Must visit when you're on Oahu to learn a little more about history. We purchased our tickets online. Doing it in advance is highly recommended to secure spots on your preferred date. Our tour guide, Julia, was excellent with information. Hot day so dress appropriately. No bags allowed- you may bring a small clear bag. read more

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Very emotional place to visit. The staff there were very helpful in getting to the places we wanted to visit. My only negative (not really bad though) was that it really needs some maintenance, especially the somber memorial of the USS Arizona. I am glad we went as it is a very special place in American and world history. If you go to Oahu, you need to visit Pearl Harbor. read more

Today was a memorable and humbling experience. Took an early morning flight from Kauai. Met our guide/driver Chase who was great! First stop was a tour of the USS Missouri, then the aviation museum followed by lunch. Then on to a tour of the USS Bowfin submarine and ending with a short boat ride to the Arizona Memorial. This is a must see to experience part of our countries history. Thanks you to all who serve. read more

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Breathtaking and sad all at the same time and imagining what happened that 12/7/41 day. My tears and heart are with the USS Arizona memorial to remind us of the gratitude we have for our precious military from all walks of life and also some from other countries who passed away 12/7/1941. The staff are wonderful to heartfully share their knowledge of this sad day in history. The tours on the USS Arizona are free or you can pay for tours also. But you should arrive by 7am or 8am to get yourself checked in on the text msg list for the line for the free tour and each day is different depending on how many people are booked on tours and who show up without reservations in advance that day. So I think there's nothing wrong w coming by 7am to get on the list and the first boat leaves at 8am. You don't have to book a private tour unless you want to and they start around $50 on various websites. There's a $12 audio tour phone w corded ear phones that you can hear while you walk around to the different exhibits before the boat that takes you to the USS Arizona memorial. I found the audio phone device to be poorly designed and old and the ear phones don't fit well, and the pics are too small and don't expand and the font and writing is in like 6 point font so it's tiny and hard to see, and it's not touch screen. There are no videos and the screen is the same size as an iPhone plus which is too small for those who can't see well. I would avoid this optional addition for $12. My personal preference is to research YouTube videos before and after even if the audio device you rent at the memorial will tell you what each exhibit represents. There is much more info on YouTube and Wikipedia. It's wonderful they have the honoring of the US and those who died with the Star-Spangled Banner song at 8am daily where you put your hand on your heart and take off your hats to honor the sacred space and those who served in the military. Parking is not free as it's $7 with a QR code you have to scan w your cell phone to pay. It's best to come early after 7am so you can find a good parking spot or a spot at all during peak seasons. read more

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My first time that I visited this memorial was in 1995. It was awesome and I loved the guided tour. It's remarkable on how many names are listed on that memorial wall. When I was there I looked into the water and saw a thin layer of oil that comes from the sunken ship. You can actually still see one of the smoke stacks sticking out the water. My second visited to this memorial was in 2007. I do hope to get another opportunity to visit here again. read more

Pearl Harbor - Honolulu - Visitor Centers Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Staggeringly sobering the impact that that fateful day had on the island, the territory, and the USA. The Arizona memorial is a must. Booking ahead for tickets to the memorial is not negotiable. A trip to Ford Island was rewarding, the aviation museum, the USS Missouri and especially for lunch at the Blue Box. Informative and courteous citizen staff, park rangers, and the US Navy & Marine sailors & soldiers staffing the site get a big thank you. read more

Pearl Harbor - USS Arizona memorial - Visitor Centers Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This was a beautiful, somber memorial. 100% recommend visiting this historic site. We were unable to get tickets ahead of time so we just showed up and within 45 minutes we were on the ferry to see the USS Arizona. Do NOT pay a tour to go to this. This exhibit is free of charge with some optional paid upgrades (like headphone tutorials). 1. There is a $7/car parking lot out front that is very packed. Leave your bags and purses in cars as they are not allowed inside the visitor center. 2. You can rent lockers. Theft is apparently rampant so be smart about your belongings. You may only take a small wallet or clear bag inside. 3. You then go through security before you even see a ticket desk. (No purses.) The majority of this site is free. 4. Go immediately to sign up for the free standby tour of USS Arizona. 5. Enjoy all the free sites and information spread out through this memorial. 6. Optional fee experiences available at ticket counter. 7. Remember to be reverent. read more

