Oahu’s USS Arizona Memorial offers visitors a poignant and immersive experience to commemorate one of America’s most pivotal moments. Narrated by notable voices, the tour’s commentary brings the history to life, transporting guests to the very site where World War II began for the United States. From interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center to a guided boat ride to the memorial, the experience is as informative as it is emotional. For those seeking to truly understand the significance of this hallowed ground, the audio tour provides an unparalleled window into the past.
Key Points
- The self-guided audio tour provides a 2.5-hour immersive experience with narration from Jamie Lee Curtis, historians, and Pearl Harbor survivors.
- The tour includes access to the USS Arizona Memorial and a boat ride to the memorial site, along with a Pearl Harbor Visitor Center map.
- The audio commentary is available in multiple languages, ensuring a personalized and informative experience for all visitors.
- The tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last check-in at 3:00 PM, offering flexibility in scheduling.
- The tour can be booked online without upfront payment, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing convenience for visitors.
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Tour Details
The official USS Arizona Memorial narrated audio tour provides a 2.5-hour self-guided experience featuring commentary from Jamie Lee Curtis, historians, and Pearl Harbor survivors.
Visitors can explore the tour in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Russian.
Along with the audio guide, the tour includes a Pearl Harbor Visitor Center map and disposable earbuds, as well as access to the USS Arizona Memorial and a boat ride to the memorial site.
This comprehensive tour allows guests to fully enjoy the history and significance of the Pearl Harbor attack that brought the United States into World War II.
Tour Inclusions
Along With the self-guided audio commentary, the USS Arizona Memorial tour package includes an informative Pearl Harbor Visitor Center map guide and complimentary disposable earbuds to ensure an immersive listening experience. Access to the USS Arizona Memorial itself, as well as transportation via boat to the memorial site, are also encompassed within the tour.
| Tour Inclusions | Significance |
|---|---|
| Audio Tour | Provides a personalized, narrated experience |
| Map Guide | Helps visitors navigate the Visitor Center |
| Disposable Earbuds | Enhances audio quality for clear understanding |
| Memorial Access | Allows visitors to pay respects at the memorial |
The comprehensive package ensures that guests can fully enjoy the history and significance of the USS Arizona Memorial.
Tour Highlights
Visitors embarking on the USS Arizona Memorial audio tour can expect to experience the serene and poignant Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, culminating in a moving visit to the iconic memorial itself.
The tour highlights include:
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A translation of the National Park Service’s 23-minute documentary, providing historical context and personal accounts from survivors of the devastating attack on December 7th, 1941.
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The opportunity to witness the exact location where World War II began for the United States, a solemn and impactful experience that brings the past to life.
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The chance to explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where interactive exhibits and informative displays offer a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.
Tour Information
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM with last tour check-in at 3:00 PM, the site welcomes visitors year-round.
Save for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day when it remains closed.
Admission and parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center are free, making it an accessible destination for all.
Lockers are available for a small fee of $6 per bag, allowing guests to store their belongings securely.
However, visitors are advised to travel light, as only essential items like wallets, cameras, phones, and water bottles are permitted on-site.
This policy ensures a smooth and unencumbered experience as guests explore the historic USS Arizona Memorial.
Booking and Availability
Travelers can check availability to see starting times for the USS Arizona Memorial audio tour, allowing them to plan their visit accordingly.
Visitors may reserve their spot in advance and pay nothing today, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
The booking process offers several convenient options:
- Check availability on the website to find suitable tour times that fit their schedule.
- Reserve their spot without upfront payment, ensuring they’ve a guaranteed place on the tour.
- Cancel their reservation up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing flexibility in case plans change.
This flexible booking system makes it easy for travelers to secure their place on the must-see USS Arizona Memorial audio tour.
Getting to the Memorial
Although the USS Arizona Memorial site is open daily, guests must first visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to obtain a free ticket and board a shuttle boat that transports them to the memorial’s hallowed grounds.
The 15-minute boat ride provides a serene and reverent journey across the harbor waters, allowing visitors to reflect on the solemn history of the attack.
Once at the memorial, guests can explore the site at their own pace, taking in the breathtaking views and paying their respects to the 1,177 sailors and marines who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
The audio tour enhances the experience, providing a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded that fateful day.
Exploring the Visitor Center
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the USS Arizona Memorial, providing guests with a wealth of historical context and educational resources to enhance their understanding of the events surrounding the attack on December 7th, 1941.
Visitors can explore three key exhibits at the center:
- The Road to War exhibit, which chronicles the rising tensions between the United States and Japan leading up to the attack.
- The Attack exhibit, which vividly depicts the events of that fateful day through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
- The Aftermath exhibit, which examines the long-term impact of the attack and America’s entry into World War II.
These immersive exhibits, combined with the audio tour, offer a comprehensive and compelling introduction to the USS Arizona Memorial experience.
Experiencing the Memorial
After exploring the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, visitors board a navy launch that carries them on a short, tranquil boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
As they approach the iconic white structure, they’re struck by the sense of reverence and solemn reflection that permeates the site.
Once aboard, the audio tour guides them through the memorial, chronicling the fateful events of December 7th, 1941.
They gaze upon the names of the fallen etched into the marble, and stand in silence, paying their respects to the brave sailors who lost their lives that day.
The experience is both humbling and profound, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit this hallowed ground.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Boat Ride to the Memorial Last?
The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial lasts approximately 15 minutes. During the trip, visitors can take in views of the memorial site and learn about its historical significance from the guided commentary.
Can I Take Photographs on the Memorial?
Visitors can take photographs on the USS Arizona Memorial, but flash photography is not permitted out of respect for the site. Photos must be taken discreetly and without interrupting the somber experience.
Is the Audio Tour Available in Additional Languages?
The audio tour is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Russian. Visitors can select their preferred language to enhance their understanding and experience of the Pearl Harbor memorial.
Are There Any Dining Options at the Memorial Site?
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center offers several dining options, including a cafe serving light meals and snacks. Guests can also bring their own food to enjoy at the picnic areas on the grounds.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Memorial?
Visitors can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but they’re not allowed to consume them on the USS Arizona Memorial itself. There are dining options available at the visitor center.
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Recap
The USS Arizona Memorial audio tour on Oahu is a poignant and immersive experience that brings the history of the Pearl Harbor attack to life.
Narrated by renowned figures, it offers multilingual commentary and access to the memorial site via boat, allowing visitors to witness the location where World War II began for the United States.
The tour’s interactive exhibits and documentary provide a comprehensive and moving exploration of this pivotal moment in history.