Pearl Harbor National Memorial honors the December 7, 1941 attack that brought America into World War II. The centerpiece is the USS Arizona Memorial, reached by Navy boat and floating above the sunken battleship where more than 1,100 sailors remain entombed. The wider harbor holds the Battleship Missouri (where the war ended with Japan's surrender), the submarine USS Bowfin, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. It's moving, superbly presented, and the single most-visited site in Hawaii. The USS Arizona program is free but timed — reserve ahead on the recreation.gov system.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked the U. S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, sinking the USS Arizona in minutes and drawing the United States into World War II. Today the harbor is both an active Navy base and America's most significant WWII memorial — a place of remarkable solemnity amid the beauty of Oahu's south shore.
The heart of a visit is the USS Arizona Memorial: a gleaming white structure straddling the sunken battleship, reached by a short Navy-operated boat ride, where oil still rises from the wreck below ("the tears of the Arizona"). The visitor center's museums and films set the context powerfully. Beyond the memorial, "Battleship Row" rewards a longer visit: walk the decks of the USS Missouri, on whose deck Japan surrendered in 1945 — the war's beginning and end, a few hundred yards apart — tour the WWII submarine USS Bowfin, and see the hangars (still bullet-scarred) of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island.
The USS Arizona program is free, but timed tickets are limited and released on recreation.gov — reserve as far ahead as you can (a small reservation fee applies), or line up early for same-day walk-in slots. Bags are restricted (storage available). Allow a half day for the Arizona and visitor center alone, or a full day to include the Missouri, Bowfin, and Aviation Museum (separately ticketed). It's a short drive west of Honolulu and pairs naturally with a Waikiki stay.
What to expect
The experience
Visitor center with museums and films, then a Navy boat to the USS Arizona Memorial (free, timed-entry). Separately ticketed sites: Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin submarine, and the Aviation Museum on Ford Island.
Best time
Mornings — book the earliest USS Arizona slot you can; the harbor is calmer and the light is beautiful. Reserve on recreation.gov well ahead; December 7 and holidays are busiest.
How long
Half a day for the Arizona and visitor center; a full day to include the Missouri, Bowfin, and Aviation Museum.
Tips
Reserve USS Arizona tickets ahead on recreation.gov (small fee). No bags beyond small clutches — use the storage at the entrance. Arrive early. Dress respectfully; it is an active memorial and military cemetery in spirit. The audio tour is excellent. Combine with the Missouri for the full beginning-to-end WWII arc.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first visit to Oahu — it's Hawaii's most important historic site and genuinely moving regardless of your interest in military history.
- Families
- Powerful for school-age kids and teens; the Missouri's decks and the submarine are the most engaging for younger visitors.
- Couples
- A sobering but meaningful half day — pair it with a relaxed afternoon back in Waikiki.
- Pair with
- The Battleship Missouri and Aviation Museum (same harbor), or downtown Honolulu and Iolani Palace on the drive back.
- Time needed
- Half a day minimum; a full day for all four sites.
Good questions
How do I get USS Arizona Memorial tickets?+
The program is free with a small reservation fee, booked on recreation.gov. Slots are released ahead of time and go quickly — reserve as early as you can, or try the limited same-day release. The boat to the memorial is operated by the Navy.
How much time do I need?+
About half a day for the visitor center, museums, and the USS Arizona Memorial. Add the Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin, and the Aviation Museum and it becomes a full day.
Can I bring a bag?+
No — bags, purses, and backpacks beyond small clutches aren't allowed inside for security. A paid bag-storage facility sits at the entrance. Bring ID, water, and sun protection.
Is it appropriate for kids?+
Yes — it's presented accessibly, and the battleship and submarine are engaging for kids. The Arizona itself is a solemn memorial; brief kids on quiet behavior there.
Where is it?+
On Oahu's south shore, about 30-45 minutes' drive west of Waikiki depending on traffic. Rideshares, tours, and public transit all serve it.