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I came to Hawaii in large part to visit the memorial and park. I was very disappointed. The visitor center is the best part. The air museum is sad. It's small and run-down. And has little to show. The whole base looks pretty dilapidated. I was embarrassed at how everything was rusted, signs were faded, displays were dusty, etc. and the Arizona memorial was closed for construction. This was definitely not worth the high price of admission. I thought this would be a solemn well-maintained museum but it was pretty run-down and the prices felt like gouging. Go see the Evergreen air museum or the Western Aviation Museum (WAAM) they are both 5 times better and better reflective our amazing Air force and Navy. read more

Pearl Harbor - Visitor Centers Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I visited this memorial many times and this is my first review. From the park rangers to the US Navy Staff what a professional and dedicated team. Park and memorial are very well maintained. Just like all things parking and tickets are very tricky. Highly suggest coming here early read more

Absolutely speechless. What a beautiful memorial and a beautiful harbor. We reserved our tickets well in advance of our trip to Pearl Harbor which was good because it was a popular day to visit. The memorial is absolutely stunning memorial to all those who lost their lives on December 7th 1941 and those who also lived and decided to be buried with their crew when they eventually passed. You'll see names and recent years on the backend of the memorial and that is what that means. You have limited time at the site so spend your time wisely and respect the memorial as it's a somber and place of prayer. read more

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I didn't know much of the details about the attack of Pearl Harbor and the events that occurred on December 7, 1941, but I definitely learned much more during my time here. It's free to get into Pearl Harbor but it costs extra to go to other exhibits like certain museums. The USS Arizona memorial is very popular and it's best to make a reservation online ahead of time. It's free but costs $1 for a reservation fee per person. If you don't make this reservation, you can wait in the standby line when you get there and hope there's room on the boat for you. There are two exhibits onsite that walk through the Road to War and the Attack on Pearl Harbor, where you can learn about the political and global events leading up to that devastating day. There was also a 23 minute video at the Memorial Theater that summarized the history, attack, and response. The video happens every hour on the 15 and 45. This is a place where you can spend anywhere from a couple hours to all day because there's so much to see and so much to soak in. This was such a cool experience. read more

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The exhibits here are well done, and, of course, the tours are much appreciated. Thank you for keeping alive the memory of all those lost at Pearl Harbor and in the Pacific Theater in general. Also, when I've visited here, I have parked in the parking lot next to the Pearl Harbor parking lot, which seems to be a viable parking area with no fees. Park at your own risk, though! read more

We didn't know if we wanted the 5 hour Honolulu Tour, which includes "fast passes" to the memorials, or to buy individual tickets, or to do some Go Oahu city card special to maximize the choices, so we just didn't include it on our itinerary and felt like bad people. Instead, we went to visit the area, unaware that the National Park Service operated visitor center is a fulfilling experience on its own. Past the huge parking lot and cramped but large gift shop, visitors have clear views of the memorials, the remembrance circle that lists casualties by ship and affiliation (who are on "eternal patrol") and civilians, access to the 8-ton anchor and mast from the Arizona, and enough infographical displays ("interpretative wayside exhibits") to keep you reading about the days before during and after the attack for 90 minutes. The visitor center also has two exhibit galleries containing memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts. I was especially impressed with the "park" outside the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum (a historic partner), which detailed each sub's record like a playing card without hiding some unpleasant history (like stupid mistakes or friendly fire). Note: The park is essentially part of PH, but the museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Aviation Museum are not managed by the NPS and they have their own websites and admissions) I found the visitor center enough for me, but make your reservations for something more up-close and in-depth. Warning: they only honor reservations from Recreation.gov., GroupOn, and Go Oahu, so you won't likely get in with a "free Pearl Harbor" tour from Cuckoo Coconuts or the like. I regret not choosing the self-guided Pacific Historic Parks Pearl Harbor Audio Tour and VR experience, not because it walks you through 27 stops, but because it's narrated by Bobcat Goldthwait. I'm kidding- it's Jamie Lee Curtis. So, that's pleasant. Unless you're Michael Myers. read more

