The USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri, two legendary vessels of American naval history, stand as powerful reminders of the nation’s resilience. While the former honors the 1,106 sailors and Marines lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the latter marks the site of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Visitors can explore these captivating sites, seeing the rich narratives that have shaped the course of the country. With their contrasting yet equally significant legacies, these memorials offer a chance to reflect on the sacrifices and triumphs that define the American spirit.
Key Points
- The USS Arizona Memorial honors the 1,106 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
- The memorial is built over the sunken battleship USS Arizona, providing a solemn tribute to the fallen and a space for reflection.
- The USS Missouri, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy, witnessed the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, ending World War II.
- Visitors can explore the legendary battleship’s history through an optional 35-minute guided tour and walk the deck where the surrender took place.
- The tour includes visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Missouri, providing a comprehensive experience of Pearl Harbor’s history.
Tour Overview
This private limousine-chauffeured and guided tour to Pearl Harbor and other historic sites spans approximately 6 hours.
Guests can explore the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, view the USS Arizona Memorial, and watch a documentary on the Pearl Harbor attack.
The tour also includes a Navy boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits atop the sunken battleship that holds 1,106 fallen heroes.
Visitors will also see the USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Mighty MO USS Missouri. An optional 35-minute guided tour of the USS Missouri is available.
Throughout the experience, guests can enjoy scenic views of Battleship Row, Hawaii’s first airfield, and other historic landmarks.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, where guests view two USS Arizona Memorial Museums and watch a documentary on the Pearl Harbor attack.
From there, they’ll take a Navy boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits above the sunken battleship that holds 1,106 fallen heroes.
The tour then visits other historic sites, including the USS Bowfin Submarine, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the mighty USS Missouri.
Guests can opt for a 35-minute guided tour of the USS Missouri.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy scenic views of Battleship Row, Hawaii’s first airfield, Hangar 79, and the Ford Island Control Tower.
Inclusions
The tour package includes private luxury limousine transportation, providing a comfortable and convenient way to explore the historic sites.
Admission tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial and access to the two Arizona Memorial Museums are provided, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the history of the Pearl Harbor attack.
A live tour guide accompanies the group, offering insightful commentary in English throughout the journey.
Non-alcoholic Hawaiian beverages, soft drinks, snacks, and bottled water are included, ensuring guests stay refreshed.
Shuttle service to Ford Island for the USS Missouri and other historic sites is also provided, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.
Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol as well.
Booking Information
Reservations for this tour can be made without any upfront payment, as clients pay later.
Visitors can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
On top of that, the tour operator secures commercial access to USS Arizona Memorial tickets 60 days and 3 days prior to the scheduled tour date. This ensures clients can enjoy their tour without the hassle of obtaining these in-demand tickets.
The tour’s flexible booking policy and pre-arranged access to the memorial make planning a seamless experience.
Clients can confidently reserve their spot, knowing they’ve the option to cancel if needed and that their admission to the Arizona Memorial is secured.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAccessibility and Restrictions
This tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to visitors with limited mobility. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe mobility impairments, those suffering from cold or seasickness, or those with low fitness levels.
The tour involves walking, boarding boats, and navigating uneven terrain at the various historical sites. Visitors should consider their physical capabilities before booking the tour.
The Pearl Harbor and USS Missouri sites have accessible facilities, but the experience may still be challenging for those with mobility issues. Guests with concerns are encouraged to discuss their needs with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour is a good fit for their abilities.
The USS Arizona Memorial
At the heart of this Pearl Harbor tour lies the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, a somber tribute to the 1,106 brave sailors and Marines who perished when the battleship was sunk during the 1941 Japanese attack.
Visitors can take a Navy boat to the memorial, which straddles the remains of the USS Arizona, now a watery grave.
The memorial features exhibits and a documentary that recount the tragic events of that fateful day.
Standing on the memorial, guests can reflect on the sacrifices made and honor the memories of those who lost their lives.
This moving experience is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of the American spirit.
The Mighty MO USS Missouri
After paying respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, the tour moves on to the Mighty MO USS Missouri, a legendary World War II battleship that witnessed the Japanese surrender in 1945, marking the end of the war.
Guests can take an optional 35-minute guided tour of the ‘Mighty Mo’ to explore its history and significance.
The tour highlights three key facts about the USS Missouri:
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It was the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy and one of the most powerful warships ever constructed.
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The ship’s deck is where the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed, officially ending World War II.
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The Missouri is now a museum ship, allowing visitors to walk its decks and imagine the historic events that unfolded on board.
Honoring the Fallen Heroes
The USS Arizona Memorial serves as a solemn tribute to the 1,106 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Visitors can take a Navy boat to the memorial, which is built over the sunken battleship. The memorial’s design features a reflecting pool and a wall with the names of the fallen etched into it, honoring their sacrifice.
Though the ship remains submerged, the memorial allows visitors to pay their respects and learn about this pivotal moment in history. The USS Arizona continues to hold a sacred place in the hearts of those who visit, serving as a powerful symbol of the tremendous cost of war.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour includes complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and bottled water, but you’re welcome to supplement with your own items.
Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?
Yes, an audio guide is available for the tour. Guests can use the provided audio devices to learn about the historical sites at their own pace during the guided experience.
How Much Time Will I Have to Explore Each Site?
The tour provides approximately 1 hour at each major site, allowing visitors ample time to explore the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the option for a guided tour of the USS Missouri.
Can I Wear Casual Clothing, or Is There a Dress Code?
The tour allows for casual clothing, as there is no strict dress code. Comfortable attire is recommended, as visitors will be doing a significant amount of walking and exploring the historic sites throughout the tour.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour encourages guests to capture the historic sites and scenery along the way. However, flash photography is not permitted inside the USS Arizona Memorial.
Recap
The USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri stand as poignant reminders of America’s past.
The Arizona honors those lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor, while the Missouri marks the end of World War II.
Together, these historic sites offer visitors a chance to reflect on the nation’s resilience and sacrifice, ensuring the sacrifices of past generations are never forgotten.
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