The Arizona Memorial has special significance to military families. The memorial not only honors the loses during WWII but also reminds us to honor our fallen service members and their families in all conflicts and wars.

The monuments within the grounds and displays serve as a reminder that not only service members were lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor; but also innocent men, women and children from the local communities on Oahu.

Oil from the Arizona still bubbles today, and it is said when these tears end the last sailor from the Arizona will be gone.

No matter how many times I visit, the Arizona brings out a sense of pride and patriotism in our country and our armed forces.

Please note that bags and purses are not allowed and young children in strollers are unable to take the boat ride to the memorial. Entrance is free but arrive early as limited passes are available each day.

The Arizona Memorial is a great hands on experience for children. We took our 16-year-old daughter, much to her dismay. Despite the fact that she went in viewing it as a school lesson, she came a way with a different outlook after meeting two Pearl Harbor survivors. A MUST-SEE if you go to Oahu.

We visited this historical sight the last day of our trip. This was a very fitting way to end our trip because we were already sad we were leaving and this place reminded me of how important Hawaiian history is. Finding this place was not difficult, just follow the signs, and when you park your car lock up your belongings. We entered the main building, grabbed a ticket stub which told us when we would be riding the boat (at least a 1 hour wait, arrive early!) And looked around at all the mini replicas of ships and some documents, but nothing really prepares you for the little movie that you watch before riding on the pontoon to the USS Arizona. It was so moving, that i cried. The movie basically summarized how unprepared we were for an attack and how devastating a blow it was.We took the quiet 5 minute ride to the monument, from the boat we could see markers in the water where the other ships were docked. We were then escorted, one by one, off the pontoon by soldiers onto the pristine white monument. It was really tragic watching the oil floating on the the waveless water. We experience a moment of quiet remembrance. We were then brought back on the boat, and we went on our way. This experience is free. Besides being hot and waiting for a very long time this experience was well worth the trip.

The USS Bowfin is a submarine located adjacent to Arizona Memorial. If you are limited on time and must choose between the submarine and the battleship, I would choose the battleship. The hours are from 8am to 5pm. No kids under 4 are allowed on submarine. The entrance fee for adults is $8 and $3 for children, discounts for certain groups; museum, mini-theater, submarine, missiles located outside.

Tickets 877/MIGHTY-MO or buy tickets at the Bowfin Memorial beside Arizonia Memorial (A$14/C$7); you can buy guided tour at slight additional cost, but it included a simulated flight off the ships deck which my son found amazing. (A$20/C$13). Military personnel get a discount. Hours are 9am to 5pm. A shuttle takes you from Bowfin to Ford Island and back. It was very interesting and educational (for the kids). A must see if you are visiting Pearl Harbor. The battleship sets along battleship row where the battleships were targeted during the attach on Pearl Harbor. You can see it from the Arizonia Memorial. The size of the battleship and the guns on deck are unbelievable. You get to see first hand how the personnel on board lived. My son didn't want to leave. The guided tour takes you all over the ship and was about an hour, but you can spend as long as you like looking around. There is also a gift shop for those who cannot leave without a souvenir.