One of the biggest draws when visiting Oahu is the chance to visit Pearl Harbor, the site of the tragic attacks of December 7, 1941 and the United States introduction into World War II. The attacks forever changed the quiet island of Oahu, and set off a chain of events that lasted for many years. Some may say that the island never quite recovered, and the scars of the attacks are still apparent today.
One of the most important sites in all of Hawaii is right here at Pearl Harbor, and stands as a reminder and memorial of those attacks – the USS Arizona Memorial. The iconic white structure is visible from many places around Pearl Harbor, from the houses that are found in the area to the street while driving by, and even from nearby Aloha Stadium. The importance of the memorial cannot be understated, and once you’ve spent time here, you’ll quickly see why.
The USS Arizona has come to be known as the most famous battleship in the history of the United States Navy, and though it doesn't have the battle history as vessels that followed, it’s become a treasured symbol and it’s legend has become an important part of history. The memorial that stands to honor the battleship and the 1,177 sailors who perished in the attacks was built directly above the wreckage of the ship without touching it, keeping the integrity of what is left and ensuring that many generations are able to visit the memorial.
Inside the memorial, emotions run high, and rarely is anything said during the time on board. The chance to remember and reflect on what happened during the surprise attacks is overwhelming, and reading the names of the brave who remain entombed within the ship brings everything into perspective. The USS Arizona Memorial is truly and incredible place to visit, and is very important to Hawaii’s history.
A visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial is an important part of any trip to Oahu, and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is filled with relics, monuments, memorials, and exhibits that honor the heroes of the past. Within the grounds of Pearl Harbor are additional museums to visit though nothing compares to the USS Arizona Memorial. The importance of the memorial and the piece of history that the battleship occupies has lived on for more than 70 years, and paying respects to the fallen heroes of World War II will forever be an important part of Hawaii’s history.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Sea Life Park Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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