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We had trouble finding parking but once we got in, we had a wonderful time. The exhibits were super interesting and made you relive the days leading up to the attack and after. The world might be a different place if not for that happening and how we responded. read more

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Go and enjoy the experience and learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ride to the USS Arizona is free and reserved time is recommended although they have stand line if you don't have a reservation. If you reserve a time be sure to arrive 10 min prior. A movie can also be seen that is shown on the 15 and 45 min of every hour. You can purchase ticket for other tours of the other museums on site or pay for fully guided tours and audio tours. The design of this memorial is breathtaking. Well worth the experience. No bags allowed so you will need to secure them in your car. No drinks allowed except for water and parking is $7 per vehicle that is paid with a credit card via online. read more

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Definitely not a tourist trap but a memorial. It is a great place to reflect at the historical start of the US involvement in WWII. The gift shop was packed full of Rosie the Riveter merchandise and other cute memoria. read more

Reading some of these reviews, I realize people really get off complaining about everything. I hope I don't meet these people in person, I'm pretty sure they must generally hate life and / or see the negative in everything. I'm not sure how you can rate this less than a five (maybe four if you're in a bad mood) experience. If you go to the website and even do a small @$$ amount of research, they tell you everything (bag policy, reserving tickets in advance, parking challenges, etc.). Also, they charge for other areas because they need to generate revenue to maintain the site. It's not like they have a massive budget with lots of money. But like I said, people like to b#$%, moan and be generally full of themselves. I appreciate they reserve tickets for people to order the day before. If you order tickets the day before, note you have to order them right when they are released - they are only $1 and will sell out within minutes. Also, like the website encourages you to do, please create an account ahead of time. The entire site is impeccably maintained. There are many displays to see, read, and learn, including a theater where you can watch a video with some real footage. The whole experience is breathtaking, and the scope of sacrifice and loss indescribable. The Arizona memorial experience is incredible and extremely sober. If you are fortunate enough to visit Pearl Harbor, you will not regret it, even if you are unable to take a boat to visit the actual memorial. read more

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This is a very moving monument knowing that over 900 servicemen and civilians died during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The memorial was quiet but informative, providing the names of those who are interned at the memorial. Parking is seven dollars and can be paid electronically. No bags or any kind is allowed within the grounds of Pearl Harbor, and must be checked into storage at a cost of around seven to ten dollars. The entrance to to the memorial is free however, that includes a boat ride to the memorial which lasts around 45 minutes from start to finish. Although we did not partake in the full tour, a ship and submarine tour is available for a cost of under $100. I have visited several times during the years, and this never gets old! read more

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I marked this as one of the must visit spots on my list. And it did not disappoint. So much history was unraveled for me. Some things that I did not know as well. I have more appreciation for the courage of our men and women in uniform. Anxiety made me skip the boat ride but I enjoyed everything else. read more

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I would recommend trying to get tickets before hand but if you were unable to then there is standby however must be willing to wait. We waited about 30 minutes but were able to get on the second boat on a holiday too! It is September and currently tickets are sold out until mid October for reference. The location does release more tickets the day before at 3pm but they go very quickly! For example: if you want to go 10/8/22 and don't get tickets before then they will release additional tickets on 10/7/22 at 3:00 pm. Be ready and have the site loaded keep refreshing until 3:00 pm then hurry to get your tickets! Make sure you are signed in! You must be willing to be quiet because if you're not the security will yell at you to be quiet and be respectful. The USS Arizona was incredible neat to be apart of and you can do this at no cost. The boats come to pick you up and drop you off every 30 minutes. If you want to see the submarine and walk on it then you must pay $22.99. The wait time for this was less then 5 minutes when we were here. read more

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This was a stunning, somber tribute. A must-see. My only regret is not booking more of an experience to see more of the other memorials that are on location. I will have to return! read more

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Visit on 2/16/21 Came here on President's Day and luckily everything was still open despite it being a holiday! + Super friendly staff here - always willing to answer questions and help you have a good experience + Really great free self-led museums. I definitely re-learned a lot of history! Really cool to see the 3D models too If you want to take the boat to the harbor, all you do is go to the staff at the entrance and put your name on the waitlist. I think they onboard people every 30 minutes or so! Overall, had a very serene moment here. Definitely recommend folks carving out 1-2 hours to come out here. read more

