By Sarah Burchard
5 Jan, 2022
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Photo courtesy of Pacific Historic Parks.
This article was originally published on January 5, 2022, and was updated Jan. 15, 2026.
“The USS Arizona Memorial is the number one visited destination in Hawaiʻi,” according to Pacific Historic Parks.
Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most impactful experiences on Oʻahu. The Dec. 7, 1941, bombing was the single most significant event that led the United States into World War II and altered the course of history. Standing at the site of the attack is a powerful reminder of the lives lost.
The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place for hundreds of U.S. service members and a place of remembrance and reflection. But visiting this historic site requires advance planning. Tickets are free but limited, security rules are strict and timing determines whether you are admitted.
Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are managed by the National Park Service and distributed through Recreation.gov.
Here is how to plan your visit so you don't miss out.
USS Arizona Memorial tickets are free, but availability is limited each day.
All visitors, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Ways to access tickets
Reserve online in advance (strongly recommended)
Attempt same-day standby tickets, which are not guaranteed
Each day at 3 p.m., a limited number of next-day USS Arizona Memorial tickets are released on Recreation.gov. These tickets sell out quickly. Set a reminder and log on exactly at 3 p.m. to improve your chances.
If tickets sell out, you must wait until the next day at 3 p.m. and try again.
Steps to reserve tickets
Visit Recreation.gov at 3 p.m.
Select your preferred date and time.
Pay the nonrefundable $1 convenience fee per ticket.
Reserve up to 10 tickets per day, including infants and children.
A QR code will be emailed to you. Print it or keep a digital copy for check-in.
Tickets are nontransferable.
Important note: Pearl Harbor tour packages, including the Passport to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, do not include USS Arizona Memorial tickets. These must be reserved separately.
Visitors without reservations or those who miss their scheduled time may attempt to access the memorial using the standby callback system. Wait times vary and may take several hours.
How to sign up
Locate standby signup tablets near the audio tour booth.
Enter your name, phone number and party size.
You will receive a text with an SB number showing your place in line.
When your number is called, you will receive a second text and may line up at the Memorial Theater.
If you do not receive the first text, wait 15 to 30 minutes before checking your status at the theater.
See all
Early morning is best. Parking fills quickly. Arrive by 7 a.m. to secure parking and avoid peak crowds.
National Anthem ceremony: 8 a.m.
Tour bus congestion: 8 to 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon standby wait times increase significantly
Most exhibits are outdoors. Mornings are cooler, while afternoons can be hot and sunny. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen.
Midday visits often fail due to crowd volume and long lines.
The USS Arizona Memorial program lasts about 75 minutes. Visitors exploring the entire Pearl Harbor Visitor Center may spend several hours or a full day.
Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled ticket time. Be in front of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater 15 minutes before boarding.
Parking costs $7 per day and is paid via smartphone or onsite kiosk. This fee cannot be paid in advance. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Bag storage is available near the entrance for a fee.
Important: Late arrivals may forfeit their tickets.
Security screening and orientation: about 35 minutes
Boat ride to memorial: 10 minutes each way
Time at the memorial: 15 to 20 minutes
Important: Restrooms are not available on the boat or at the memorial.
USS Arizona Memorial. Photo by Christian Mueller (Shutterstock).
Bags are prohibited, including purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags and luggage.
Clear bags for medical devices or medication may be allowed at the discretion of the National Park Service.
Clear jelly bags are available for purchase at the Pacific Historic Parks Museum Store.
Allowed items include cameras, cellphones and wallets.
Bag storage is available near the entrance and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Military dress regulations are enforced by Navy personnel.
Uniformed service members must wear Class B or higher
Battle dress uniforms are not allowed
Civilian attire is permitted
Arriving late
Carrying a bag
Inappropriate attire
Missing QR code or ticket
There are no guided tours, but visitors may purchase a self-guided multimedia narrated tour featuring narration by Jamie Lee Curtis, World War II survivors and National Park Service historians.
The tour includes a map, smartphone audio narration, museum guidance and complimentary earbuds.
All exhibits are free and include:
Road to War Gallery
Attack Gallery
Artifact displays
Interactive kiosks
Memorial Theater documentary
Virtual reality experience
Outdoor historical walkway
Nearby attractions such as the Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Oklahoma Memorial and Aviation Museum require separate admission and shuttle service.
Additional amenities include a bookstore, gift shop and snack shop.
Arriving without reservations
Booking tours that do not include the USS Arizona
Arriving late for boarding
Bringing bags
Underestimating total visit time
Are tickets really free? Yes. A $1 processing fee applies to each ticket.
What if I do not get reservations? You may attempt standby access, but entry is not guaranteed.
Is the memorial appropriate for kids? Yes, but children should understand this is a place of remembrance and behave respectfully.
What happens if I miss my reservation? You may attempt standby access, but availability is not guaranteed.
Can I cancel my reservation? Reservations cannot be modified or refunded. Contact Recreation.gov for assistance.
Is the memorial wheelchair accessible? Yes. The memorial and visitor center are fully accessible.
Where is the USS Arizona located? The ship rests at the bottom of Pearl Harbor beneath the memorial at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818.
How early should I arrive? You should arrive at least one hour prior to your reservation to ensure you have enough time for parking and checking in.
Can I bring a bag? No, bags are prohibited, including purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags and luggage. Clear bags for medical devices or medication may be allowed at the discretion of the National Park Service and are available for purchase at the Pacific Historic Parks Museum Store. Bag storage is available near the entrance and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Is Pearl Harbor open every day? Yes, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
The best way to ensure you have a successful visit to the USS Arizona Memorial is to book your ticket in advance, arrive at least one hour before your scheduled reservation (7 a.m. is ideal) and pack light. Remember, the guided tour packages for Pearl Harbor available on the Pearl Harbor website do not include the USS Arizona. Tickets must be reserved separately.
Additional helpful information:
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