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.
Disclosure: We receive a small commission on purchases from some of the links on Beat of Hawaii. These links cost you nothing and provide income necessary to offer our website to you. Mahalo! Privacy Policy and Disclosures.
Anne K. says
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.
Andrea says
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.🌎🛩🌈🌊🥥🍍🌺🐠🏝🏖
Eddie L. says
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.
Colleen says
Totally agree with Eddie!
PAM M says
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!!
Andrea says
Dear Eddie, well said! Very 🇺🇸🌎😍🌺🐠🌈🛩🌍🌊🏖🏝
BILL B. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Matt B says
Wanted to visit on the 4th of July 2019..guess it won’t be open. Anything else at Pearl going on? thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Matt.
Arizona memorial visits will be happen until late fall. The rest of PHis open and still worth visiting!
Aloha.
Heather E. says
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! 😞
Andrea says
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)🌍🏝🏖😍🌺🐠🌈🛩
Judy B says
We will be visiting Pearl Harbor the first week Of November 2019. Do you think the USS Arizona will be opened by then?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Judy.
What we are hearing is that it will open by December. That’s all that we know at this time.
Aloha.
Dave says
Just announced on Pearl Harbor National Monument Facebook page: USS Arizona Memorial to reopen on Sunday, September 1, 2019.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Dave.
Thanks for that. We gave you a hat tip in the post.
Aloha.
Andrea says
Dear Judy, how was your trip to Hawaii? Tell me about your experience @ Pearl Harbor😊
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.
Andrea says
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. 😍🌍🏝🏖🌺🐠🍍🥥🛩🌈🐢
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.
Andrea says
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). 🌍🛩🏝🏖😍🐢🥥🍍🌈🌺🐠🌊
Andrea says
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😇😍🐢🌈🛩🥥🍍🌏🛩🏖🏝
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
Susan G. says
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,
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Susan.
Happy this is going to work out for you!
Aloha.
Andrea says
Dear Elliott, wow I never knew this about Elvis!!! Very way cool & I’m an Elvis fan😍 very neat to learn this interesting fact!
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.