USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii

USS Arizona Memorial
Perhaps the most famous of the Naval memorials, the USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see experience for anyone visiting the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Many are overcome with emotion by visiting such a historic place that serves as both a tribute to those serving in the protection of their country, and a memorial to those who have sacrificed their lives in its defense. This memorial commemorates the destruction of the battleship USS Arizona, part of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 that led President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to declare war on Japan and marked the entrance of The Unite States in the Second World War.

The USS Arizona Memorial experience begins with a twenty-three minute video describing the attack on Pearl Harbor, and then a ferry-ride to the actual Memorial that stands above the sunken battleship. Designed by famous architect Alfred Preis, the austere structure not only houses a wall listing the over one thousand servicemen who died in the explosion that sank the ship, but also provides windows showing a clear view of the USS Arizona that entombs them. The ship continues to leak oil anywhere from two to nine quarts per day, and these droplets visible from the service are called “black tears” or the “Tears of the Arizona”.

Free tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be certain to get there early, as these free tickets are often dispensed and run out prior to 12pm. While waiting for your tour group to start, feel free to walk around the grounds, or visit the nearby memorials for the USS Bowfin, USS Oklahoma. Shuttle service is available as well to visit the USS Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Unlike the USS Arizona Memorial, each of these has an entrance fee, but tickets for all sites may be picked up from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Information Desk.

National Park Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to answer any questions you might have. There are often also survivors from the attack on Pearl Harbor present who will talk about the experience. Please remember at all times to be respectful and courteous, as this is a memorial and graveyard with great meaning to many people.

Extra Tips
Security precautions prohibit almost any bag. It is highly recommended that you either travel light or make use of the storage locker facilities available near the USS Bowfin. Use of the lockers costs $3.

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