The USS Arizona Memorial marks the spot of the sunken USS Arizona, the American warship that was attacked in Pearl Harbour by the Japanese on 7 December 1941.
Over a thousand military personnel lost their lives in the attack and this memorial to those brave souls straddles the hulk of the wrecked ship. From the viewing platforms, you can look down into the water and see the remains of one of the World War II’s most significant warships. The only way to reach the memorial is by boat as part of a tour, lasting around an hour and a half.
Head directly to the Visitor Centre on the mainland and learn more about the memorial through its two exhibitions “Road to War” and “Attack”, which clearly describe the events of that day. Watch the short documentary describing what happened in Pearl Harbour during the War. A collection of photographs and personal items belonging to the sailors helps to give an insight into the lives of some of the people who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In the entrance hall, you’ll come across one of the original anchors from the USS Arizona, and in the assembly hall you can peer through the floor to the decks of the warship itself. There is an opening where you can leave flowers as a mark of respect for the victims. Perhaps the most moving part of the memorial is the shrine, which is engraved with the names of the men and women who lost their lives in the 1941 attack.
The USS Arizona is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Bear in mind that this is a memorial site, so respectful behaviour is expected. You can visit the memorial free of charge by picking up a ticket from the Visitor Centre on the mainland. Arrive early to grab one of these limited tickets, or pay a small fee to reserve tickets online in advance.
