A dazzling white marble structure sits atop and perpendicular to the underwater remains of the World War II ship USS Arizona. The ship’s deck lies six feet below the water’s surface in the position it has rested since December 7, 1941. The 184 foot memorial is a solemn testimony to the 1,177 Marines and sailors who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
This historical site includes an onshore visitor center and the Memorial itself. In the visitor center are a bookstore, museum, exhibits, two theaters, a small snack bar, public telephones, and restrooms. Guests view a 23 minute documentary about the Pearl Harbor attack before visiting the Memorial.
What To Expect
The Memorial attracts about 4500 visitors daily. Guests should expect their visit to be about four hours including waiting time. Mid morning is a good time to somewhat escape the otherwise long lines.
Guests should be prepared for rain if they visit from November to March, the rainy season. Temperatures year round range from the 80s in the daytime to the 70s during the night, so dress accordingly. Shirts and shoes are required. Flip-flops and bathing suits are not allowed.
The Memorial is wheelchair accessible. Children under the age of twelve must be accompanied by an adult. Infant strollers, carriages, baby backpacks, and diaper bags are not allowed beyond the visitor center. Infants must be carried.
The only items which may be carried into the theater and on the launch and Memorial are cell phones which must be turned off and cameras and camcorders for security reasons.
There are no restrooms on the Memorial.
Hours of Operation
The USS Arizona Memorial is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days. The visitor center and memorial open at 7:30 in the morning and close at 5:00 in the late afternoon. The first program begins at 7:45 AM with the last of the thirty daily programs beginning at 3:00 PM.
Admission Cost
Although visiting the memorial and parking is free, there is a small fee for renting an audio head-set with a recorded narrated tour. These are available in seven languages from the front lobby of the visitor center. Some guests pay a fee to store their bags and packs in a private vendor’s storage facility located near the USS Bowfin Submarine Park.
How To Get There
If driving west on H-1, turn at Exit 15A, the USS Arizona/Stadium exit. Proceed on HI-99 or Kamehameha Highway to Arizona Memorial Place. After turning right at the bottom of a hill, the parking lot is to the left. Eastbound travelers on H-1 should take Exit 13A, and then the Stadium/Aiea Exit to HI-99.
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