At one of Hawaii’s most historic sites, Pearl Harbor, the news is not what everyone was hoping to hear. The USS Arizona Memorial, closed since the summer of 2018 due to structural issues, will remain closed through the summer and likely into the fall, meaning that visitors who will be traveling to the islands soon will not be able to board the memorial and pay respects to the fallen heroes who were lost during the attacks of December 7, 1941. Despite the closure, viewing the memorial is still possible during a ferry ride around the iconic structure.
However, there is still so much to see and do at Pearl Harbor, and visiting the various museums and exhibits found throughout the grounds is an important event during your vacation, great for all ages to learn the history of the harbor. The Visitor Center offers stunning views of the harbor, with the USS Arizona Memorial in near site, backed by the imposing USS Missouri, the famed battleship that is now permanently docked at Pearl Harbor.
Many visitors who are visiting Hawaii for the first time make Pearl Harbor one of the very first things that they do. Not only is this site so important to the history of Hawaii, it's just a day well spent. Since the first few days in the islands are met with an early wake up time due to the time difference, many choose to head to the harbor first thing in the morning, ensuring that you beat the crowds and the heat. Pearl Harbor opens at 7am, and the museums and memorials that you are able to visit fill the morning, sharing their stories through guided tours, exhibits, and amazing facts that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
The museums around Pearl Harbor all operate separately but you can take advantage of tours and activities at Pearl Harbor that visits all of these amazing sites, include admissions, and stick to an agenda that ensures you see it all in a timely manner, while giving you all the time you need to appreciate the history and witness all of the important vessels that were vital to World War II. So even though the continued closure of the memorial is bad news, a day at Pearl Harbor will not be totally lost.
While we’re all hoping for the reopening of the USS Arizona Memorial, safety is always the #1 concern, and though boarding the memorial remains on track for the big celebration that takes place on December 7th each year, it is still highly recommended to make a trip to Pearl Harbor and pay respects to the brave heroes of World War II and the museums found throughout Pearl Harbor.
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. 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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