USS Arizona Memorial

• Built above the sunken battleship USS Arizona
• Honors more than one thousand sailors and Marines
• Located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu
• Free admission with boat access to the memorial
• One of the most visited historic sites in the United States

The USS Arizona Memorial is a solemn and deeply moving site that honors the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Floating above the remains of the battleship, the memorial invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with a defining moment in American history.

Inside the open air structure, natural light, gentle harbor sounds, and quiet design create an atmosphere of respect. The names of those who perished are engraved in marble, transforming history into something personal and human.

The experience is not about spectacle but remembrance, offering space for understanding the cost of war and the importance of peace.

The best time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial is early morning, when temperatures are cooler and visitor numbers are lower.

Visiting earlier in the day also allows time to explore nearby Pearl Harbor sites at a relaxed pace.

• The memorial was dedicated in 1962
• Oil droplets can still be seen rising from the wreck
• The structure does not touch the ship below
• It is maintained by the National Park Service
• Millions visit the memorial each year

Half Day Ideal Visit

Morning:
Begin at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and watch the introductory film before boarding the boat to the memorial.

Midday:
Spend quiet time inside the memorial, then explore nearby exhibits and displays.

Afternoon:
Visit other Pearl Harbor historic sites or walk along the waterfront in reflection.

• Exterior view of the memorial over the water
• Entrance walkway and harbor approach
• Interior remembrance wall
• Views of Battleship Row
• Quiet waterfront scenes near the visitor center

• Reserve boat tickets in advance
• Dress respectfully and comfortably
• Maintain silence inside the memorial
• Arrive early to avoid long waits
• Allow time for quiet reflection

USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the battleship USS Arizona, which was destroyed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The explosion caused the ship to sink rapidly, taking the lives of 1,177 crew members.

For years after the attack, the wreck remained undisturbed as the nation debated how best to honor those lost. Public support grew, and a permanent memorial was eventually approved and constructed above the sunken ship.

Dedicated in 1962, the memorial became a symbol of remembrance and reconciliation. Today, it serves as a national shrine, preserving history while reminding visitors of the human cost of war and the enduring hope for peace.

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