Located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorates the lives lost during the surprise attack by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. This pivotal moment in history led the United States into World War II and changed the course of the 20th century. When you visit Pearl Harbor, you experience a site of remembrance, resilience, and national reflection.
🏛️ What Is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial?
Managed by the National Park Service, the memorial includes several key sites:
- USS Arizona Memorial – Built over the sunken battleship where 1,177 sailors lost their lives
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center – Free museum exhibits, documentary film, and boat tours to the USS Arizona
- USS Oklahoma Memorial – Honors the 429 sailors and Marines who died on the battleship Oklahoma
- USS Utah Memorial – Accessible with military base permission
- Remembrance Circle – Honors all service members killed during the attack
📍 Location & Hours
- Location: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
- Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Dec 7 ceremony day)
Address:
1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818
🎟️ Entry & Reservations
- Entry: FREE to the memorial and museum
- USS Arizona Boat Tickets: Free, but advance reservations strongly recommended via recreation.gov
- Other Sites: Admission required for adjacent attractions like USS Missouri, Bowfin Submarine, and Pacific Aviation Museum (not part of the NPS)
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Weather & Tips |
|---|---|
| Dec–April | Cooler, peak tourism season – book early |
| May–Sept | Warmer but less crowded |
| Morning hours are best for lower crowds and calmer bay waters |
🕊️ What to Expect During Your Visit
1. Start at the Visitor Center
Explore galleries with artifacts, timelines, survivor stories, and a 23-minute documentary film on the attack.
2. USS Arizona Memorial Boat Tour
Take a short boat ride operated by the U.S. Navy to the white memorial structure built directly above the sunken battleship.
3. Reflection & Remembrance
View the names of the fallen engraved on the shrine wall and watch the oil—called “black tears”—still leaking from the ship beneath the water.
🏨 Where to Stay Nearby
- Luxury: Halekulani, Prince Waikiki
- Mid-Range: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Ala Moana Hotel
- Budget: Airport Honolulu Hotel, Best Western Plaza
Distance from Waikiki: Approx. 30–40 minutes by car or shuttle
🚌 Getting There
- By Car: Free parking available
- Public Transport: TheBus routes 20 or 42 from Waikiki
- Tours: Many companies offer guided Pearl Harbor day trips including hotel pickup
Reporter
