Pearl Harbor - (808)422-0561 or http://pearlharborsurvivorsonline.org/
This is a remarkable memorial. It is the final resting place for over 1000 Americans who lost their lives when the US was attacked by Japan in 1941. Located on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base and maintained by the National Park Service, entrance into the facility is free. The museum/memorial maintains its structures by donations only. After entering, you are handed a number and are encouraged to walk around, take pictures and enjoy the calm setting that the museum has created for guests. When your (group) number is called the line moves into a movie theater where a short film (23 minutes) is shown. The film is narrated by Stockard Channing and it shows actual footage of “the day that will live in infamy.” The film is interesting and eerie at the same time. It’s not the Hollywood version that came out in theaters a few years back. It’s very real and very in your face. The film is followed by a 5-minute boat ride to the site of the Arizona and memorial. Assuming you watch the movie, take the boat, look around and head back – the entire tour can be done in a couple of hours.
The memorial is even more beautiful in person than in any picture you have ever seen. Pristine white and kept spotless on the inside and out. The memorial was built, dedicated and finally open to the public in 1962. The architect was Alfred Preis. The white structure is long with three separate sections; entry, main assembly area, shrine. The entry area is basically the dock and a set of stairs into the memorial. Wheelchair access is available and pictures are encouraged on your way back to land, not on your way into the memorial. The assembly area is the long part of the building with windows. Thru those windows you can see parts of the USS Arizona that still creep above the water. After 50 years, oil still seeps from the ship below. When the sun hits it just right, you can actually see the boat below the water as well. There are diagrams in the center of the room that describe the position of the ship. At the very end of the memorial is the shrine room. Listed against the far wall are the names of the crew of Arizona. Those names are etched in the marble wall.
Maps are available in eight languages and a donation is requested when taking one. The grounds are kept immaculate and there are signs and charts all of the property that explain the surrounding area. You will find people try to keep there voice low and there are no children running around screaming. It is a very peaceful and well respected site, both on land and at the memorial. There is plenty of free parking. NO backpacks, large camera cases, or pocketbooks allowed. That means leave it in your car or get stuck paying to rent a locker. Honestly, short of a camera and maybe a credit card for the bookstore, there really is no need to bring anything else. The bookstore is very large and has everything from postcards to picture books. I found it interesting and very appropriate that before you are taken to the Arizona you are reminded that this is a MEMORIAL not a tourist attraction. "Please act accordingly or you will be removed." Thankfully everyone seemed to agree. Be prepared to wait, especially on the weekends. Located off Kamehameha Highway or by Bus #20. Open 7:30am to 5pm. Recommended.