The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is a profound and moving experience for anyone seeking to understand a pivotal moment in American history. Visitors can embark on this journey from the tranquil shores of Ko Olina, where they’ll board a boat and traverse the serene waters to the memorial site. But this is more than just a sightseeing tour – it’s an opportunity to explore the personal stories and sacrifices of the 1,177 crew members who perished on that fateful day in 1941. As you prepare to set sail, the stage is set for a profound and unforgettable exploration of this hallowed ground.
About Your Stay
- Convenient pickup service from Ko Olina hotels to the USS Arizona Memorial for a comprehensive 4-hour tour experience.
- Personalized attention and in-depth briefing at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center on the events of December 7, 1941.
- Intimate group size of up to 24 participants for a more meaningful and reflective visit to the memorial.
- Tour policies, such as bag restrictions and non-refundable policy, ensure a smooth and secure experience.
- Opportunity to pay respects and learn about the sacrifices made by the 1,177 crew members of the USS Arizona.
Tour Overview and Details
The tour includes a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, offering visitors an up-close experience of this historic site.
The tour also provides an in-person briefing at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, giving guests a rundown of the events of December 7, 1941.
Travelers will be conveniently picked up and dropped off at their Ko Olina hotels, making the trip seamless.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including travel time, and is limited to a maximum of 24 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
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Pickup and Confirmation
Travelers must use the commercial vehicle for ticket collection at Pearl Harbor; direct handover is against policy.
The pickup details will be sent via text (for U.S. numbers) or email (for international travelers) a day before, between 12 PM and 4 PM local time.
The tour starts at 8:00 AM, so travelers should be ready for pickup during that timeframe.
This process ensures a smooth and organized start to the tour, allowing everyone to gather their tickets and board the vehicle together.
Accessibility and Participation
Infant seats are available, so families with young children can participate. The tour is stroller accessible, making it convenient for travelers with small children.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility challenges may have difficulty. Despite this, the tour caters to most travelers, with the vast majority able to join.
The tour’s policies aim to be inclusive, ensuring as many people as possible can experience the moving and historic USS Arizona Memorial.
Whether you’re visiting solo or with family, this tour offers an opportunity to learn about this significant chapter in American history.
Restrictions and Policies
Bags aren’t allowed at Pearl Harbor, so travelers must plan accordingly. This policy is in place for security reasons and helps streamline the visitor experience.
Visitors should only bring essentials, as there are no storage facilities on-site. The tour is also non-refundable if the National Park Service or Navy cancels it due to mechanical issues, dangerous weather, or safety concerns.
While these restrictions may seem inconvenient, they’re necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. By being aware of these policies, travelers can focus on the meaningful experience of visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.
Review Highlights
Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was described as a deeply reflective and solemn experience. One reviewer noted that the site was "very quiet and reflecting on what happened December 7."
This sentiment echoes the somber and reverent atmosphere visitors often feel when standing on the memorial, which sits atop the sunken remains of the USS Arizona.
The reviewer spoke highly of the memorial, recommending that "all Americans should visit" this hallowed ground to honor the memory of those who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Getting to Pearl Harbor
How does one get to the USS Arizona Memorial from Ko Olina?
Travelers on this tour will be picked up from their Ko Olina hotels and transported via a convenient commercial vehicle. The pickup details, including the exact time, will be sent via text or email the day before, between 12 PM and 4 PM local time.
The tour starts promptly at 8:00 AM, so it’s important to be ready for the pickup. At Pearl Harbor, travelers must use the provided transportation to collect their tickets, as direct handovers aren’t allowed.
The tour then includes an in-person briefing at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center before the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Exploring the Memorial
Once travelers step aboard the boat, they’ll be taken across the serene waters to the hallowed USS Arizona Memorial.
At the memorial, they’ll have the chance to reflect on the tragic events of December 7, 1941. The memorial straddles the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, which was devastated during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the sacrifices made by the 1,177 crew members who perished that day. The experience is both somber and profound, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
With the guidance of the in-person briefing, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Take Photos During the Boat Ride?
Yes, you can take photos during the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. The tour allows travelers to capture images of this historic and solemn site, though respectful behavior is expected.
Is There a Restroom Available at the Memorial?
Yes, there are restrooms available at the USS Arizona Memorial. Visitors can use the restroom facilities located at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center before or after the boat tour to the memorial.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a relaxed dress code – casual clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. There are no strict dress requirements, but visitors should dress respectfully when visiting the solemn Pearl Harbor memorial site.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
According to the tour details, visitors are not allowed to bring any bags, including food and drinks, to the Pearl Harbor sites. The tour provides a convenient pickup and drop-off service, so bringing your own refreshments is not permitted.
Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have an age limit – it’s suitable for most travelers. While infants can join, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues may have difficulty participating.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on December 7, 1941. Visitors can embark on a journey to this historic site, gaining insights into the past and reflecting on the crew’s legacy. With convenient transportation and personalized experiences, this tour offers a meaningful way to explore American history and honor those who served.
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