USS Arizona Memorial
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Remembering Pearl Harbor: The
Story of the USS Arizona Memorial

The Memorial is located about 2 miles west of the Honolulu Airport in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. The Memorial is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and consists of a shoreside visitor center (VC), where the tours begin, and the Memorial located in Pearl Harbor. The Memorial is accessible only by the NPS tour from the visitor center.
The USS Arizona Memorial (USAR) is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941 when their ship was bombed by the Japanese Naval Forces. This loss of life represents over half of the Americans killed on this "Day of Infamy", the worst naval disaster in American History.
The VC is open 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week except New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours begin about every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The tour programs are free and new, souvenir tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person must obtain their own ticket. During busy summer and winter holiday periods, it is recommended that you arrive at the VC before 12 noon. There are no age or size restrictions, but children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate dress is required, no swim wear or bare feet.
The tour program consists of a brief introduction by a park ranger, Pearl Harbor survivor, or volunteer. A 23 minute film on the history of the Pearl Harbor attack follows. After viewing the film, visitors board a Navy operated launch for the Memorial. The entire program takes 75 minutes. Wait times for the tour may exceed 2 hours.
While waiting for your tour to begin, there is an excellent audio tour narrated by Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine available. The audio tour will guide you through the Visitor Center, museum exhibits, and backlawn exhibits. The audio tour will provide you with interpretive information on the shuttle boats and on the Memorial. Visit the bookstore where a wide range of materials on the Pearl Harbor attack may be purchased.
See a map of the Pearl Harbor area (provided by Google)
For more information write: National Park Service, USS Arizona Memorial, No. 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818. You may also call (808) 422-0561 for a recorded message or (808) 422-2771 for additional information from a NPS employee.
Security Measures
Due to the terrorist attacks on the United States and the location of the USS Arizona Memorial on an active military base, strict security measures are currently being enforced. No purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage or other items that offer concealment are allowed in the visitor center or on the memorial. Strollers with pockets and compartments must be empty before being allowed in the visitor center. Personal cameras are allowed. Baggage storage is available for a nominal fee. Valuables should not be left in parked vehicles in the parking lots.
The USS Arizona Memorial visitor center's operating hours are 7:30 am to 5:00 pm seven days a week. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The first tour begins at 8:00 am and the last tour begins at 3:00 pm. The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and includes a film and Navy boat to the memorial. Tours are free, first come, first serve and wait times for tours may exceed two hours. Visitors should plan to arrive at the visitor center no later than 12:00 pm during busy times of the year. Media is also under strict security restrictions and must contact Brad Baker at (909) 422-2771, ext. 123 for film permit applications at least 7 days in advance of their proposed visit to the park. For further information, please call (808) 422-0561.