Recurring problems have once again closed the beloved USS Arizona Memorial at Park Harbor. More details will be forthcoming and what we know so far is reported below. However, it is clear that the problematic shoreside dock has failed again. The National Park Service became aware of an undescribed issue this past weekend that caused the Navy boat tours to be suspended. Now that the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin Submarine have reopened, there’s still much to see.
The USS Arizona is the single most popular and in-demand destination in Hawaii year after year and receives nearly two million annual visitors. Those 1,177 soldiers who died on the ship during a Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten. It resulted in the US entering World War II.
It is being reported that the $2 million in repairs done recently were not adequate to remediate critical issues. During that prior repair, the Arizona Memorial was closed for more than a year due to cracks in the dock. That was in 2018 and it is believed the problems may have resulted from damage caused by high tides the prior year. Then this past September the memorial was closed again for further unspecified emergency repairs.
The National Park Service is in the process of constructing a new dock off-site.
Details about the new dock’s installation have not been made available. The NPS said, “USS Arizona Memorial Programs have been temporarily suspended as the shoreside dock awaits additional repairs. Operations will resume when the National Park Service deems conditions safe enough to do so. Visitors (are) welcome to enjoy other sites throughout the visitor center complex. There is still so much to do at Pearl Harbor! No reservations (are) required, but you do have to wear a mask and leave your bags at home.”
All other aspects of the monument including the Pearl Harbor National Memorial visitor center, its museums, and other services are open.
See the 2020 ceremony live stream.
The 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack took place on December 7, 2021. You can watch it below.
More than 2,400 Americans died at Pearl Harbor, and more than 1,000 were injured during the bombing. Over 300 aircraft and 19 naval ships were damaged or destroyed. It marked the entrance of the US into World War II, and FDR said the attack was “A date which will live in infamy.”
The NPS said of the 2020 event, “the goal of the commemoration and supplemental events is to ensure that future generations will understand the valor and legacy of those who perished and those who fought throughout the war. The commemoration also highlights the importance of the peace that brought a reconciliation that continues to create a better future for all.”
Pearl Harbor is open for visitors.
COVID-19 Protocols are in effect at Pearl Harbor and masks are required at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
The USS Arizona Memorial will hopefully reopen soon. The iconic tour is a favorite of ours and yours based on comments and is the most popular activity in Hawaii. The visit consists of a 30-minute introductory film followed by a boat ride to the memorial.
When Arizona tours resume, visitors will reserve tickets online in advance and check within 30 minutes of their tour (not earlier). Reservations are typically accepted starting at 3 pm the prior day. Limited same-day tickets may also be offered.
Pearl Harbor is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). There is abundant free parking. For current updates, check the NPS website.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park has reopened.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is now open from 7 am – 5 pm daily. Reservations are not required and tickets may be purchased online in advance.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial has also reopened.
The USS Missouri Memorial Association is dedicated to preserving the Battleship Missouri and sharing her story and place in history.
Watch the Pearl Harbor attack video.
Construction reopenings have been short-lived since closure in 2018.
The USS Arizona Memorial was closed in May 2018, for a frustrating, long, dock repair project. The memorial is the most iconic part of Pearl Harbor, which is to this day the number one visitor destination in Hawaii. What happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in America’s entry into World War II on the following day.
Beat of Hawaii Visits Pearl Harbor.
Your editors attended Pearl Harbor’s 75th anniversary. In a word, we were very moved. We had heard about how this day had impacted our families so many years ago. And how emotional they were when they subsequently were able to visit Pearl Harbor themselves. Jeff’s aunt remembered when time stood still on that day as the news struck across the country.
December 7, 1941, was the infamous day that led to the US entry into World War II. The attack started at 7:48 in the morning as 353 Japanese planes launched from 6 aircraft carriers and struck in two waves.
The USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, was only one of two ships that remained sunk, with the others all raised and six returned to wartime service. The Arizona, which had been hit with a nearly 1-ton bomb, exploded and sank with 1,000 sailors aboard. Oil continues to be exuded from the remains and clearly visible below the blue Pacific.
The memorial was dedicated in 1962, and soon thereafter the National Park Service took over the operations of the historic landmark. Millions of annual visitors are still drawn to this top Hawaii attraction.
For us, the highlight of Pearl Harbor is by far the just reopened USS Arizona memorial. We also enjoyed the half-hour documentary film followed by the brief but haunting boat ride out to the eerie memorial itself.
On our last pre-COVID visit, we also liked the new visitor center and the fascinating Pacific Aviation Museum (currently closed). The museum includes two original hangars replete with not repaired bullet holes and the original control tower. Planes and helicopters on display with their stories provide fascinating insights into a time gone by.
The work continues.
Did you know that a single casket had unidentified remains for more than half a century? Subsequently, anthropological and DNA research indicated that commingled remains represented at least 95 individuals. Then in 2015, all of the unknown remains from the USS Oklahoma were part of a comprehensive ID process.
As of this year, 338 individuals have been identified, marking the successful completion of a unique project of such a large scope, complexity, and age. So far 86% of the unknown soldiers have been individually identified and that is soon expected to reach 90%.
Updated 12/14/21.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
When we visit Pearl Harbor will the Arizona be open to walk on in March 2022?
Thanks
Elizabeth U
Hi Elizabeth.
As far as we know, it will be.
Aloha.
Just a correction for your article – The men who died on the USS Arizona during the attack were sailors, not soldiers.
Wait… you aren’t going to book a trip to Honolulu to visit a memorial because a page that you follow had an advertisement that you disagree with? Seems the issue isn’t the page that you follow. The Island AND the Memorial have no responsibility toward the said advertisement. YOU are the only one missing out because of your opposition.
On December 7, 2021, I was lucky enough to be the last tour of the day to the Arizona. While there, preparations were being made for the interment of most likely the last sailor to survive the bombing of the Arizona…Lt. Harvey Milhorn. As our ferry came to retrieve us, it brought his remains on board. A VERY somber affair. As we were leaving we witnessed the divers already in the water.
The people who died on the USS Arizona were sailors, not soldiers.
And yeah, there is a difference.
Thanks Jeffery F for the attempted clarification. What the heck?
On 7 December 1941″ A day that will live in infamy”
There were Soldiers AND Sailors on board and elsewhere. I lost two uncles that day. One was Army, one a Marine
They were Americans you knucklehead.
Thanks for your invaluable comment. Have a spectacular day.
Mahalo Jeff and Rob for the very moving article on a most somber occasion. You’re incredible.
Aloha 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks! We so appreciate you. And we had no idea about your loss at Pearl Harbor. 😔
Aloha.
The USS Missouri Memorial is open DAILY, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
All employees and visitors to the Battleship Missouri Memorial must show proof of full vaccination or a lab generated negative COVID-19 test result taken within the previous 48 hours, as well as valid id to enter. Children under 12 years old are exempt.
For further information, visit oneoahu.org/safe-access-oahu/#patrons, prior to purchasing tickets.
My Dad & his next younger brother were both at Pearl Harbor. They both spent 20 years in the Navy, and passed away within 6 months of each other in 2007. In 2018, one of my Dad’s younger shipmates passed away. He was someone my Dad always talked about. Thanks to the NPS, I was able to contact his daughter and tell her a story about her Dad on that day. She invited us to her Dad’s ash scattering in January, 2019. We keep in touch now, as our bond goes back 80 years, to December 7th, through Dads.
I’d love to be there but it’d be easier landing at Iwo in Feb ’45 than getting into and enjoying that once truly great vacation site.
For the 80th Anniversary, this year the theme is
“Valor Sacrifice and Peace” and not “Above and Beyond the Call”…(that was last year’s).
