At Pearl Harbor, only the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center is open at this time, and for the foreseeable future. The USS Arizona Memorial remains in a frustrating, nearly year long closure for repairs. Read on for more on what’s open and what’s not, what the problem is, and how long this could go on for.
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.
The delay in reopening is beyond disappointing, since in November, the National Park Service (“NPS”) announced that repairs on the USS Arizona Memorial would be completed by March 2019, so visits would restart this spring. And that followed the previous NPS plan for repairs to be completed for the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7.
But now this new delay and here is why.
Critical repairs have not yet even begun
After 10 months of waiting, park superintendent, Jacqueline Ashwell, said that the contract for the needed repairs has not even been awarded. She went on to say, “Despite our best efforts and optimism, our previously estimated timeline for restoring access to the USS Arizona Memorial has been delayed and it will not reopen this March…. I am frustrated, as all of us are. I can promise you that every person working on this project is working as hard as they can, and are dedicated to reopening the memorial to the public as soon as we can.”
Balderdash. Unfortunately, from everything we read and hear, NPS is inept and worse. At this time, there is no projected date for reopening of the memorial and we suspect it will go on for many more months.
Congress to the rescue?
This week Hawaii’s senators and US representatives wrote this to the federal agency: “NPS is announcing that the reopening of the dock has yet again been pushed back to a later date to be determined…. This announcement is both frustrating and disappointing to the public…. We request that you provide us with monthly written updates until the floating dock at the USS Arizona Memorial is repaired and reopened to the public.”
Given the extraordinary importance of the monument both historically and in Hawaii tourism, together with the nature of NPS, we can’t help but wonder why our representatives didn’t get involved in this a whole lot sooner.
USS Arizona Closure
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial was closed indefinitely in May 2018, as a result of emergency repairs needed to its visitor dock and ramp.
While the memorial itself will remain closed indefinitely (ugg), visitors can still see the moving 25 minute documentary, which is followed by a harbor tour of Battleship Row nearby (but not docking at) the USS Arizona Memorial.
The Remainder of Pearl Harbor Remains Open and Accessible
That includes the two free museums, exhibits, bookstore, and virtual reality center. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor are also open.
Pearl Harbor: Hawaii’s Most Popular Attraction
The USS Arizona Memorial draws more than 1.8 million visitors annually. It was built over remains of sunken battleship USS Arizona, where 1,177 crewmen were killed on December 7, 1941.
The remainder of Pearl Harbor remains open daily from 7am to 5pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking is free to all visitors.
Go Oahu Card Includes Pearl Harbor Memorials and More
If you’re looking for things to do on Oahu, including Pearl Harbor, read how we used the Go Oahu card and saved $144 each. It includes the Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin, and Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor among its 31 attractions.
Pearl Harbor History: 77 Years Old
We were at Pearl Harbor on its 75th anniversary. In a word, we were very moved. Both of us 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. Eight US battleships in the harbor were damaged and 4 were sunk in addition to the loss of 188 aircraft. 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 injured.
The USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, now the iconic memorial pictured above, was only one of two ships which remained sunk, with the others all raised and six returned to war time 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 closed 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 shuttered 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 visit, we also liked the new visitor center and the fascinating Pacific Aviation Museum. 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.
Updated 3/13/19.
Photo credit NPS.
Jim says
Why didn’t the contract for the design/repair go out for bid? Let NAFAC do the project?
John A says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks John!
Aloha.
Janet says
Please tell me When is Southwest Airlines going to release more tickets?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Janet.
We will let you know as soon as they do. Perhaps tomorrow.
Aloha.
Lynne F says
Is the USS Arizona opened and fixed. Have plans to visit in may 2019
Laurie says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Laurie.
There is no further information at this time.
Aloha.
Dave says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Rich says
It’s still worth visiting even though the Arizona landing is not open. There’s an awful lot to see
Leilani M says
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 !
Courtney says
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***
James B says
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.
Ron says
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.
Linda says
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.
Alan H says
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.
Vickey says
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.
Elliott says
“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!!!
Guy F says
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
Lee D says
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.