News from Pearl Harbor today. The USS Arizona Memorial remains in a frustrating, year long closure for dock repairs that started in May 2018, and is now slated to go through summer and perhaps beyond. Read on for when you can expect it to reopen, and how to still have a great and memorable visit during repairs.
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.
New contract for critical repairs now confirmed
After 11 months of waiting, the $2.1 million contract for the needed repairs has finally just been awarded. We are cautiously hopeful about the reopening date. Unfortunately, as we said before, from everything we hear, NPS is inept and worse.
The delay in reopening has been very disappointing. First, the National Park Service (“NPS”) said repairs would be completed for the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7, 2018. Then, NPS announced that repairs on the USS Arizona Memorial would be completed by March 2019, with visits to restart in spring 2019. Today, we’re advised the memorial will remain closed through the summer, with opening set to come in time for the December 7, 2019 commemoration.
Earlier this month, Hawaii’s senators and US representatives also expressed their extreme frustration, when they wrote to NPS requesting they be provided with monthly written updates until the floating dock at the USS Arizona Memorial is repaired and reopened to the public.
Making reservations – use official websites
If you plan to visit the memorial, be sure to visit the official visitor website. Tickets are sold directly by NPS at their official ticketing website. There is another website which looks official, is selling tours, but is not the actual government website.
The remainder of Pearl Harbor is open, accessible and worthwhile
While the memorial itself will remain closed likely until just before December 7, 2019, 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.
Also open are the two free museums, exhibits, bookstore, and the virtual reality center. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor are open too.
Pearl Harbor is open daily from 7am to 5pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking is free to all visitors.
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.
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, 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 3/29/19.
William says
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?
RICHARD H says
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.
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
Bock says
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.
Anna-Marie c says
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.
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***
Liz says
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.
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.