The USS Arizona Memorial closed indefinitely on May 27, 2018. And if you’re heading to Hawaii, here’s what you need to know about the closure.
The Arizona Memorial is probably one of the top stops for visitors on Oahu, and for good reason. Built in 1962, the memorial honors the 1,177 sailors that lost their lives aboard the USS Arizona during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And given its importance, the memorial is quite popular.
Initially, the cracks seemed minor. However, after analysis by structural engineers, the problems appear to be much worst than originally thought. And, as a result, the National Park Service made the decision to close the memorial out of an abundance of caution. It’s important to note, though, that despite the closure of the memorial, reservations to visit it are still valid.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sights are Open for Business
While you can still visit the memorial, you can’t disembark at it. Instead, visitors will get a close-up look of the memorial and the rest of Battleship Row. However, should you decide not to visit, you will not receive a refund. And that’s because tickets are free, aside from the $1.50 booking fee. But the Arizona Memorial isn’t the only site to see at Pearl Harbor, there are four other museums and memorials in the area too.
More to See
Immediately next to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where’d you head to the memorial from, is the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. The Bowfin, if you didn’t know, is a Balao-class diesel-electric submarine that was commissioned in 1943. She saw much activity during World War II, served in Korea, and served as a Naval Reserve training submarine. She was decommissioned for the final time in 1971, after which she headed to Pearl Harbor to become a museum in 1981.
Aside from the USS Bowfin, three other sites exist on Pearl Harbor’s Ford Island. Access to the island is restricted, however, visitors may catch a shuttle bus between the Visitor Center and these sites. On the island, you’ll find the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
The Pacific Aviation Museum is an AvGeek’s dream come true, housing many historic aircraft. Here, visitors will find a large collection of aircraft with a focus on aircraft from World War II and the Cold War. On the other hand, the Battleship Missouri is the last battleship built for the U.S., serving in World War II, Korea, and Desert Storm. Many will also remember her as being the site of the surrender of Japan.
Arizona Memorial Closed Indefinitely, Final Thoughts
It’s unfortunate the Arizona Memorial will remain inaccessible for an undetermined amount of time. However, ensuring the safety of visitors and the memorial itself is paramount. And, though you can’t set foot on the museum, you can still get an up-close look. Further, there are so many other things to do and see at Pearl Harbor too. Personally, I’ve been to the Mighty Mo and USS Bowfin in the past. I have yet to visit the Oklahoma Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum but would like to one day.
And it’s not like Pearl Harbor is the only place to visit on Oahu. In fact, most visitors realize there’s a museum right in Waikiki. Located next to the Hale Koa Hotel, is Fort DeRussy, which is home to the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Battery Randolph. And out near the Hawaiian Railway Society and Disney Aulani, you’ll find Naval Air Museum Barbers Point. Plus there’s a myriad of other museums celebrating Hawaii’s royal past, plantation life, and more. Not to mention all the beaches and outdoor activities there are to enjoy around the island.