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Because of COVID, advanced reservations are recommended. You can head to Recreation.gov and search for Pearl Harbor tickets. They release tickets 8 weeks in advance only. Recreation.gov charges $1/pp for the reservation, but Parking and Entry are free. I recommend getting the earliest reservation at 8am, that way you don't really have to arrive an hour early...They don't allow bags (unless clear, like they do for football/baseball stadiums), but you can bring your cameras, phones and water bottles. They have a couple of museums with information that you can do unguided or with narration (for a fee). The movie they used to play prior to boarding the boat that takes you to the USS Arizona Memorial now plays outside to the right of the entrance due to COVID. Masks are required and the reason they require reservations is because they can only take so many people at a time out to the USS Arizona Memorial by boat. You can try your luck at waiting to see if any slots are open, but you'll likely have to wait a while... They have an entire area you can just walk to remember all the history and it's quite informative. It gets to be very quiet at the end hall of the Memorial that has all the names of those lost that day, a very somber but peaceful feeling. This year will be 80 years (!!) in December since the attacks and there's still oil in the water that you can see at the Memorial site. The day we went had perfect weather, and it was really nice to visit this historic site again. All the staff were friendly and informative if you have any questions, and would share some details and history about the attacks that day and after. read more

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This is definitely a must see place if you are in Oahu no matter if you're a history buff or not. The memorial complex is very large and you definitely need about half a day to tour the whole thing. Make sure to leave your bags and purses in the car. You can't bring any of them. Also, be ready to circle around parking lots a few times to find a spot - it gets very busy. As for tickets, you don't need to plan ahead and there is no entry fee - you pay per museum your visit or buy a full pass (but then you might not get good value if one of the exhibits is closed, so just pay as you go). On our visit, the actual memorial was closed, so you could only see battleship Missouri, Bowfin submarine + the Silent Service museum, and the aviation museum. Each of those spots are very interesting from the history perspective, but if you want to tour a WW2 ship or a submarine from that era you may want to do that in San Diego. Overall, this is a must visit place but be ready to pay for each exhibit. read more

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December 7, 1941 WE WILL NEVER FORGET When visiting O'ahu, a visit to Pearl Harbor is an experience that every American should honor. The men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country deserves our respect. Today is the 79th year on that fateful day as the commemoration events are unfolding, I am writing this review to honor the men and women who served heroically and valiantly on this historic day. More than 3,500 lost their lives or wounded on that solemn day. When we visited, we met a man named Alfred Benjamin Kameeiamoku Rodrigues, a survivor and an eyewitness on the day that will live in infamy. He had been a regular volunteer who helped and greeted visitors, signed autographs and told his stories countless of times to people like us. He was known as "Uncle Al" and wrote a book - 'Diary of a Pearl Harbor Survivor' that is a gritting and fascinating read. The morning of December 7, 1941 seemed like an ordinary day as he was eating breakfast with his fellow sailors. Then the attack happened as he heard the explosions and saw the Japanese planes flying above. He, along with everyone else sprang into action as he grabbed his bolt-action Springfield rifle and started shooting at the planes. According to him, "They were flying low enough that you could see the pilots' faces." He still had a pep about him, but you could tell he was a proud man who enjoyed life and had a huge smile. He was very approachable and had a warm heart. Speaking to him was like talking to your favorite grandpa who gave you his full and undivided attention. The best way I can describe is like a warm hug. On February 24, 2019, at the ripe age of 99, he joined his fellow sailors up above. There are few men like him left, and I cherish the memory (though brief) that we got to spend with him, that felt like a lifetime. You can spend hours here as it's full of memorials, plaques, artifacts and even a museum. Being up close to some of the displays really puts it in perspective. We've all heard the stories and were taught at school regarding Pearl Harbor, but to be actually here is a powerful experience. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 74 read more

