Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial preserves the site where Japan's December 7, 1941 attack thrust America into World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial forms the emotional center, positioned directly above the sunken battleship where 1,177 sailors and Marines remain entombed. Oil still seeps from the wreck 80 years later, creating dark spots on the harbor's surface. Plan four to six hours for the complete experience. The mandatory 23-minute documentary at the visitor center precedes the Navy shuttle boat ride to the Arizona Memorial. Reserve tickets online for $1 each well in advance, as walk-up availability is rare. The USS Missouri Battleship ($35), USS Bowfin Submarine ($25), and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum ($25) require separate admissions. Arrive when gates open at 7 AM to secure parking in the free lot, which fills by 9 AM. Security screening matches airport standards. No bags, phones, cameras, or personal items are permitted inside. The on-site storage facility charges $7 per bag. Wear comfortable walking shoes for concrete pathways and metal ship decks. Bring sun protection since most areas lack shade, especially during midday tours between 10 AM and 2 PM. The memorial maintains a reverent atmosphere appropriate for honoring the 2,400 Americans killed in the attack. Wheelchair access covers most areas, though battleship and submarine tours involve steep stairs and narrow passages. Military families often find the experience particularly moving, while history buffs appreciate the extensive artifact collections and detailed exhibits explaining the attack's strategic significance.