Of all the places we’ve visited in Hawaii, the Arizona Memorial and Punchbowl still are deeply embedded in our hearts. I highly recommend doing the tours and letting it set into your soul. I was born in Arizona, and as a child it was a place I wanted to visit. I didn’t realize how much of an impact, looking down at the Arizona and standing in front of the wall of names. Still get tears in my eyes.
I was just about to book for our January trip to Honolulu as my Navy Veteran husband always wants to visit the Memorial when we can. However I was horrified to see a repeated vulgar advertisement for a shirt with a flag and the words: “Let’s Go Brandon, “ which we all know is a F-Biden dog whistle! Seriously, you are promoting that? Regardless of how I feel about any occupant of the White House I would NEVER disrespect that occupant, especially with a smirky juvenile vulgarity. Please remove.
That’s one benefit we all have because of those who have died defending our country. Freedom of speech!! I agree that it is disrespectful. However, Millions of us have fought and served so that we may have that freedom. Even if we don’t like it. God bless them all.
Dear BOH Readers, my Grandfather was in the Navy & in Pearl Harbor. He survived & lived for many years after that. I’ve always wanted to go to Pearl Harbor to pay my respects!! I have a deep connection to Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is # one on my itinerary!!❤ stay safe from the virus & may God bless you! Psalms 91;11
Is this attraction open in March for spring break? Need to verify since COVID is in force. I need to verify before I book air flights because we aren’t coming if Pearl Harbor is closed.
Our family offers heartfelt thanks this year as always to our service members. It’s sad.to think Covid has taken many who fought for our freedoms in WWII. The aftermath of Pearl Harbor showed the power of this nation when we all pull together. Many today would benefit from studying the sacrafices made then. This military brat salutea the fallen. Thank you for such a
thoughtful post BOH.
Hi Suzanna.
Thanks. Pearl Harbor is a very special and moving place, even after all these years.
Aloha.
Dear Suzanna, very well said. So true!
This Navy Brat & Army Wife agrees wholeheartedly with you.
Thanks for this heads up, hopefully I’ll be able to catch it tomorrow.
To see the USS Arizona BB 39 in her glory, look for the movie “Here Comes The Navy” filmed at Bremerton NSY and at San Diego aboard the USS Arizona staring Pat O’Brien and James Cagney in their first of many movie appearances together. It was filmed around 1935-36, many of the crew were used as extras. You’ll see 1930’s vintage humor, plus what life was like in the “old Navy”, hear and see the ships whistle (the voice of the USS Arizona) bugle calls that still make my neck hairs stand up, see interior action of the main battery turret and Dirigibles at NAS Sunnyvale CA, I think the USS Macon. Plus Navy Boot Camp at San Diego! The movie finally came out on DVD, keep in mind that many Battleship sailors stayed with their ship for long periods and that many of those young faces you see on the screen may still be aboard the USS Arizona.
On our visit to Pearl Harbor we started at 0730, did the USS Arizona, the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, we have a relative “On Eternal Patrol” with the “Missing 52” somewhere off Japan. We finally ran out of time after going aboard the Bowfin, we never did get into the actual museum, the Air museum didn’t exist then. We really needed 2 days to see all at Pearl but had to fly to Maui the next morning.
My neighbor was a Sgt. Major at Schofield Barracks in the late 1960’s.
Hi Bob.
Thanks for that interesting info about the USS Arizona.
Aloha.
Aloha, Is there any other way to see the Pearl Harbor ceremony Monday besides Facebook because I don’t have social media.
Mahalo, Carol in Colorado
Hi Carol.
You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch it. Just go to that link when it’s playing.
Aloha.
Hi! We will be visiting Oahu from Nov 21 to Nov 26,2020 but I see no availability on the website to buy tickets. Is Pearl Harbour going to be open on those dates?
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Hi AnaMaria.
“Reservations are currently being accepted starting at 3 pm the prior day. Limited same-day tickets will also be offered.”