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HAWAII 2020 ADVENTURES #10 - IN MEMORIAM History was my favorite subject in high school where I took AP US History and passed the AP Exam. However I never really appreciated history until several years later after graduating college. I believe one way to appreciate history is to see it "live". In 2002 I went to Japan for the World Cup where one of the cities I visited was Hiroshima. At that city I saw the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is a building that was destroyed by the atomic bomb from WWII. It was an up close experience to see that building. Two years ago I went to Pearl Harbor however during that time visitors weren't able to disembark from the ship onto the USS Arizona Memorial as the ramp needed repairs. This time not only would I be taking the ferry to see the USS Arizona but also I would be able to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. I came here on a Tuesday before Thanksgiving. As I was on the USS Arizona Memorial in a moment of silence I wanted to give thanks to those servicemen who gave their lives. When you're on the USS Arizona Memorial it is perpendicular to the sunken USS Arizona. This forms a cross that provides a holy resting place for the perished. This is one site that you can't see on TV. Being here in person you feel the magnitude for those who served our country. Over a 1,100 serviceman on the USS Arizona died during the Attack on Pearl Harbor however over 900 who perished remain entombed with the sunken USS Arizona. In a sense the memorial is also a grave. That's why even though there can be a lot of people at a time the atmosphere isn't loud. There's a respect that the visitors acknowledge. As with the Atomic Bomb Dome, USS Arizona Memorial is a war site that you can't hide from. As you see parts of the USS Arizona protruding above the water you can't hide away from seeing these parts. After seeing the names on the wall that died from the Pearl Harbor Attack you can't hide away from those names. When you see the sunken USS Arizona in the water you can't hide away that image from your mind. Visiting Pearl Harbor with a short ferry ride the USS Arizona Memorial is a moving experience. Reading history is important but that takes a whole another level by visiting history such as visiting the USS Arizona Memorial on Pearl Harbor. read more

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We purchased tickets to the USS Arizona memorial with the headset. Typically it's $1 to visit the memorial but the extra $7 is worth it. Jamie Lee Curtis narrates it, and they include snippets from survivors. You receive a map where different spots have associated numbers that you punch into the electronic device and hear the brief explanation of what you're looking at. Tickets are timed, but we arrived early and was able to get in earlier by waiting in the standby area. You take a boat out to the memorial that sits over the ruins of the USS Arizona. Normally they would show a movie beforehand but it's closed due to COVID. It's pretty impactful standing above the resting place of 1100 sailors. It's a quick visit but worth the trip. read more

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There is nothing I can say that would justify the experience and sobering effect that Pearl Harbor has. Everyone should make an effort to come here at least once. Rest In Paradise. read more

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This was my third visit and if you're coming to Oahu- you have to make it a point to come here, it's obligatory, like a directive from the boss. Because who visits San Francisco and skips the Golden Gate Bridge? Or Paris and the Eiffel Tower? Or Chicago and the Bean? Or Seattle and Top Pot donuts? You get my point but there is a problem - tickets are limited but you could pay extra for an extended tour - I'll do this on my 4th visit. I wasn't a history major but I love non-fiction and WW2 history fascinates me because it's defined the world as it stands today. I'm so glad that many nations are now united, as a result of WW2. Be prepared to spend half a day here - take your time and don't rush it. Visiting the Arizona memorial will remind us of probably one of the best generations (pre-baby boomer - The Silent generation) ever. They simply got things done, with the limited resources that they had. One last tip - I really like the gift shop - they have so much stuff for everyone. If I still had my HD Sportster, I would of gotten a T-shirt. read more

