history, you can also visit a WWII submarine and the USS Missouri, both tied up near the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Just a fair warning: these exhibits are NOT run by the National Parks Service, so there's a pretty stiff entrance fee.

Other Nearby Attractions It's Hawaii, there's no shortage of attractions!

Suggestions Take time to tour the museum--it's worth it! When you're on the boat, try to get a seat near the side or back so you can take pictures without stepping over everyone else. When you get to the memorial, don't worry about people getting in your way initially--there is plenty of time to get a good view of everything once everyone has had their glimpse. If you can wait until there's a day with no wind, go then--it will allow you to see underwater much better.

Photos Click on thumbnails to view larger image

The memorial is set atop the Arizona on battleship row in Pearl Harbor

No. 3 Turret Mount and a few other pieces are still above water