So you’ll need to check back a day before for tickets.
Aloha.
Hi my husband and I are visiting Hawaii on November 27…December 2. Pearl Harbor is definitely on our list to visit. I know things have opened slowly due to Covid 19. Is everything opened now? What do you suggest on tickets?
Thank you
Lisa B.
Hi Lisa.
In these uncertain times, it would be best to contact the activities/locations you are most interested in to check. Pearl Harbor is definitely open at this time and, again, check their website for details.
Aloha.
Dear Lisa, did you go to Hawaii? I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu in April(2022) so hopefully I will still be able to go as planned! Pearl Harbor is #1 on my itinerary😊🌈🛩🌍🐠🌺🍍🥥🌊🏖🏝
So happy!
I see on the USS Missouri website I can purchase a Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket for $72 that includes the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, Pearl Harbor Aviation, and Audio Tour of Arizona Memorial. Are these all doable in one morning? Would you recommend this package? I understand only the Arizona is open now… Thank you!
Hi Tonya.
Keep in mind that this is a phased reopening and the other portions may not be doable (depends on how reopening goes and when you are coming).
Aloha.
I think Pearl Harbor had a profound effect on my life. I was born 11 months after the bombing, and I think I was conceived in an effort to keep my father out of the war. My parents had been married 3 months when the bombing happened. It didn’t work, however, he was drafted into the Navy when I was 3 months old, and served on a mine sweeper in the Pacific until the end of the war. Luckily for us he only received some minor shrapnel injuries. I think if it hadn’t been for Pearl Harbor I’d have been born much later, and certainly my life would have been completely different. My husband and I visited the site on our first trip to Hawaii in 2010 and were appropriately moved by it. We look forward to seeing it again soon.
Dear Anne, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu for April(2022) & I have a deep connection to Pearl Harbor. My Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor. Going to pay my respects is #1 on my itinerary.🌎🛩🌈🌊🥥🍍🌺🐠🏝🏖
I have visited the Memorial many, many times. This was when there were very strict dress codes and decorum. Lately I have heard that this no longer applies. I’ve heard that visitors can wear whatever they want, eat and drink while on the Memorial, talk in loud voice, etc, etc. Folks, for your information, the Memorial is a very sacred site. Please respect by refraining from exhibiting rude and loud behavior. And please, wear something decent, not a bathing suit, or slippers, or tank tops, or bikinis, etc, etc.
And may God bless and protect those that perished on board on that awful day.
Totally agree with Eddie!
Completely agree with Eddie!
It’s a Memorial, a Sacred site, a Burial Ground.
Show respect for those that died that we all may live free!!
Dear Eddie, well said! Very 🇺🇸🌎😍🌺🐠🌈🛩🌍🌊🏖🏝
How do you request free tickets to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. We are visiting from 9-5 thru 9-12 and would like to visit.
Thank you
Hi Bill.
Please visit their website. https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm. As you know, the Arizona Memorial will remain offline, probably until early December.
Aloha.
Wanted to visit on the 4th of July 2019..guess it won’t be open. Anything else at Pearl going on? thanks
Hi Matt.
Arizona memorial visits will be happen until late fall. The rest of PHis open and still worth visiting!
Aloha.
We have had this trip planed for over 1 year. I have been saving for 2 years and just now hearing the whole reason for the trip. Pear Harbor is closed. I’m beyond upset and in disbelief. It’s all my son talked about! 😞
Dear Heather, oh no! I’m very sorry to hear that. Did you make it to Hawaii? I have a deep connection to Pearl Harbor because my Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor! I’ve always wanted to go to pay my respects & I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu in April(2022)🌍🏝🏖😍🌺🐠🌈🛩
We will be visiting Pearl Harbor the first week Of November 2019. Do you think the USS Arizona will be opened by then?
Hi Judy.
What we are hearing is that it will open by December. That’s all that we know at this time.