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You simply can't visit the island of Oahu without paying a visit to Pearl Harbor. There are a ton of different attractions within Pearl Harbor itself, so it can be confusing to plan before you arrive. The actual Pearl Harbor area is free to enter and is full of interesting plaques and photos along the water. There is also a free open-air museum that walks you through the history leading up to Pearl Harbor and through the end of the war that was free as well. All of this took a little over an hour. We then waited in the (short) line for one of the paid experiences. Our priority was to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, a battleship hit during Pearl Harbor but still visible from above the water. With 900+ sailors unable to escape, it now resembles an underground tomb with their bodies still inside. To commemorate the lost lives, there is now a memorial built over the boat that allows you to view the ship below and also has a wall listing all of the sailors lost. To get to this memorial, you have to get a ticket for a certain time slot and then a boat will drive you over to it, as it's in the middle of the water. Before boarding the boat, they also have everyone watch a short film depicting the Pearl Harbor attacks and the significance of this one memorial. The entire experience is 75 minutes and went super fast. The USS Arizona seems to be the most-visited memorial at Pearl Harbor. Your best bet to score a ticket is to arrive early, as they give out 1300 free tickets to visit the USS Arizona each morning. We came on a rainy day and while we didn't arrive until 11am, we were excited to be told that we were one of the first 1300 people of the day. Visiting the memorial was definitely the highlight of the Pearl Harbor visit, as the documentary really helped us better understand the entire situation and seeing it in person was a unique and somber experience. We also bought tickets to the aviation museum, but ran out of time to visit it (we'd been here for hours at this point) so gave them to another couple entering the harbor. PS: If you are planning to be here for awhile, know that there are bathrooms, a gift shop and a snack shop for you to sustain your visit. read more

Pearl Harbor - USS Arizona monument - Visitor Centers Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I did see the movie Pearl Harbor huge Ben Affleck fan. It was really sad. While talking on the phone with my friend she told me you have to go to Pearl Harbor it's sad but it's important ! Well I'm very patriotic so I asked the group who wanted to go and nobody wanted to go with me. My mom had been already but she was willing to go again . I locked it in on Waze and went by myself rain or shine. Little did I know I just happened to land on the 80th anniversary. We honor those who fought for our freedom. Such a sacrifice.Here's some of the pictures of our Pearl Harbor adventure read more

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The first time I came here was 1998. I was 13 years old. Came here with family & I noticed the oil was still spilling from the ship. Wow.. so many years later. Last time I came here was December 2019 with my husband. I made sure I looked up any information I needed to know before visiting. Apparently, if you show up very early in the morning before they open, you could get FREE tickets. When we got there, the line was already so long at 6:30am. Lol Plan accordingly. Great deal though, if you could wake up for this. It was raining, but we got our free tickets. Hehe Before you go in the speed boat to head over to the memorial, you watch & read the history of what happened during the war. You see lots of photos too. Still can't believe the oil was spilling even MORE years later. Glad that this memorial is still standing today. read more

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Being ex-military myself, coming here brought me back to my military days and also made me reflect on WW2 and what happened here! The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free to get in, parking is also free, but no bags are allowed inside. The museums with all of the old footage and pictures, outside with the USS Arizona Anchor, statues, fighter planes, and missiles, just a lot of American history here to be seen. With so much to see, we stayed longer than we thought we would, I definitely recommend coming here if you are in Honolulu!!! read more

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Was great to finally get to this bucket list site. They're doing a lot of much needed renovation, but still able to tour the grounds and really appreciate the price of freedom. The only negative and I'm not reducing the stars, those who lost their lives don't deserve it, was the ranger at the entrance. He seemed to be very subjective with which bags he allowed in. Mine was smaller than most of those that he allowed (not my words but the words of the people he allowed in). I understand rules but consistently would be appreciated. read more

Parking is free here, but can become tight, especially later in the day. There are no bags allowed in, including purses. You can either take it back to your bus or vehicle or they will hold your bag for you for $5. I made it back here after a year and don't know if I missed it during my last visit or if it is new. But there are two small exhibits that are free. The Road to War and Attack galleries are full of artifacts and historical information. I got the audio tour and virtual reality experience. I was not a fan of either. I could have done without either of them and still had a great experience. The audio tour is slow and takes a long time. In some places I did not see the code or simply forgot to play it. The VR experience has you spinning around in a chair in the middle of the plaza. It was not as fun as I thought it would be. I got there as soon as they opened and spent about two hours there. It was a great experience and I am so glad that I was able to make it back. read more

