Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial

About

Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial stand as one of America's most powerful historic sites, honoring the 2,403 service members and civilians who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Located on the island of Oahu, this National Memorial draws over 1.8 million visitors each year who come to pay respects, learn, and reflect.

Your visit begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where two museum galleries tell the story of the attack and its aftermath through artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts. The Road to War gallery covers events leading up to December 7, while the Attack gallery places you in the moment with firsthand testimonies and recovered items from that morning.

The centerpiece experience is the boat ride across the harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial itself. A U.S. Navy shuttle carries visitors to the white memorial structure that spans the sunken battleship. Standing above the hull, you can still see oil rising to the surface, a reminder that the ship remains the final resting place for 1,177 crew members. The marble wall inscribed with their names is quietly overwhelming.

Beyond the Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor is home to several other historic sites worth exploring. The Battleship Missouri, where Japan formally surrendered to end World War II, sits nearby. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum round out a full day of history.

Plan to arrive early, as the site is popular and morning visits tend to be less crowded. The visitor center opens at 7:00 AM, and free tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program are available on a first-come basis or through advance reservations on Recreation.gov. The memorial program includes a 23-minute documentary film followed by the Navy shuttle boat ride. Allow at least two to three hours for the full experience, and bring sun protection since much of the visitor center is outdoors.

No bags, purses, or backpacks are allowed inside. A bag storage facility is available for a small fee near the entrance. This policy exists for security reasons, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility

Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are fully accessible to visitors with mobility needs. The entire Visitor Center, including restrooms, theaters, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desks, and drinking fountains, is wheelchair accessible. Wide walkways and ramps connect the outdoor exhibits, and benches are placed throughout for visitors who need to rest between areas.

The U.S. Navy shuttle boats that carry visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial are wheelchair and scooter accessible. The memorial structure itself can be accessed by wheelchair, so visitors with mobility devices can fully participate in the experience.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, a USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour is available in braille format at no charge. No reservations are required for this service - simply check in at the Narrated Tour desk for assistance. National Park Rangers and Navy personnel are available to provide additional support. Visitors are encouraged to let staff know about any accessibility needs upon arrival, and they'll provide personalized assistance.

Designated viewing areas are available for wheelchair users at key points throughout the site. Parking is available at the visitor center with accessible spaces. The pathways between exhibits are paved and maintained for smooth travel.

For the most current information about specific accommodations or to arrange assistance in advance, contact Pearl Harbor National Memorial directly or visit the National Park Service website.

More accessible places in Hawaii

• Bishop Museum (Honolulu)
• Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu)
• ʻIolani Palace (Honolulu)
• Diamond Head State Monument (Honolulu)
• ʻIolani Palace & Plantation Village (Honolulu)
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (Honolulu)

Photo credits

• Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial - hi-pearl-harbor-national-memorial-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial - hi-pearl-harbor-national-memorial-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial - hi-pearl-harbor-national-memorial-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)