USS Arizona Memorial
Honolulu
Understanding the Significance
The USS Arizona Memorial is the centerpiece of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The structure itself is a 184-foot-long white bridge that straddles the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. Designed by architect Alfred Preis, the building’s silhouette—sagging in the middle but standing tall at the ends—is intended to represent initial defeat and ultimate victory.
Inside, the experience is divided into three main areas:
The Entry: Where you arrive by boat.
The Assembly Room: A central area for reflection, featuring 21 windows that offer views of the harbor and the sunken ship below.
The Shrine: A marble wall engraved with the names of those who lost their lives on the Arizona.
The "Black Tears"
One of the most moving aspects of the visit is seeing the iridescent oil slicks on the water's surface. These "tears" have been slowly leaking from the battleship’s fuel tanks for over 80 years. Many locals and veterans say the ship will continue to leak until the last survivor of the Arizona has passed away.
Planning Your Visit: The Logistics
Visiting the memorial requires careful coordination, as it is one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii and operates under strict security and safety protocols.
Reservations and Tickets
While entrance to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial grounds and museums is free, the USS Arizona Memorial Program requires a ticket.
Cost: There is a $1.00 non-refundable service fee per ticket, booked via Recreation.gov.
Booking Windows: Tickets are typically released in two windows:
8 weeks (56 days) in advance at 3:00 PM HST.
24 hours in advance at 3:00 PM HST for a smaller batch of "last-minute" tickets.
Standby Line: If you cannot secure a reservation, a standby line is available at the Visitor Center. However, seating is not guaranteed and depends on "no-shows" for scheduled programs.
Operating Hours
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The first memorial program usually begins at 8:00 AM, with the last boat departing around 3:30 PM.
The Visitor Experience
A standard visit to the USS Arizona Memorial takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, though you should allow at least 3 hours to explore the entire Visitor Center.
The Program
The Documentary: Your program begins in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater with a 23-minute film featuring archival footage and survivor testimonies.
The Boat Ride: Following the film, you board a Navy-operated shuttle boat for a short trip across the harbor to the memorial.
On the Memorial: You will have time to walk through the shrine, view the "Black Tears of the Arizona" (oil droplets still leaking from the ship), and pay your respects at the wall of names.
Beyond the Arizona
While the Arizona is the most famous site, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial includes several other points of interest:
"Road to War" and "Oahu 1941" Galleries: Two world-class museums that provide context on the lead-up to the attack and the aftermath.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum: Located right next to the Visitor Center (requires a separate ticket).
Battleship Missouri Memorial: Where the surrender documents were signed, ending WWII. You must take a shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to Ford Island to see the "Mighty Mo."
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Also located on Ford Island, featuring historic hangars and aircraft.