Your Window into World War II

A "must-do" activity for anyone visiting Oahu, a visit to the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is one not to be forgotten. The memorial honors those whose lives were taken on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

At the USS Arizona Memorial, you'll see footage of the Pearl Harbor attack and pay respects to the hundreds of American servicemen entombed in the battleship below.

From there, you'll head to the rolling green hills of Punchbowl National Cemetery bursting with flowers. As somber as it is beautiful, this famous site is where those who died in the Pacific naval war are buried.

To end on a lighter note, you'll get a narrated tour through downtown Honolulu with more historical sights. In addition to the impressive state buildings and churches, you'll see Iolani Palace, the one and only royal palace on American soil. Come face-to-face with a statue of the great Hawaiian warrior-king who united the Hawaiian islands, King Kamehameha. By the time you get back to your hotel, you'll feel part of Hawaii and American history.

Highlights
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial* (Museum & Movie)
Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific
Iolani Palace
State Capitol and Washington Place
King Kamehameha Statue
Kawaiahao Church and Mission Houses

About the Arizona Memorial

The Memorial is located about 2 miles west of the Honolulu Airport in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. The Memorial is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and consists of a shoreside visitor center (VC), where the tours begin, and the Memorial located in Pearl Harbor. The Memorial is accessible only by the NPS tour from the visitor center.

The USS Arizona Memorial (USAR) is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941 when their ship was bombed by the Japanese Naval Forces. This loss of life represents over half of the Americans killed on this "Day of Infamy", the worst naval disaster in American History.

The VC is open 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week except New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours begin about every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The tour programs are free and new, souvenir tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person must obtain their own ticket. During busy summer and winter holiday periods, it is recommended that you arrive at the VC before 12 noon. There are no age or size restrictions, but children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate dress is required, no swim wear or bare feet.

The tour program consists of a brief introduction by a park ranger, Pearl Harbor survivor, or volunteer. A 23 minute film on the history of the Pearl Harbor attack follows. After viewing the film, visitors board a Navy operated launch for the Memorial. The entire program takes 75 minutes. Wait times for the tour may exceed 2 hours.

While waiting for your tour to begin, there is an excellent audio tour narrated by Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine available. The audio tour will guide you through the Visitor Center, museum exhibits, and backlawn exhibits. The audio tour will provide you with interpretive information on the shuttle boats and on the Memorial. Visit the bookstore where a wide range of materials on the Pearl Harbor attack may be purchased.

What To Know

Departs daily from 6:00-6:45am, and returns at approximately 11:30am.
Summer season: Returns approximately 1:30pm.

Due to stringent security requirements bags, purses and strollers are not allowed.
Shoes must be worn. Cameras permitted. Storage is available at the entrance to the USS Bowfin for a nominal fee.

Children under the age of 4 are free and must be seated on an adult's lap. If you require a seat for a child under 4, you must purchase a child's admission.

Above prices are subject to change due to additional transportation fee depending on your hotel pickup location.

*We shall not be liable to any individual utilizing these tour/activity programs for delays, injury, loss, accident or damage to persons or property beyond its control. Natural phenomena are random and out of the control of the tour provider. Prices, features and/or menu are subject to change without notice. Transportation for most tours are for Waikiki only. For visitors staying outside Waikiki some activity or tour transportation can be arranged. Please contact us for details.