In less than one month, on December 7, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which marks the 76th anniversary of the end of WWII. Over 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.”
December 7, 2021 ceremony will be both limited in-person and live-streamed.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial and its partners announced the theme for the 2021 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration: Valor, Sacrifice, and Peace.
The NPS said, “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.”
The main ceremony will start at 7:45 am on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Kilo Pier. “Seating at Kilo Pier will be by invitation only for the health and safety of attending veterans; however, the NPS at Pearl Harbor National Memorial will be live streaming the ceremony from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lawn.
While there are no tickets remaining for that morning’s events, the Visitor Center and parking lots will reopen that day at 11:00 am with programming returning at 12 noon with reservations. And, virtual commemoration programs will be found here from November 29 to December 8 and will explore a broader story of WWII.
There will also be commemorative Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Public Interpretive Programs. Those will occur from December 3 to 8. More information on these events is found here. There will be no standby/space available seating from December 3 to 7.
COVID-19 Protocols in effect.
Masks are required at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Those with Recreation.gov lottery reservations for the main ceremony on December 7 will be required to show proof of vaccination status or a negative COVD-19 test.
Pearl Harbor is open for visitors.
The USS Arizona Memorial has reopened. 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.
“The National Park Service is proud to reopen access to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial and offer the opportunity for the public to experience the sites and learn about the important stories associated with the attack on Pearl Harbor. We encourage the public to visit the memorial to pay their respects to the thousands of Americans and their families who served, suffered, and sacrificed during that fateful period in world history.”
The memorial is currently in a phased reopening. Visitors should reserve tickets online in advance and check within 30 minutes of their tour (not earlier). Reservations are currently being accepted starting at 3 pm the prior day. Limited same-day tickets will also be offered.
The US Navy requires the use of face coverings for all visitors while transiting to and from the USS Arizona Memorial. Safe distancing will also be in place, and no more than fifty passengers are being permitted per boat. For current updates, check the NPS website.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum remain closed at this time. The entire memorial has been largely closed since March 2020. 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.
Construction reopening was short-lived from August 2019.
At long last, the final construction was completed just over two years ago. 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.
Pearl Harbor: Hawaii’s most popular attraction.
The USS Arizona Memorial draws more than 1.8 million visitors annually. It was built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, where 1,177 crewmen were killed on December 7, 1941.
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 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 11/12/21.
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Revell N says
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.
Teri G says
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.
Jack M says
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.
Siobhan O says
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).
Gregory W says
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.
Sandra Z says
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.
Guy C says
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.
Andrea says
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
Karen M. says
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.
Suzanna G says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Suzanna.
Thanks. Pearl Harbor is a very special and moving place, even after all these years.
Aloha.
Andrea says
Dear Suzanna, very well said. So true!
Teri G says
This Navy Brat & Army Wife agrees wholeheartedly with you.
Bob B. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Bob.
Thanks for that interesting info about the USS Arizona.
Aloha.
Carol C. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Carol.
You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch it. Just go to that link when it’s playing.
Aloha.
AnaMaria O. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Lisa B. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Andrea says
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😊🌈🛩🌍🐠🌺🍍🥥🌊🏖🏝
Tonya L says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
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.