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I recently went on vacation to Honolulu Hawaii with my family. One of the places that we had to visit was Pearl Harbor. Note, Pearl Harbor is free to the public. We ended up purchasing a all inclusive tour of Pearl Harbor, which included the USS Arizona Memorial. We went ahead and paid additional to tour the submarine, USS Bowfin and visit the museum while we were on-site. Many of the locations at Pearl Harbor offer free headphones which allow you to listen in to the historic background, [at the submarine, USS Bowfin or museum]. We had arrived early at around 10:00 A.M to Pearl Harbor. It was a all day tour. We packed light though. It was during the summer, and hot, so make sure to bring proper clothing attire and sunscreen.There is limited food at Pearl Harbor, standard hot dogs, and soft drinks. If you need to, make sure you have a large breakfast or brunch before coming to Pearl Harbor. USS Arizona was under construction, but it was nice to be able to view and respect. The gates are open early, at 7 A.M, so if you want to get ahead of the crowd, I'd recommend going early. We also had a chance to tour the USS Missouri Battleship. This took quite a while as there is so much to see and do on the battleship. There is a shuttle you'll need to ride to the attraction. You can do a free tour of the USS Missouri Battleship or guide yourself. Our family ended up doing both, the guided tour and the self tour. The guided tour provided a lot of historical information in regards to the USS Missouri Battleship, but didn't take you through everything on the battleship. The self-guided tour allowed you to do just that! You can visit every room on the USS Missouri Battleship. Touring the USS Bowfin was quite interesting and fascinating. We used the option for the audio tour. The attraction was amazing and it was great to see, but just note, that space is relatively tight in the USS Bowfin. There is a lot of climbing and low height spaces. My family and I spent all day at Pearl Harbor. If you're in Honolulu Hawaii for a vacation, there is a lot of historical experiences for your family and it truly is remarkable. read more

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Had a great experience here. Be sure to go early to beat the crowd. Parking can be limited and you will end up parking quite far. Gift shop is awesome ! read more

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First things first! Please be aware that they do not allow backpacks or bags larger than a fanny pack. So please be aware! They do have lockers I believe they are 5 dollars a locker. They are extremely strict on the purse/bag policy there are no exceptions. I was lucky enough to have brought a purse that met the requirements but my two friends left their bags in our rental which worked out. The visitor center is at no charge, but the guided tour with headphones does cost a small amount. I opted in purchasing the guided tour with my friend because I was overwhelmed and wanted to soak in as much information as I could! The guided tour was about 20 bucks for 2 people and came with a reusable tote! My group split up, and we spent about 3 hours in total. The earlier you get, the less crowded it is, and be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses as most of the visitor center is outside. I did not take many pictures but it was very informative. We took the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. The Memorial was under construction 8/16/19. One of the highlights of my trip. read more

This is a must-do if you are in Honolulu. This was my last stop on a two-week, 4-island Hawaiian tour. I was able to get a boat tour of the USS Arizona and surrounding Naval area as the floating monument is still not yet reopened by the National Park Service. You cannot bring any bags or purses inside of the visitor center complex - you will have to put them in a locker or leave them inside of your car. I had a very small bag with me and they made me take it and my bottled water back to my car - I was able to bring something only the size of a small notebook with me as a clutch with a phone, keys and cash. There is a lot to do as far as walking around and seeing the lone sailor, shopping, watching some videos and doing interactive museum activities, walking aboard a submarine, seeing one of the three anchors from the USS Arizona, viewing the USS Arizona memorial from the shore, and shopping in the gift shop. Staff were very friendly and answered all questions and provided maps and other handouts with information. This is a great historical stop in remembrance of the lives lost and sacrifices made by those who serve our country. Worth a visit for sure. read more

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The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has so many things to do that I'll need to come back another time! What I did do there was watch the 23 minute documentary about Pearl Harbor and then went on the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Unfortunately, the memorial was under construction so they did not allow people to enter. Viewing the documentary and going to the USS Arizona Memorial (if it was open), was all free! They give away 1,300 free tickets starting at 7am when the gates open. After you get your ticket, you have to be lined up outside the theater at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time. After the film, you are escorted onto a boat to be taken to the memorial. If you're going there, be sure to grab a seat on the ENDS of the boat so you can get good pictures of the memorial and some of the battleships. When we returned to the visitor center, we walked through the museum which has great information about the history of WW2 and Pearl Harbor. A wonderful place for history geeks like myself. read more

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