Aloha.
Just announced on Pearl Harbor National Monument Facebook page: USS Arizona Memorial to reopen on Sunday, September 1, 2019.
Hi Dave.
Thanks for that. We gave you a hat tip in the post.
Aloha.
Dear Judy, how was your trip to Hawaii? Tell me about your experience @ Pearl Harbor😊
Since the NPS dropped the ball on this project, shouldn’t they be doing everything in their power to resurrect and expedite the completion of needed repairs?
Disgraceful.
I’ve lived & breathed in “The Territory” since the early ’50s … and this performance by government bureaucrats is simply NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Why didn’t they give it to the USN ??? The Seabees could have done it — and got it “right” the first time — in 3-4 months.
It’s not rocket science … it is just knowledge … ability … competence. All of which are qualities sadly lacking in the National Park Service.
Why didn’t the contract for the design/repair go out for bid? Let NAFAC do the project?
To Leilani M…I agree a hundred percent Elvis loved and respected Hawaii and all who lived there.
To Courtney…please thank your Grandfather for his unwavering service, I bet he’s a very strong man.
About the Memorial repairs…it has taken a year to repair the Dock and Ramp?? that’s not acceptable, those should have been completed not more than 3 months at best!
Mahalo, John A
Thanks John!
Aloha.
Dear John, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu in April(2022) & I’ve always wanted to pay my respects @ Pearl Harbor because my Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor. 😍🌍🏝🏖🌺🐠🍍🥥🛩🌈🐢
Please tell me When is Southwest Airlines going to release more tickets?
Hi Janet.
We will let you know as soon as they do. Perhaps tomorrow.
Aloha.
Is the USS Arizona opened and fixed. Have plans to visit in may 2019
Does not look promising. Beat of Hawaii article says the contract for the work hasn’t even been awarded yet. We are visiting last week of May for first time ever and probably will never get back. We are heartbroken over this.
It still is hauntingly and breathtakingly beautiful. I was s o disappointed in November last year but still the boat ride around gives you a view of the Arizona. You still feel the depth of the actions that placed it there. Very sad and moving all the same.
Do they know how long the Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona will be closed? I will be traveling there at the end of September and I am hoping to visit.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Laurie.
There is no further information at this time.
Aloha.
Could you please let me know how to contact Pearl Harbor regarding the status and projected reopening of the Arizona Memorial? I noticed on this latest Beat of Hawaii newsletter that it was over a month ago (June 5th) when the last person was updated with no status. We have a group coming from Michigan and really want to visit the Memorial.
Thank you for sharing this information!
Hi Dave.
Current information is found here: https://www.recreation.gov/showPage.do?name=landing&landing=/htm/pearlharbor/home.jsp&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72369
Aloha.
It’s still worth visiting even though the Arizona landing is not open. There’s an awful lot to see
Aloha, I happened to agree with a couple of statements about Elvis Presley…..It’s a very true statement, Elvis actually started the collection for the Memorial. He should be remembered, it doesn’t matter how or why he died, he did the collection because his Heart was into it happening.
My Mom, Pualani, has had a number of pictures of her and her Hawaiian Ohana, going back when the time when her Father, George M., started an Hawaiian Village to help Hawaiians, 1928, to learn all about their customs. Manly because many of the Military,at that time, attended the LaLani Village, and had saved their tickets in so many scrapbooks !! It was a very important part of the forming of Waikiki and the old Hawaiian ways…..Way before PCC…….
There is still a picture of my Mom, Pualani M., on display, at the section about Hawaiians. It’s just so wonderful and heartful to see that the Hawaiian Family / Ohanas are being remembered !!
So, yes, I believe they should have a plaque, even a small one, to remember the kindness that Elvis started in the ’60’s for the Honoring of the Arizona !
