At Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, the USS Arizona Memorial honors the sailors and Marines who died aboard the battleship during the attack on December 7, 1941. A Navy boat takes ticket holders from the visitor center to the white structure above the wreck. From there, you can look down toward the hull and see oil reach the water’s surface. Inside, a marble wall bears the names of those who died. Ranger talks and exhibits at the visitor center help put the site’s history in context; this is a place for quiet reflection, not a casual stop.
A memorial above the wreck
The USS Arizona was hit during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The battleship sank, and more than 1,000 of its crew died. The memorial, built above the wreck, marks their resting place. The ship remains underwater, visible beneath the structure in places, and oil continues to rise from it into the harbor.
The white memorial sits across the water from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. A Navy boat carries ticket holders between the center and the memorial. The short crossing brings you close to the wreck and gives you a view of the harbor and Ford Island.
Inside the memorial
A marble wall inside the structure is engraved with the names of those who died aboard the Arizona. It is a place to pause and remember the people behind the events of December 7. Keep your voice low and follow directions from Navy personnel; the memorial is also a burial site.
Look down toward the submerged ship, where the outline of the hull can be seen through the water. Oil still reaches the surface, a visible reminder of the wreck below. Views from the memorial extend across Pearl Harbor toward Ford Island and the USS Missouri.
Start at the visitor center
The visit begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Exhibits and a documentary film provide context about the attack and the Pacific War. National Park Service rangers also give talks, adding historical detail to the boat program and visit to the memorial.
Allow time for the visitor center as well as the boat trip. The program to the memorial is short, and time at the structure itself is limited, so arriving with a ticket and knowing where to begin helps you use your visit well. The wider Pearl Harbor site also has other historic sites and museums, some of which have paid admission; they are separate from the USS Arizona Memorial program.
Tickets and respectful conduct
Admission to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free, but visiting the USS Arizona Memorial requires a ticket for the boat program. Advance reservations are recommended because spaces can fill. Check the National Park Service’s official program page for current ticket details before you go.
Treat the memorial as a cemetery. Keep noise down and follow the instructions given by Navy personnel. Photography is subject to guidelines, so check what is permitted before taking pictures. Early mornings and weekdays can be a good choice if you want a less crowded visit.
FAQ
Is the USS Arizona Memorial free?
Admission to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free. A ticket is required for the boat program to the USS Arizona Memorial.
How do you get to the USS Arizona Memorial?
A Navy boat takes ticket holders from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to the memorial across the harbor.
How long should you plan for a visit?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours for the visitor center and memorial program. Time at the memorial itself is limited.
Should you book tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance reservations are recommended because spaces for the boat program can fill up.
