USS Battleship Missouri Memorial

The USS Battleship Missouri Memorial puts you aboard the "Mighty Mo," the legendary World War II battleship where Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. This floating museum sits permanently moored at Pearl Harbor's Ford Island, offering guided tours through gun turrets, crew quarters, and the exact teak deck where MacArthur accepted Japan's surrender. The audio tour brings the ship's stories to life as you walk through restored spaces that once housed 2,700 sailors. You'll climb into massive 16-inch gun turrets, explore the captain's cabin, and stand where history pivoted from war to peace. The ship spans three football fields in length, with nine decks to explore. You must take a shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center since private vehicles cannot access Ford Island. Parking costs $7 at the visitor center, then catch the included shuttle with your ticket. Adult admission runs $35, with discounts for children and military personnel. The memorial operates daily 8am to 4pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for metal decks and stairs. You'll climb steep ladders and duck through low doorways barely six feet high. The ship offers limited shade, so bring sunscreen and water bottles. Morning visits between 8am and 10am beat both crowds and Hawaii's afternoon heat. Expect typical maritime hazards: narrow passages, low overheads, and steep stairs. Hold handrails and watch your head in crew quarters. Tours run every 15 minutes during busy periods, with smaller crowds on weekdays than weekends.