The United States flag still flies proudly from the main mast of the sunken USS Arizona and the impressive memorial above honours the dead while also providing a fascinating and informative visitor experience. The ship lies where it sank on December 7, 1941 in the deadly Japanese attack on the U.S. fleet stationed in Pearl Harbour – an attack which led directly to the country’s involvement in World War II. The memorial, located just offshore, directly above the battleship, marks the resting place of most of the 1,117 military personnel killed on that day. Visitors can take a shuttle boat from the mainland to visit the site as part of a 75-minute tour and, from there, get a bird’s eye view of perhaps the most significant relic in U.S. history.
The Pearl Harbour Visitor Centre houses the bulk of the historical information as well as exhibitions about the attacks and it is also where you can get your tickets for the boat tour. The tickets are free but are usually snapped up by mid-morning so get there early to make sure you get a place or reserve yours in advance online for a small fee.
Before you head out to the memorial itself, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the Pearl Harbour attacks and the area’s involvement in the war through a number of exhibitions and a 23-minute documentary. There are also photographs and personal items belonging to some of the sailors killed: a sad reminder of the human cost of the tragedy.
From the visitor centre, you’ll be taken by boat to the impressive memorial which spans the wrecked hulk of the ship. According to the architect, its curved, white shape “expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory” and, as it is a grave site, visitors are reminded to behave respectfully at all times. The memorial is divided into three sections including an entrance hall, displaying one of the ship’s anchors, and the shrine, where all the names of those killed in the attack are engraved. In the assembly hall, visitors can view the decks of the rusting remains directly through the floor and many like to scatter flowers here in memory of the dead. The memorial is open every day except for Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
USS Arizona Memorial Tours and Activities
Visit USS Arizona Memorial
Plan a trip to see USS Arizona Memorial
Stay Hotel Waikiki
Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2024
Paradise Bay Resort
Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2024
Shows & concerts
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabWaikiki Luau Buffet with Optional Rock-A-Hula Show
Attractions
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabOahu Pass: Save up to 50 Percent - Includes Hawaiian Luau
Cruises & boat tours
See all 56 activitiesOpens in new tabSunset Dinner Cruise with Polynesian Show
Tours & day trips
See all 216 activitiesOpens in new tabShark Cage Diving with Hawaii's original shark tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tabJungle Expedition Tour at Kualoa Ranch
Reviews of USS Arizona Memorial
5/5 - Excellent
We found this experience very moving. The history around this experience is very chilling.
5/5 - Excellent
We did a tour which included pick up from nearby hotel and it went for 5 hours. Merlin our bus driver was fantastic from Royal Star Coaches. For me and my friend 5 hours was sufficient and very moving.
5/5 - Excellent
Get to the facility reasonably early and get a ticket (free) for the USS Arizona tour for the time that suits you, then select the other tours according the timer you have (and they, the other events) take.
3/5 - Okay
Would like to have more time on the ship
3/5 - Okay
No need to see everything here, getting on the battleship was the best part. We did a part day tour and that was well and truly enough time.
1/5 - Terrible
I still can't believe there was no indication the memorial was closed until we were departing the wharf. Who'd have bothered otherwise?
Popular places to visit
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
You can spend time studying the exhibits at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Honolulu. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
Step aboard and experience just what it was like to be part of the crew of a World War II submarine in this fascinating Pearl Harbor museum.
USS Missouri Memorial
See where history was made and battles fought at the place where World War II ended, on a U.S. battleship that served in three wars.
USS Oklahoma Memorial
You can learn about the history of Naval Station Pearl Harbor with a visit to USS Oklahoma Memorial. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Pearl Harbor
Discover where America's involvement in World War II started and ended amid the moving memorials and battleship museums of this historic harbor.
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor
The site of the Pearl Harbor attacks is now home to an expansive aviation museum, featuring a range of restored warplanes from both sides.
Top USS Arizona Memorial Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to USS Arizona Memorial
- Holidays and getaways similar to USS Arizona Memorial
- Are there hotels near USS Arizona Memorial?
- Hotels near popular Honolulu Attractions
- What kind of hotels are in USS Arizona Memorial?
- Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
- Pagoda Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
- Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
- Aqua Palms Waikiki
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki
- Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu
- The Twin Fin Hotel
- Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites
- OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
- The Equus
- Ala Moana Hotel by LSI Resorts
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach Walk
- Hotels near Ala Moana Center
- Hotels near Pearl Harbor
- Hotels near International Market Place
- Hotels near Diamond Head
- Hotels near Honolulu Zoo
- Hotels near University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Hotels near Hawaii Convention Center
- Hotels near Ala Moana Beach Park
- Hotels near Kaneohe Bay
- Hotels near Kuhio Beach Park