I’m so bummed to hear this! My grandfather is one of the last remaining survivors of USS AZ and I’m finally going to be there in October. I hope they’re able to repair by then! **crossing fingers and toes***
Courtney My 8 year old daughter is bummed. she is very into the attack on pearl harbor and would love to hear stories from your grandfather. email letter anything would mean a lot to her. Please thank him for his service. We are going to hawaii in June for her 9th bday and whan i asked her how she wanted to celebrate she wanted to go to Pearl Harbor.
Dear Liz, I have a deep connection to Pearl Harbor because my Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor. I’ve always wanted to pay my respects & I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu in April(2022). 🌍🛩🏝🏖😍🐢🥥🍍🌈🌺🐠🌊
Dear Courtney, I have a deep connection to Pearl Harbor as well because my Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor! I’ve always wanted to pay my respects & I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu in April(2022)! God bless you😇😍🐢🌈🛩🥥🍍🌏🛩🏖🏝
Still go the rest of the memorial is a great place to visit lots of good info love going through the submarine a lot of work went into restoring it.
My wife and I visited Pearl Harbor in July 1983 when I was returning from a tour in Korea when in the Air Force. It was an emotional and gratifying experience. We look forward to returning within a year. I hope the repairs will be complete by then.
This visit is truly a moving experience which we were thankfully able to visit April 22, 2018. We anticipated spending a couple hours which turned into about 6.5 hrs. Hope to re-visit again one day.
The Arizona is not the only battleship that “remained sunk.” The USS Utah(BB-31) is also still underwater at Ford Island and is also a war grave with the remains of crew members still onboard.
a funeral service was finally held at the USS Utah Memorial at Pearl Harbor for a baby girl, Nancy Lynne Wagner, who died at birth. Few know the secret USS Utah (AG 16) has held for 62 years.
Utah was sunk by a Japanese torpedo off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack. Fifty-eight enlisted men and six officers perished aboard and all but four remain inside the hull.
Baby Nancy’s father, Chief Yeoman Albert Wagner, was attached to Utah at the time of the attack. Wagner had planned to scatter Nancy’s ashes at sea when Utah left Pearl Harbor, but he never had the chance. Chief Wagner survived the attack and remained in the Navy until 1952. He passed away in 1975 prior to interments aboard Utah and was buried at sea off San Diego. Baby Nancy’s urn is still in her dad’s locker aboard Utah.
“Elvis Presley fans have a hard time understanding why the visitor center at Pearl Harbor does not recognize Elvis for his contributions to help getting the USS Arizona Memorial built” back in 1961. I remember!!!
Hello ELLIOTT,
I was informed that Congress was dragging their feet trying to decide if they should allocate funds to build some sort of Memorial there. When Elvis was in Hawaii in 1961, he performed a show and everyone (including himself and his staff) had to buy a ticket. Also, that 100% of the money received for that show went to the fund to start building the Memorial.
Shortly after, Congress decided, Oh…Maybe we should do something…
There was even a sign erected thanking Elvis for his Pro Active approach to this. However, it was taken down when he died because he died of an overdose of drugs (even though they were prescription medications).
Now there seems to be no mention of thanks to Elvis unless people continue advising others of what he did.
Maybe another performer will do something to assist with funding.
Aloha, Guy
So excited! We booked our Hawaii trip months ago with the expectation that the Pearl Harbor Memorial would be closed. We are flying in on September 1 and booked Pearl Harbor for Thursday to see as much as we could. Today you announce it will open on September 1. How is that for timing! Thanks so much for posting this news,
Hi Susan.
Happy this is going to work out for you!
Aloha.
Dear Elliott, wow I never knew this about Elvis!!! Very way cool & I’m an Elvis fan😍 very neat to learn this interesting fact!
I have visited Pearl Harbor three times, and most recently this past May. What a wonderful makeover done on the visitor’s center. This is one of the most memorable places for visitors to Oahu, and should not be missed. Tickets are actually free from the Parks Department, and can be ordered online, up to two months ahead.